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International experience opens doors |
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Tuesday, 06 February 2007 |
The world we live in today is a lot smaller then the world of yesterday. In the age of information, technology and transportation, the world and the people that live in it are being placed in ever-closer proximity.
Each year, Time Magazine chooses one person to be featured as the Person of the Year. This year, rather than a diplomat, press correspondent or humanitarian, they chose you. That’s right, you.
According
to their article, the Internet has provided a means for creating and
furthering a world community, one that exists free of international
borders, sectarian division or limits of expression.
Bloggers, Googlers, Youtubers, Facebookers and everyone that logs on to
use the tool of our digital explosion is a part of the global
interconnectedness revolution.
Of course, just as the Internet might link a student at Appalachian
State University to a student studying in China, there are countless
benefits to transcending the technological barrier and experiencing the
world first hand.
International experience among today’s college-going population is
something sought after, something that will serve to open the doors,
not only of cultural perception, but also of businesses, schools,
governmental offices and more.
At Appalachian, we have the ability to further our educational
experience by pursuing study abroad programs. We can learn about art in
Rome, business in Madrid or Chinese linguistics in Shanghai.
With so many opportunities available, we would almost be remiss to deny
even considering study abroad, let alone taking steps to attend one of
the many programs that Appalachian offers, such as a program offered by
one of its affiliates like the International Student Exchange Program
(ISEP) or the University of North Carolina Exchange Program (UNCEP).
Out of the numerous countries in which foreign study is available and
the hundreds of programs and courses of study available in these
countries, there is certainly something that will meet your interests
and very possibly contribute to your major.
I have long been interested in going overseas to study, both to
continue my major and to gain insight into what it is to live in a
country I will not at first call home.
In my journey toward study abroad, I have found several programs of
interest, all of which are in interesting locales and offer options for
advancement in my fields of study.
And, believe it or not, all of these programs are affordable, as most
cost as much as Appalachian’s tuition. Financial aid is even available
to attend these types of programs, and, often times, scholarship money
can also be used.
There are few reasons not to consider taking part in the legacy that
Appalachian leaves in universities and colleges across the world. If
you can take the time and make the commitment to studying abroad, then
there is no reason not to.
Having international experience is something that will give you a leg
up in today’s society. It will put the world in a broader focus, one
that spans pedagogy, cultural boundaries and the globe itself.
To get started, attend an information session put on by the
International Programs Office. The sessions happen often and will give
you the essential tools to find a program that fits your needs, your
passions and maybe your dreams.
The next meeting is Thursday in I.G. Greer Hall room 224.
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