Grace Vaccaro, Staff Writer
The Office of Global Education recently hosted its Study Abroad Fair, where different programs offered by Oneonta and other SUNY schools were presented. The great thing about SUNY is that you can study abroad with any other SUNY program. There are over 1,000 options for students.
Worried about time? You can study abroad for full semesters or during winter or summer break. Through Oneonta, there are eleven study abroad and exchange international partner universities.
Not ready to go alone? Look at the faculty-led trips. They are typically offered during breaks; these immersive experiences last from 1 to 4 weeks. One of the trips this May is a photography class going to the UK. If you are interested in the arts or seeing London, this faculty-led trip may be one to look into applying for. Another trip is going to China, focusing on China’s Fin-Tech Development and its impacts on finance, business, and society. The deadline for applying to these programs is in October and November, so be on the lookout to apply before time is up.
Concerned about the cost? Several study abroad scholarships are available to SUNY Oneonta students. You can also meet with your financial counselor to see if you will qualify for sufficient funding to support your overseas journey.
One student, Erica Siaulnski, is an example of a student who took advantage of the many study abroad opportunities. Erica is an early childhood education major with a concentration in social studies. Erica loved learning about Italian history and seeing new places. Her favorite moment of studying abroad was when she went out to dinner with the entire class and professors before leaving. Her advice for someone unsure about studying abroad is to do it. It is a unique experience that she would do anything to experience again.
Another student, Maiya Hoffman, went on a faculty-led study abroad trip to Greece and Türkiye. On that trip, she learned about the origins of Western philosophy by talking about ethics, government, and what it means to live a good life. As a Human Development and Family Studies Major, this course was very helpful in expanding her knowledge for her future career. Her favorite moment of studying abroad was going to the beach and a natural hot spring where the class got to see baby goats.
Going abroad can be a scary change, and that was something Maiya struggled with. While abroad, she learned to push herself out of her comfort zone and became close with the other students on the trip. If she never took the risk, she would have never known how great the experience was. If anyone is scared to study abroad, she would tell them to do it. You will regret not doing so while you are in school. She is very grateful that she made the decision to go, because it has opened her mind in brand new ways.
If you are considering studying abroad or have any questions, make an appointment with the Office of Global Education to discuss your options. You never know what opportunities you may find abroad!
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