By ADIA REYNOLDS
Tiger Media Network
Study abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for college students to expand their cultural horizons and technical knowledge in their fields through hands-on experience. Though the spring break study abroad programs are long concluded, there are plenty of adventures open for students interested in traveling this summer and fall.
This summer, students in both the Political Science as well as the English and Modern Languages departments have the opportunity to spend three weeks staying in Alnwick Castle in the UK. Students and faculty will live and study in the castle itself, venturing into the surrounding areas to visit locations relevant to their studies. Three classes will be taught at Alnwick: Outlaws through the Ages; The Liberal Tradition: Theories of Politics, Law, and Economics; and Topics in Writing: Exploring the World through Travel Writing.
Ainsley Green is an English and Secondary Education major at Fort Hays State University, and she will be participating in the Alnwick trip this summer. This is her first time studying abroad.
“[I am most excited about] staying in a castle, obviously,” she said. “I’m also ridiculously excited about the Poison Garden, and going overseas for the first time.”
In addition, Sam Schreyer is leading a business class that includes a week-long trip to Belgium and the Netherlands. The trip launches straight after the end of the spring semester May 18 – May 26.
For those with an interest in diversity and sustainability studies (and zip-lining), Chris Jochum, chair and professor of teacher education, is leading a study abroad program in Costa Rica from June 7 – 17. Here, students will live with host families and immerse themselves in the culture, history, and education system of Costa Rica.
There are also exchange student opportunities for those interested in a longer form engagement with cultures beyond the U.S. FHSU offers exchange programs in Calgary, Canada and Puerto Rico. These also qualify as internships for the students involved. Those interested can contact Stacey Lang—FHSU’s resident Study Abroad and Exchange coordinator—at s_lang@fhsu.edu.
One of the biggest tips from the Study Abroad staff is to start looking into the process earlier. The earlier the better, as this provides more opportunities for financial aid. This is also one of the greatest misconceptions of the study abroad programs—that you have to break the bank to participate.
Lang emphasizes that financial aid is available, and that students interested should have meetings with one of FHSU’s financial advisors to make sense of their FAFSA and student aid eligibility. She also discusses the broad spectrum of opportunities available. Tiger Travel offers a quiz that optimizes placement within a study abroad according to your interests.
“Anybody, any major, we can find a program for them,” she said.
Students interested in participating in future travel abroad opportunities are encouraged to attend informational meetings. More information can be found at https://www.fhsu.edu/studyabroad/
events-advising/ or at Tiger Travel’s webpage.