Language proficiency not required: Students tour study abroad at expo
Sihang ZhangTo many students, international traveling is just a nice thought or something on the "to do list" that falls by the wayside.
That is something which Central Michigan University Study Abroad Adviser Amber Schneider and her student peer advisers were trying to change during the Study Abroad Expo at the Charles V. Park Library on Tuesday.
"You get a greater world experience. We do a hundred programs in 30 different countries," Schneider said. "I studied abroad several times -- it was wonderful. You get a total cultural immersion."
Many worry about the cost of traveling abroad, but according to Schneider, CMU offers many affordable options. One is a tuition exchange program that gives students the ability to study in select countries for the same cost of a credit hour at CMU.
"Scholarships are also available," she said. "With tuition exchange, it costs the same. We also provide the students with a budget sheet, so they know what to expect. Then they can meet with our advisers and go over it."
Waterford senior Sara Enloe was a student peer adviser who gave out advice and shared her own personal experiences from her time abroad.
"My first time, I went to Spain and the second time I went to Wollongong," said the Spanish major, who attended the University of Wollongong in Australia for her second trip.
"In Australia, we stayed in the dorms. We lived with Aussies and we went to barbecues with their families," she said.
Enloe said she also wanted to dispel the rumor that students have to major in a foreign language to study abroad.
"I think the biggest misconception is that it has to be with a foreign language. That's wrong," she said. "That's why I tell everybody to go."
Holly freshman Melissa Allen, was one of the many interested students who went to the expo and said she already knows that she wants to travel to England.
"I want to be cultured. I know that I won't have the opportunity after school," she said. "My parents really support me a lot, but I'll be shopping around for the cheapest."
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