Study abroad is a chance for students to broaden their cultural horizons.  As Professor Carlos Guitierrez says, “We live increasingly global lives, and our learning should reflect that.” Professor Guitierrez teaches Spanish at UC and has led trips abroad since the 1990s.

I joined a UC trip to Chile last year, and went to Spain over the recent spring break.  I was in Chile for almost three weeks got to live with a host family.  It was an experience I will never forget.  It taught me so much about culture, independence, and being open. 

Clifton Sneed, a senior in E-Media studied in Japan for four months. 

“I learned a lot about Japanese culture and daily life.  A lot of my assumptions were wrong and I learned things that I never even thought about,” said Clifton.

Professor Guitierrez explained that the change of culture can influence students to learn and take in more knowledge.  "Willingness to experience other cultures is in itself a desire to expand one's horizon."

The Japanese language has intrigued Clifton for a long time.  “Being in Japan was the best way to learn the language,” he said.

Study abroad also looks good on a resume.  “When you look at how companies do business, chances are you will work for someone that has manufacturing or commercial dealings and ventures abroad,”  said Professor Guitierrez.

UC offers hundreds of places to study abroad anywhere from South America to Asia. If they do not have information on a program in the country or area of study you're looking for, UC will help find one.  The time frame overseas study ranges from a week to a year.

Don't let worries about the cost hold you back. UC has many scholarship and grant opportunities.  Cost can range anywhere from one to ten thousand dollars depending on the time you spend abroad.

It is an opportunity students should take.  As Professor Guitierrez says, “Limit your world at your peril.”   

Clifton said, “Students should study abroad to set a different perspective on how people live their lives.  Especially living in America, it’s easy to think of your country as the world.”

Written by Kimberly Schupp, April 2009

To learn more, visit UC International.