Not every University student chooses to go abroad, but most who do never regret it.
University students who traveled to countries like Mali, China, India, Italy, England and France gathered to share their stories at a welcome back reception yesterday afternoon. No matter where they went, many students said they enjoyed their experiences.
Third-year College student Edward Bishop studied in Beijing and Nanjing, China for six months during the fall semester.
"It helps to put your place as an American in the world in perspective and helps you appreciate what it means to be an American," Bishop said.
About 130 students returned from studying abroad this fall, Overseas Study Advisor Jessica Roberts said. Roberts said about 600 students study abroad every year.
Fourth-year College student Elizabeth Ebanks studied at the University of Reading in England.
"It was the best experience of my life thus far," Ebanks said. "It showed me a perspective of America and Europe that I could have never received simply living here."
Third-year College student Jennifer Israel agreed. She spent last semester at Jerusalem University College in Israel.
"You only have four years of college and [the study abroad program is] the best experience in my four years," Israel said. "You learn and experience so much that you could not get at college in America."
With the knowledge gained during a semester abroad, more University students choose to travel to foreign lands each year, Roberts said.
Although the majority of students who study abroad are in the College, the number of students from outside the College who participate in the program is growing.
"There are more Engineering students and Commerce students who want to go abroad," Roberts said.
"Most Engineering students study in an English-speaking country," she added, "because the courses are taught in English."
Some study abroad programs in non-English speaking countries conduct classes in English, while others are taught in a foreign language.
Third-year College student Walt Hakala spent last semester in Jodhpur, India.
"My classes were all in English, except for my research and language classes, which involved my speaking Hindi," Hakala said.
Even though some of Hakala's classes were in English, speaking the language of the region was important to him. He had previously studied Hindi for four semesters at the University.
The classes he took, HIND 101-202, taught him the basics of the language. These basic skills transferred to Marwari Hindi, the dialect used by his host families while in India.
"I did spend significant periods of time living with Indian families that only spoke Marwari Hindi," he said.
The language experience is often one of the most memorable experiences a student has abroad.
Third-year College student Rebecca Ciralsky studied in Florence, Italy during the fall semester.
"Sometimes the most interesting experiences came from speaking to different people while traveling," Ciralsky said. "For example, having a conversation with a random person on a train."
Lessons learned and taught while abroad often extend far beyond the bounds of the classroom. Students said lessons of diversity were among the most memorable.
"It's a good opportunity to learn and teach people about each other's cultures and ideas," fourth-year College student Alyson Meyers said. Meyers spent the semester in Ifrane, Morocco.
"One individual can alter the stereotypes perceived by a society," she said.
Depending on the program they choose, students stay in dorms or with host families. Both living arrangements have their advantages.
Bishop said he stayed in a dorm for foreign students, but had a Chinese roommate.
"Having a Chinese roommate probably helped most to improve my Chinese," he said. "If your primary goal is to become fluent in the language, a host family might be the best idea. However, living in a foreign students' dormitory provides a lot of opportunities to meet students from all over the globe."
Like many students who studied abroad, Israel said she believes time spent in a foreign country is an asset to the college experience.
"Just do it," she said. "Don't think about whether or not to do it. Just go"
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