Increases expected in number of US students abroad

Photo by: Alex Maxwell 

 

An international education institute is trying to increase the number of U.S. students studying abroad, with plans to double the number of study abroad programs by 2019.

The Institute of International Education plans to focus on recruiting more low-income students. Already, 160 colleges and universities have committed to participating in raising the number of students they send abroad.

Oklahoma Christian University Study Abroad Coordinator Mendy Kooi said the experience brings to life history and culture in ways that textbooks can’t duplicate.

“Study abroad allows you to add an additional layer to your university experience,” Kooi said. “You will see, hear, smell and touch the things you read about in your history and great works classes. Students learn about themselves and are able to discover and polish their skills and strengths while they study, travel and serve throughout the world.”

Junior Chase Brown first visited London when his high school band was given the opportunity to travel for the New Year’s Day parade.

“Going on this trip, I made myself a promise that I would travel back to London and hopefully be able to see more of Europe in the future,” Brown said. “When I came to OC and learned that there was a European study abroad program, I knew that I had to go.”

According to Brown, studying abroad tears down cultural and personal barriers.

“The biggest benefit is that you are able to experience so many different cultures and are able to really appreciate them,” Brown said. “This trip forms a bond not only with the people in your group, but also those who went abroad before you and those who go after you. You are able to share such great experiences and reflect on them after your trip with those people.”

Senior Hannah Bingham said she saw studying abroad as a life-changing experience. Bingham chose to study abroad because she wanted to see the world and get away from home.

“You can learn outside the classroom, broaden your worldview, practice different languages and meet new friends from all over the world,” Bingham said. “I chose Pac Rim because I was really interested in Asian culture.”

The Office of International Programs and Admissions counselors have begun promoting study abroad programs to high school students who are interested in attending Oklahoma Christian.

Kooi said that students have a few things to consider when choosing a study abroad program.

“One thing to think about is how a study abroad program can fit into your degree plan,” Kooi said. “Starting conversations early with your advisor will allow you to plan well and find the study abroad program that is the best fit for you. Also think about how an international learning experience will help you in a future career. Many employers are looking for employees that have a global experience as part of their university program.”

According to Brown,  colleges and universities should offer a wider variety of classes available to take while abroad.

“I also think that they should make it easier for those in majors like nursing and engineering to be able to go without being set back in their studies when they get back,” Brown said.

Bingham said additional scholarships and more available classes through study abroad would encourage more students to take the chance.

“I think OC’s new spring study abroad will really help out a lot of people who can’t do it in the fall, but still want to go for a full semester,” Bingham said.

While planning his study abroad trip, Brown had some challenges along the way.

“The main challenge I faced when deciding to go was the financial aspect of the trip,” Brown said. “Studying abroad is not cheap, especially going to a private school like OC. But fortunately my parents were very supportive and took out a loan to help me with the majority of the finances. I was also able to raise funds for my trip since I was participating in the mission aspect.”

Bingham also had a few challenges of her own.

“Although study abroad was awesome, it was difficult at times,” Bingham said. “I had to take out a small loan to help me pay for it, but I think it’s a lot less expensive now to go to Vienna than when I did Pac Rim. It was hard being away from all my loved ones for so long, and it was hard readjusting to home and OC when I got back. But it was an amazing trip, and definitely worth it.”

Oklahoma Christian will be starting a new partnership with Lipscomb University in the European Studies program that will allow for expanded course offerings and added experiences to enrich the current programs. In the past, they have partnered with Rochester College and Cascade College. Oklahoma Christian is also looking to continue programs in Japan and China to allow students to have choices of additional and unique learning opportunities.

Kooi sees a continued growth on the horizon for Oklahoma Christian study abroad programs.

“Over the last few years, OC’s study abroad programs have grown to levels that we were seeing prior to the recession in 2008,” Kooi said. “Opening up a spring European Studies program in 2015 will provide students options to study abroad at all times of the year. We also have our largest summer program this year in the 14-year history of the program.”