Why Study Abroad?

In May 2007, I traveled to England, Scotland, and France with the Study Abroad Program at Florida Southern College.  That one month was filled with countless opportunities and amazing experiences that I would not trade for anything – stepping out of the London Underground to see Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament right in front of me; posing for a picture on a stone ledge in Edinburgh, Scotland, and being blown off by a strong gust of wind; gazing at the Eiffel Tower sparkling in the night sky – memories too numerous to describe! The academic atmosphere is definitely different from a typical classroom setting – in addition to the course material, professors try to emphasize new experiences and thinking outside the box for a more comprehensive, worldly type of knowledge.  This program is an excellent opportunity for any student interested in life and culture outside of their own back yards, and I am looking forward to other traveling adventures in the future!

-Christina Martin, Plowman Scholar, England May Option, Summer 2007

The Spain trip ... was definitely one of the best experiences of my life and it is something that I will never forget. It was a great opportunity to practice Spanish as we lived with families who communicated with us only in Spanish. Also, I got the opportunity to experience a whole new culture which was a learning experience in itself ... The trip was also a great experience because I gained friendships with many other students here at Florida Southern who were also on the trip. I would definitely recommend studying abroad to any student!

-Courtney Jackson, Plowman Scholar, Spain Option, Summer 2007

I spent my junior year of college in Barcelona, Spain, and have encouraged my own children to study abroad…I believe that the experience gained by going to another country is invaluable… Students come back with a new respect for the things we have here in the States and hopefully a broader vision of the world…

They become better world citizens … the more they travel and gain new perspectives about other countries the more broadminded and focused they will become.

-Xuchitl Coso, Director of Career Development

For me, going to Europe wasn't just about seeing the famous sights, going to all the museums, and visiting the Gothic cathedrals. Instead, Europe was more about being welcomed into a pub in Edinburgh after it was closed; listening to the stories of a cab driver who used to play his guitar while watching the sunrise over Stonehenge 30 years ago; getting completely lost on a rainy day in Dublin with just my sorority sister and figuring out the way to our hotel without having to call our parents (because really, would calling Mommy and Daddy work in Ireland?!). I learned that can I rely not only on myself but also on the kindness of strangers. Not only was I able to grow more independent but I learned it was OK to sometimes depend on others.

Some pieces of advice I have: learn how to perfect the Underground in London while it's in English before heading to the Metro in Paris. Understand that the Metro does have a closing time! Experience the ethnic food—black pudding may not be your cup of tea but it's all part of the culture!  Don't let anyone discourage you from traveling to the places you want to see—even if it's just with one other person. If you want to go there, do it while you have this one chance!    

-Courtney Athans, Plowman Scholar, England May Option, Summer 2007

Go to class; it makes life so much easier. Learn the language; it also makes life a whole lot easier. Take advantage of every opportunity because it really is the greatest experience you'll have in college, and you may never get to go back again.

-Shannon McDevitt, Plowman Scholar, Spain Option, Summer 2007

"It was an amazing opportunity that I wouldn't trade for anything in the world! I highly recommend every student to go on at least one May Option in their college career. It is worth every penny!"

-Kaci Kohlhepp, Plowman Scholar, Australia/New Zealand/Fiji Option, Summer 2007