Studying abroad is something that catches college student’s attention. This opportunity is a life-changing one. The studying abroad program helps students enhance their cultural understanding, language skills, understanding of different perspectives, more life skills/ experiences, and personal growth.
One of our alumni students, Shelbi Ankiewicz (Class of 2019) began studying abroad while at CCU and is still traveling the world for her graduate studies. She is presently in Georgia, a country at the intersection of Europe and Asia, completing your masters for multi-media journalism and media management.
Ankiewicz shared, “Studying abroad has given me a new perspective on numerous things: food, people, religion, architecture, and this only touches the surface. My eyes have been opened because I have become more globally involved with what’s happening in the world politically and more self-aware as an individual of what I want to explore and gain more of from different aspects of life. The year I spent studying abroad in Germany was the first time I lived on my own, made my own decisions, and navigated a new city – there were so many mistakes, but simultaneously so many lessons. It was, wholeheartedly, the best year of my life.”
While that is so much fun and such an incredible experience, a semester at sea is another option some students choose. Spending time on a ship overseas is something that most college students would love to do.
Colorado State University is the academic sponsor for the Semester at Sea Program. This is currently administered by the non-profit Institute for Ship Education. Beacon College offers a cruise industry class, and the University of Central Florida (UCF) offers a “Study Aboard: The Cruise Ship Industry” course.
The Semester at Sea website shares a student perspective from this program.
“The experience that I had on Semester at Sea was brought to life by the amazing crew, faculty, and students on board. All the people I’ve met and all the things I’ve seen and learned during my voyage has changed my life. I will be forever grateful for the semester I decided to study on a floating campus and have the world as my classroom,” shared, Shelby Faherty, an undergraduate student alumni.
Semester at Sea’s passenger ship brings together college students with learners at all stages of life to study with world-renowned professors in a shipboard classroom setting and in countries around the globe. With the ship as your home, you’ll find adventure, community, and life-changing experiences everywhere you go.
Studying abroad/at sea is something that you should do if the opportunity arises. Financials are always something that comes to mind when thinking about doing this. You can apply for scholarships and financial aid to help with the costs! The semester at sea allows you to have the “cruise” feel with similar opportunities that studying abroad in a different country has. When you spend a semester at sea, you can also travel to multiple countries on the ship.
Studying abroad isn’t just about education. It is a great way to embrace add a broader worldview and make international connections.
Picture Credit: Google
