Students traveled all around the world on Tuesday without even stepping foot outside the Union Ballroom.
A study abroad fair was held this Tuesday, and representatives from the U’s multiple study abroad programs presented information to potential student travellers. The tables at the event were run not only by study abroad organizers but also by students who had previously gone on the trips and wanted to share their experiences.
Josh Shupe, a sophomore in linguistics, went on a trip to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Shupe said he most enjoyed the culture in Brazil.
“You get to see from an insider’s perspective how other people live and what’s important to them and how similar we really are, despite regional and cultural boundaries,” he said.
The Paris trip for finance students offers much more than travel experience, said U finance professor Alayna Williamson said students take a marketing class in France to learn about international finance. She thinks the trip offers priceless experiences to the students who choose to go on it.
“It’s great for business students to be immersed in the culture and actually be practicing the teachings that they learn over there,” Williamson said.
She also credits cultural experiences for her positive experience in the program.
“It was fabulous,” she said. “Just wonderful. You get to see all the architecture and see the places we work at. It’s a lovely learning space, and [students] get free time as well so they get to explore while they’re doing their classwork and getting credit.”
Nakana Fletcher, an international studies student, participated in the Spanish study abroad program in Spain. Fletcher said he found himself incredibly comfortable in the Spanish streets and his academics were manageable enough that he was able to enjoy the experience as well.
“The teachers understood that not only was I there to learn Spanish but also to gain a real experience of the country and get a real Spanish experience,” Fletcher said.
He said the classes are small, which enables the professors to work with students one-on-one.
Jane England, a professor in the Theatre department, said traveling on the fine arts, humanities and theatre trip to London saves students money on an unforgettable experience. Theater tickets are discounted, and England thinks it is a great deal for students who want to see some of the world’s top-notch acting.
“[Students] get to experience the best acting and, I think, the most incredible theater that they can see in the world,” England said. “London is much better than New York for seeing these kinds of things, especially for the theatre majors if they try to go back in London, to study in London, get work in London and to audition for shows”
The theater program focuses on contemporary theater and Shakespeare.
Collin Murphy, a senior in international studies, traveled to Rio de Janeiro. He said the trip expanded his world view.
“My experience inspired me to learn that language and to really want to immerse myself in the culture, and to just learn everything there is to know about it,” Murphy said. “I feel like having multiple perspectives on different countries around the world is something that needs to happen.”
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