Study Abroad: A New Experience

Spending a semester in another country gives students the distance to gain a new and different perspective about those things and more importantly, about themselves, said Alice Cronin, the Assistant Director of International Programs at Stonehill College.
“To be educated in the 21st century students need to learn about their community, their country, the world and themselves. This will occur, especially if they branch out of their “comfort zone,” she said. They will learn more about themselves while abroad than they might possibly learn in a classroom. The best way a student can to augment their academic education and to push themselves is to supplement their academic career with a semester abroad.”
Study abroad programs are designed to immerse students into cultures around the world. For students at Stonehill College, there are several steps to complete in order to have this opportunity:
The process begins with a general information session at the beginning of each semester. Then a meeting is arranged with the student’s faculty advisor in order to choose the right study abroad program and to incorporate the study abroad into a four year plan. Then an on-line approval application must be completed, followed by a meeting with the international programs staff. The procedure varies by school.
“I feel privileged to have this experience. I have been fortunate since I was a child to be culturally educated, and I cannot wait to continue learning in Australia this fall,” said Jenne LaManna, 19, a Stonehill College student from Westchester, N.Y.
About 191,000 American students studied abroad in foreign countries, according to Vistawide World Languages & Culture, the study abroad statistics for U.S students in the 2003-2004 school year. Ten years ago, approximately 76,000 took part in such programs abroad. That represents a 250 percent increase in study abroad participation over the last decade.
One of the most common reasons students study abroad is language immersion, according to an organization called Forum On Education Abroad. Students wish to learn a certain language, and they study a semester in that culture.
“Ever since I was a little girl, I was amazed at the accents of Scottish people. I hope to acquire some sort of accent during my study abroad in Scotland this fall,” said Lauren Smith, 20, a Stonehill College student from North Attleboro, Mass.
The University of Delaware in 1923 was the first college to send U.S. students to a foreign country. Previously, the idea of studying abroad applied only to foreign students coming into the United States. Today, the study abroad program has become a greatly anticipated experience for college students today.
Vanda Barros, 21, a Stonehill College student from Brockton, said that her study abroad in France last year was the greatest time of her life.
“Not only did it encourage me to continue my major in International Relations, but it allowed me to spend a semester in my favorite place in the world. I would fully encourage all students to take the opportunity if they can.”



Jillian Barricelli
jbarricelli@student.stonehill.edu