New experiences, food, customs and lifestyle are just some of the reasons students may choose to travel abroad.
“It exposes students to another culture, which helps them to better understand their own culture,” Murle Mordy, international student advisor, said. “It also helps students become better in a foreign language.
Sarah Blecha, senior communication major, had the opportunity to travel abroad last summer.
“Class trips help you learn about (the country) beforehand,” she said. “Right now is the most fun because it’s the perfect age. I’ve had the opportunity to take three trips through OU.”
Ottawa University just signed a contract with the organization Bridge-Connect-Act, an organization that gives students the opportunity to travel abroad for a semester. This program also is helping students transfer their credit back to the university once they are finished traveling.
“I’ve considered traveling to Ireland,” Autumn Romig, Garnett, said. “It would be a great experience for me to travel there in college, and even better if I could get credit for doing it.”
OU also has many scholarships students can apply for, although limitations may make it difficult for some students to qualify.
The Fujiwara Scholarship is specifically for a student to travel two weeks to Japan. While traveling, the student will stay at the home of the Fujiwaras.
“It was amazing staying with the Fujiwaras,” Blecha said. “They’re some of the most amazing people, it was like leaving my family. The scholarship really made a difference, I ended up traveling for a good price.”
Another option is the Campbell Scholarship, which funds vary depending on student interest. If chosen, a student can receive $500 towards their trip abroad. Two or Three students are chosen a year for this award.
“We’ve been writing to alumni for funds, but we’ve stopped recently due to the economy,” Mordy said. “We’re hoping to start (asking) again in two years.”
The last option is the Gilman International Scholarship, which helps students travel abroad that may not have the opportunity. To be eligible a student must be receiving a Pell Grant.
To be eligible for any of these scholarships students must submit an application and copy of their transcript. It must be approved before an interview process begins.
Although funds may be limited for students, Mordy remains optimistic about the future of the program.
“I wish I had the money to send everyone abroad,” he said. “I’d like to see something from the institution given to students; an amount available to anyone who chooses to travel abroad.”
Something the students who travel or want to in the future seem to have as well.
“I think it would be worth it to experience a completely different type of culture,” Romig said. “It could change my life.”
It’s something that even changed Mordy’s life.
“I went to France after I graduated college,” he said. “It’s made me a better International Student Advisor. I gained such perspective.”