Studying abroad...for you?

Picture you: studying...in Australia. Or Paris. Does Mexico sound good, too?

Study abroad is growing wildly popular among college students. Every year, thousands of students pack up their things and head to another country to take classes and learn about other cultures.

Elisabeth Pawula, third-year International Business student, studied abroad in Guadalajara, Mexico last fall. "It was fantastic, an eye opener to the different cultures of the world," she said. "And at the same time, it gives you a chance to take a look at your own life and see the United States from someone else's point of view."

Before her trip, Pawula had never been out of the country before. "When I talked with my parents about it, they told me that this is the only opportunity like this that I will ever encounter and to talk life by the horns," she said. "So I did." Pawula said her only regret now is that she would have taken the trip sooner, so that she could travel to more places.

Pawula said her favorite part about studying abroad was meeting so many different people from different cultures. "And the traveling," she said. "Seeing different and unique places that I never knew existed." Pawula said she would recommend study abroad to anyone. "Be prepared to stretch yourself and understand that while you are there you'll learn much more outside the classroom."

USC is equipped with a study abroad program, which will send students to almost any country of their choice, such as France, Korea, Spain or England. To go on a study abroad trip, students have to fill out paperwork and meet the grade requirements. Students interested in learning more about study abroad can visit the study abroad office or visit one of the many study abroad fairs.

Third-year Business student, Dan Smith, attended one of these fairs to learn more about his study abroad opportunity. Smith is currently studying at the University of Newcastle in Australia. "I am having a wonderful time and I feel accepted and in a wonderful community of people," he said.

Smith said that one of the most important parts about studying abroad is keeping an open mind to other cultures. "It's normal to be homesick and want to revert back to your normal ways, but once you're in another culture's location you have to learn to be accepting of a different way of life and be open minded of other's views and opinions."

Like Pawula, Smith's favorite aspect of study abroad is meeting people from other cultures. "Once you see how life is overseas you will be forever changed to view life and culture in a different and more accepting way," he said. "It's one thing to hear about another place, but it's truly another thing to see and experience another place for yourself. Once you get the 'travel bug,' you will be hooked."

Smith said he would recommend study abroad to anyone. "The world is not universal and the same. There are differences and it's up to you to discover what's out there."