This is a picture that I have had on my camera that has needed to be uploaded from my trip to Australia. It was taken in the Whitsundays (the Great Barrier Reef) from a sailing trip I was on. It is pictures like this one that make me believe that studying abroad is the best thing that a college student can do during their time in higher education.
The process of studying abroad is very easy, especially through Buffalo State. I feel that people often feel that it will be too expensive or too lengthy of a process to study abroad but it is quite the opposite. The International Office makes filling out the paper work a breeze and financial aid covers most if not all of the expenses besides airfare and spending money. If you headed to South Wing to visit there office, you could have the application filled out in mere minutes and then after the orientation with Dr. Grace you have every piece of information and checklists for exactly what has to be done and when.
However, there is no price that can be put on how much you learn while abroad. I had never traveled by myself or out of country until the day my family threw me on an airplane and sent me around the world. At first it was a scary thought to think about the 3 day flight by myself or the fact I would be away from my family for six months but as soon as I woke up and saw the pacific ocean and the dolphins jumping, Buffalo was the LAST thing I wanted to see again. People are so friendly too that it doesn’t take much more than an introduction to make a new friend. From the life long friends that I have made from this experience I could travel to almost every country in the world and have somewhere to stay and a personal tour guide!
So the way I see it is that if they are going to require a bunch of useless general education classes, why take them at Buff State? As for me, I now face a choice. I am set to graduate early in December and head right back to Australia for a year of travelling however, I am contemplating staying the extra semester and studying abroad another semester to see what other great places the world has to offer before I have to begin a career.
Meg, I think it's great you were able to do this. I must say, I'm envious! I wish I had taken advantage of this when I was younger and in college the first time around. I'm back-12 years later!- for a second degree, but now I'm married and have two children. So studying abroad just isn't an option for me. Travel all you can, while you can. You're so lucky to have seen Australia! Good luck with whatever you choose.
ReplyDeleteWow, this picture is beautiful! It actually really makes me miss Australia. However, I am really enjoying it here at Buffalo. You are so right about the exchange process. Both BSC and my college UniSA has made it very easy to participate in the study abroad program. It's also really interesting to hear about your experience because you've done what I'm doing in reverse. Doing this exchange has changed my life and it sounds like it has changed yours too. I would definitely recommend coming back to Australia, for one country it has a lot to offer. :)
ReplyDeleteMeg, That is an great picture. As soon as I saw it I wanted to be there!!I, too, like Shrell am a older adult college student. I never went to college right after high school and had my first child by the time I was 24. I do however stress to my two older children as well as my 3 younger ones, that going away to college and experiencing the college life and all that it has to offer, including the exchange student program is a beneficial choice.(wether they listen to me is another post!) Glad to see that your enjoying it.
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