Study Abroad program gives students international perspective

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Mark Nelson (Russia), Jeff Simpson (China), and Allie Shin (with camel) all studied abroad through OSU's Study Abroad program.

By Katie Butler

Nearly 500 Oklahoma State University students studied abroad during the 2008-2009 school year, taking a vital step in becoming a global citizen. 

"Study abroad can widen your perspectives, give you a better understanding of geography, and an appreciation for diversity,” said Gerry Auel, Study Abroad and National Student Exchange Coordinator.  “Students find that studying abroad helps them to become more independent, more self-reliant, more resourceful, and less fearful of differences.”  

With social networking sites, internet and the media, we are no longer isolated from the rest of the world, Auel said.

“Students can recognize that what happens to someone in another country affects us all,” Auel said. “We encounter people from different cultures and countries on the street, in our shops, and in the workplace and we need to be able to appreciate and respect other views and other cultures.”

Jeff Simpson, a graduate student in International Studies, traveled to China in May of 2009. He visited Shanghai, Chengdu and Beijing and said it has benefited his education both short-term and long-term.

“Not only was I able to experience some of China’s culture, including incredible food, I was also able to meet and spend time with Chinese students,” Simpson said. “It was a valuable experience that could not have been recreated in a separate setting.

“Not only was I experiencing China first hand, but I was experiencing other students discovering China for the first time,” Simpson said. “We formed friendships for a lifetime.”

Simpson encourages other students to embrace the diversity of a new culture to its fullest potential by studying abroad.

“Resist the temptation to hold back on the experience,” Simpson said. “Things will be unfamiliar, uncomfortable, stressful, and challenging but the only way you can learn how you will respond is to fully engage.”

Mark Nelson, an Aerospace and Mechincal Engineering and Russian Language junior, traveled to Russia over the summer.

After becoming interested in the Russian language in a high school class, Nelson decided to major in Russian and said traveling abroad gave him usable language skills.

“Of course you can take a foreign language class here at OSU,” Nelson said. “But traveling abroad made my degree real.”

Nelson advises students interested in traveling to go to the study abroad office.

“Open the door and walk in to the study abroad office,” Nelson said. “They will make sure that you have a valuable and positive experience that will fit in with your OSU education, so that you get the most out of your experience.”

Allie Shin, a Graduate Student in International Studies, studied in Morocco with the Geography department in the summer of 2009.

“You can learn so much more in two weeks in Morocco than you could ever learn in a classroom,” Shin said.  “There is nothing like hands-on experience to enhance an educational experience.”

After attending the study abroad fair, Shin said she knew she wanted to learn more and encourages students to look in to financial aid.

“Funding is available,” Shin said. “Don't assume you can't afford to study abroad because if you search hard enough, you probably can.”

For students interested in learning more about other cultures without leaving the country, the OSU campus provides a wonderful environment for gaining international experience.

With nearly 1,800 international students from 114 countries, U.S. students with just a little effort and curiosity can discover new cultures and new points of view right at home. 
•    Cowboy Cousins matches US students with international students. 
•    The new Study Abroad House, currently housed in Kerr-Drummond, is a learning community that is shared by US and international students. 
•    SUAB sponsors cultural dinners from diverse countries. 
•    The International Student Organization sponsors numerous activities during the year including the International Expo and Mr.& Ms. International in the fall, the International Bazaar and International Cultural Night in the spring. 
•    International area clubs sponsor individual country nights such as Diwali Night and the Malaysian Drum Group.
•    The School of International Studies offers Global Briefings that brings internationally recognized experts to speak on topics of current interest.
“We are surrounded with opportunities to interact with students from around the world and to develop meaningful friendships with persons from other countries,” Auel said.
For more information visit the study abroad office 060 Student Union or attend the Study Abroad fair on September 23 in the Student Union Atrium.