Experiences with studying abroad

Here are some interviews with students that participated in studz abroad programs:

Carly Muletz's about her experience in Coasta Rica
My name is Carly Muletz and I have a double major in Spanish and Biology and will graduate in Spring 2006. My main reason in choosing to study abroad was the opportunity to go on a vacation and accomplish school work at the same time. I am originally from Frostburg and sometimes I become restless with spending all my time in Frostburg. However I am committed to graduating from Frostburg and I found a wonderful way of living, working and going to school in Frostburg - knowing that there are study abroad programs for me. I am hoping to continue my spanish major abroad with upcoming plans for Ecuador over winter intercession and Spain for summer break.
I spent my Fall 2004 semester in Costa Rica. It was probably one of the best experiences of my life. I arrived there and was a little homesick for about two days and a little uneasy with all the spanish that I didn't really understand. Before the experience I had taken several spanish classes, but communicating is always different from reading, writing and listening. However it did not take long for me to become comfortable and fall in love with the country. My two families I stayed with were absolutely wonderful and all the friends that I made, both Costa Ricans and Americans, are cherished. I spent my weekdays at the university and my weekends traveling. The country was absolutely beautiful and I learned so much from the experience. I always find myself talking about the whole experience; I probably bring it up once a week in conversation with someone. It has had such a lastly impression.
When you travel to a new place knowing nobody you really get the opportunity to know yourself. I have always been a down-to-earth person so I really did not discover anything new, but I got the chance to see myself, as I am, without knowing anybody or anything about a new world. It definitely made me a stronger person. The most increible thing about the experience was the major improvement in my spanish ability. As I said earlier, I did not understand very much when I got there, but four months later, I could basically talk to anybody about anything. It was an amazing accomplishment that I worked hard for and got to enjoy a vacation at the same time. I said this a lot down there, that there was nothing like going to the beach, a volcano, a rainforest and doing "schoolwork" by talking with a native in spanish about their life. In addition I had the opportunity of taking an Ecology class in Costa Rica with all Costa Rican students. It was my only class like that, the other three were with Americans, but taught in Spanish by Costa Rican professors. In addition to studying spanish I am a biology major. The ecology class was very enjoyable and I got to learn a lot of spanish biological terminalogy. Basically it was my only real opportunity to have real Costa Rican friends that were my age. We had two overnight field trips in the national parks that were increible experiences of chasing white-faced monkeys through the jungle and other endeavors. I could go on and on about the whole thing and to tell you the truth talking a lot about it really makes me miss my "home" that I had there.

Megan Zimmerman interviewed by John W. Barker 05/11/06 Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, Ireland.
 
What was it like when you first arrived in Ireland?
When the departure date for Ireland arrived, I was surprised to find myself standing in the airport, ticket in hand. Studying abroad seemed so far out of reach, but within a few hours I was in Limerick, and I quickly realized that it was one of the best decisions I ever made.
 
What are some of the things that you learned outside of the classroom from Studying Abroad?
I truly enjoyed my semester spent in Ireland. The culture is so very welcoming, and there is much to learn from the unrushed way of life. Irish teachers and students, as well as other international students, opened my eyes to new perspectives and have me asking for more. I want to see and learn everything that I can.
 
Did you do any traveling while studying in Ireland? Did you go outside of the country?
I took advantage of almost every weekend and traveled. Ireland has so much to offer, from the lively cities of Cork, Galway, and Dublin, to the towns of Doolin and Kinsale that burst with Irish culture, and the breathtaking wonders of the Aran Islands, Dingle Peninsula, and Cliffs of Moher. I also had the opportunity to travel to England, France, Greece, and Italy. My favorite part? Learning about how other people live and simply soaking up the rich culture.
 
What is your major and how do you think this experience has helped you become more professional in that field?
This fall I will begin my senior year as an English major at Frostburg. I think more college students should study abroad. Learning about another culture from within will open your mind in many ways. It is a chance to experience the world through others' eyes and see the big picture. Studying abroad is an incredible experience that puts the world in a whole new perspective
 
What advice would you give to students who want to study abroad, but are not sure about traveling for a long period of time?
The world is a great book…those who never stir from home read only a page.
 
Jbarker02@frostburg.edu