Why some Texas State students aren't studying abroad

By Stephen Spencer

s_s511@txstate.edu


SAN MARCOS, Texas – Some Texas State students are unaware of study abroad programs offered at the university and some think the study abroad trips are just too expensive.

When Stephanie Dardon was asked about awareness regarding study abroad trip she said that the trips should be more talked about for unaware students.

"Speak out about what kind of programs there are because I don't think a lot of people know," Dardon said.

Stephanie Dardon
Photo: Anahi Hernandez-Rico

Another issue some students have with study abroad programs, beside the lack of knowing about them, is not having the time.

Garfield Harrison asked if he would study abroad. He said he wasn’t interested because the trip conflicts with his time and plans up until graduation.

"Time. I don't have the time." "I wish I had the time to do it because it sounds really cool, but I have like planned like literally up to graduation," Harrison said.

 

Garfield Harrison
Photo: Anahi Hernandez-Rico

The biggest concern among students was the cost of the study abroad trips. This is a major reason students are hesitant or don’t study abroad.

Jenna Huff was asked what the downside of studying abroad is. Huff said it was the hefty price tag attached to the trips.

"I would honestly just say the cost. Going on a study abroad program, while it can give you some credits, it's just way more expensive," Huff said.

Jenna Huff
Photo: Nicole Canveder

When Lauren Reese was asked if she would be interested in studying abroad, she said she was. However, it seems unlikely for her because of financial reasons.

 "I’ve always thought about it, but it’s pretty expensive," Reese said.

Lauren Reese
Photo: Cruz Rojas

Leoness Aguilar said there should be a financial aid at the disposal of students to help them study abroad.

"If they did some sort of FAFSA or some type of financial aid, that would be the only way I could think of...or scholarships even, for people who are eligible,” Aguilar said.

Leoness Aguilar
Photo: Anahi Hernandez-Rico

What Aguilar said goes back to an earlier issue. Students are unaware of study abroad programs because they aren’t talked about or promoted consistently. They are unaware of ways they can receive funding.

Associate Director of LBJ Student Center, Lanita Legan, said that there is indeed funding for students so they get the opportunity to study abroad.

"I think for a lot of students, it's the cost. But it's not overwhelming, there are ways to fund that. You can often find scholarship and sponsors and that kind of thing. It's just a matter of being willing to do the work," Legan said.

Lanita Legan
Photo: Anahi Hernandez-Rico

If you are interested in studying abroad but are wary of doing so for financial reasons, there are financial aids you can apply for and sponsors to help you study abroad and experience life in a different country. For financial aid information, please visit: http://www.finaid.txstate.edu/undergraduate/studyabroad.html regarding studying abroad. For more information about study abroad trips, please visit: http://www.studyabroad.txstate.edu/.