The Struggle of Studying Aboard Programs at Texas State University

By: Fouad Ali

faa21@txstate.edu

SAN MARCOS, Texas -- Texas State students say outside campus learning; such as study abroad, internships, and study in America programs are experiences that are necessary, but isn’t as accessible as it should be for students to participate.

Study abroad programs offer the ability to not only learn, but also travel to different spots around the world. Most students find this extremely appealing; however, two factors seem to play a huge role in why a majority of these same people miss the opportunity. A lack of funds and a lack of knowledge.  

In an interview done by Taylor Jacko; Kristen Scott, an 18-year-old freshman from New Braunfels, feels that the school has failed in keeping students informed about such programs.

Kristen Scott(photo by Taylor Jacko)

"They need to make it more known to the students so they can go on these trips," said Scott.

Scott isn’t the only one who feels this way. Henry “Tres” Allen III, a 20-year-old Business Finance major, told interviewer Justus Stafford that he wouldn’t even know

where to start.

Henery "Tres" Allen III
(photo by Justus Stafford)

"This is my sophomore year so I just haven't gotten around to it yet. I don't think there are many study abroad programs for finance students," said Allen.

This isn’t just the opinion of students either. Lanita Legan, student affairs professional and Associate Director of LBJ Student Center, feels that there should also be more effort to inform students when interviewed by Kyla-Krista Ong.  

Lanita Legan
(Photo by Kyla-Krista Ong)

Legan goes on to say, "[o]bviously, there should be more publicity about it. I think that staff, as well as faculty, knew about them then they could encourage students to participate.”

She even goes on to say it is something that students should do while in school.

Legan says, “I firmly believe that an international experience is important and I really think that the internship experience is important.”

Once a student finds a program, it seems it is clear that it is not hard to get into one. This is shown by Alyssa Cornista, a senior in Communication Design. Cornista took a study abroad trip to Japan and believes that it is fairly easy if you listen and follow the right steps.  

Alyssa Cornista
(photo by Fouad Ali)

When asked if she thinks her program was easy to get into, Cornista says, “I'd say yes it is easy to get in. Yes, because if you are interested in the program and you committee and fill out the check list of what the study abroad office ask of you then you are already in the program.”

Even with information about these programs, others still feel that money will be a big problem. Interviewer Sawyer Click asks Tony Place, a junior in Manufacturing Engineering, his opinion of the accessibility of outside university learning programs. Place explains that the programs are too much.

Tony Place
(photo by Sawyer Click)

“I might if I looked but one class is like $4,500 and I'm not sure if that even covers everything. It's definitely money for me,” said Place.

Ramiro De La Cruz, an 18-year-old freshman, feels that money wouldn’t be as much of a problem if government help was able to be used.

Ramiro De La Cruz
(Taylor Jacko)

When talking to Taylor Jacko; Cruz says, "I'm pretty sure it’s something the school can do is make it (study abroad) accessible through financial aid because I know it doesn't cover everything.”

To most students, programs that allow learning outside of the university aren’t as present as they would like or seem like something they can do.

For information about different study abroad programs, click on the link http://www.studyabroad.txstate.edu/

Texas State Students Share Concerns on Internships and Study Abroad

Ceven Johnson
Photo by Luis Seijo

By Kyla-Krista Ong
kso8@txstate.edu

SAN MARCOS, Texas — Texas State University students expressed their thoughts and opinions on internships, Study Abroad and Study in America programs. Many of them said that even though these programs are beneficial, they are not as accessible as they should be which hinders their involvement.

Accessibility to internships, Study Abroad and Study in America programs are a common problem among a population of students at the university. Even though there is a high interest in participation, the programs seem to put a financial burden on them.

“I think the experience would be cool but because of my financial situation, that doesn't really seem possible,” said Ceven Johnson, freshman Psychology major.

Jenna Huff
Photo by Nicole Cavender

Not only does price seem to be an obstacle for many students, others have said that their major does not provide many study abroad opportunities, leaving them with limited options.

“My major is pretty small. There is one study abroad program that you can do over the summer but it's pretty expensive and a place that I don't really want to go to,” said Jenna Huff, Communication Disorders sophomore.

Despite the challenges students face in being able to participate in these programs, there are many benefits that come with it. Lanita Legan, Associate Director of the LBJ Student Center, was a foreign exchange student between high school and college. Shared her thoughts on the matter.

Lanita Legan
Photo by Anahi Hernandez-Rico

“Often times [students] are in their comfort zone and so they have to learn to live outside of that comfort zone. It also gives them an incredible experience in a place where they may not ever get to go back or they may not have ever thought they could go in the first place and it changes their perspective,” Legan said.

Giulia Gasponi, Finance major, had a suggestion for better promotion for study abroad programs.

"I would say letting people know about them more in their classes. I've heard people come into class and talk about study abroad, but it is just so random. It is not consistent." said Gasponi.

Giulia Gasponi
Photo by Justus Stafford

Internships are also a way for students to expand their knowledge and receive hands on learning in their chosen career path. However, students have had frustrating experiences while doing so.

“A lot of students feel pressured into doing them. We are told to apply to an internship however many months or year in advance. When you get there, it is not necessarily what you expected,” said Ollen Howard, Exercise and Sports Science junior.

Graduate student, Skyler Love, said that while she was working toward her bachelor’s degree, she was required to take a class that served as an internship. However, she said that some internships just look good on paper and do not actually provide skills that students could benefit from.

Ollen Howard
Photo by Darreane Valles

"I didn't benefit from my internship. If they were willing to show me the ropes I would have benefited more from it," Love said.

Skyler Love
Photo by Taylor Jacko

Students may visit the Career Services website at http://www.careerservices.txstate.edu/ for assistance in searching and preparing for internships. Any information on Study Abroad, Study in America and funding for these programs can be found at http://www.studyabroad.txstate.edu/.

Texas State Bobcats Interview Fellow Students on Study Abroad

By: Connor Temple
c_t131@txstate.edu

SAN MARCOS, Texas – Studying abroad and internship opportunities have weak outreach in the Texas State University community, especially among freshman.

Photo by: Anahi Hernandez-Rico

Lanita Legan, Associate Director of LBJ Student Center

Lanita Legan is a strong supporter of internship and study abroad opportunities. She believes that there should be more outreach to students and the Texas State University community in general regarding these opportunities.

 "Obviously, there should be more publicity about it. I think that staff, as well as faculty, knew about them then they could encourage students to participate. I firmly believe that an international experience is important and I really think that the internship experience is important," she said. "And I spend a lot of time talking to students that if I knew about those details and specifics, that I could encourage them to participate. So I think especially making sure that the university community knows about them."

Legan is a Texas State University staff member and she believes these study abroad and internship programs give students useful experience.

Photo by: Anahi Hernandez-Rico

Leoness Aguilar , Majoring in business administration 

Studying abroad is more than just snagging some credits while partying in a foreign country. Many students encounter culture shock and have an eye-opening journey.  

"I feel like it gives them an experience outside of just what they're used to and their norms," Aguilar said. "It's like an eye-opener whether it has to do with business or whatever they're pursuing. It's a different culture and experience."

Aguilar believes experiencing new things and different cultures is a good investment in any students future.

(Photo by: Connor Temple)

Skyler Love , Graduate student

Though Skyler did land an internship they left her with nothing but office work. No one taught or guided her showing that some internships are not as beneficial as others.

"I didn't benefit from my internship, if they were willing to show me the ropes I would have benefited more from it," Skyler said.

Sadly after Skyler found the program the time and work she  put in did not amount to much . She ended up leaving the internship with nothing but a credit towards graduation.

(Photo by: Taylor Jacko)

Kristen Scott, Freshman at Texas State

Student outreach for these programs is lacking making many students miss out on a life changing opportunity.

"They need to make it more known to the students so they can go on these trips," Kristen Scott said.

(Photo by: Luis Seijo)

Ceven Johnson, psychology major

Studying abroad is a journey many want to experience but few can afford. This sense of exclusion is felt by more than just a few students and is a reoccurring theme during interviews.

 "I don't think so. Mainly because of money; I think the experience would be cool but because of my financial situation that doesn't really seem possible," Johnson said.

The study abroad program is intimidating to many new college students. Even though Johnson knows about the program she feels there isn't any possibility of it being for her.

taken by  MatthewMasepohl

Bre Gilpin, Education major

Being open to new experiences allows you to widen your perspectives not only on your career but on the world.

“Yeah for sure. Taking classes in a different setting than here you would get more of a wider perspective on your major," Bre Gilpin said.

For more information on study abroad opportunities at Texas State University visit their website at http://www.studyabroad.txstate.edu/.

Reasons Why Texas State University Students Aren't Participating in Study Abroad Programs

By Nicole Cavender

nec22@txstate.edu

SAN MARCOS, Texas – Many students at Texas State University are either ill-informed about the study abroad programs offered in their particular field of study or believe that the programs are too expensive.

Giulia Gasponi, Photo by Justus Stafford

Giulia Gasponi, a 20-year-old junior studying finance, hasn’t participated in the study abroad programs because she thinks that she’d be missing out on a lot of what may happen back home.

“I feel like I want to use that time during the breaks to spend with my friends,” said Gasponi. “I would get severe [Fear Of Missing Out] if I see my friends hanging out while I’m somewhere else for the summer.”

Gasponi believes the programs could be more accessible for students if informational sessions during classes were a regular occurrence. That would allow the programs to be beneficial to students through the experiences of a different country.

“They can even practice a foreign language,” said Gasponi. “You grow a lot from the experience, being so far away from home.”

Matthew Christnacht, Photo by Cruz Rojas

In accordance with Gasponi, other students don’t think the programs are marketed enough to Texas State students. Matthew Christnacht, a freshman studying radiation therapy, expressed his thoughts on the lack of information about the study abroad programs.

“I haven’t had time and don’t know about any opportunities,” said Christnacht. “I feel like it would take a big time commitment to learn about them.”

He thinks the downside of the programs were costly as well.

“Unless you have scholarships to do it, it’s pretty expensive,” said Christnacht.

Lauren Reese, Photo by Cruz Rojas

Other students wouldn’t want to pay for something that is more expensive than one semester at Texas State. Lauren Reese, a senior studying early development, falls into said category.

“I guess if it cost about the same amount as a semester here, then I could really think about doing it,” said Reese. “I don’t want to be spending more money than I already am.”

As far as the benefits of the program, Reese commented on the experiences her fellow classmates encountered.

“I know some people that went to Spain, and they said that they learned Spanish really well because they were immersed in the environment,” said Reese. “You can pick up things there that you can’t pick up in the classroom.”

Henry "Tres" Allen, Photo by Justus Stafford

Henry “Tres” Allen III, a 20-year-old business finance major, doesn’t have any knowledge of the programs offered in the business school.

“This is my sophomore year so I just haven’t gotten around to it yet,” said Allen. “I don’t think there are many study abroad programs for finance students.”

When told about the Study Abroad in America program, Allen expressed interest. He had no idea there was such a program and wanted to know more about the benefits.

“When they talk about study abroad they should talk about Study Abroad in America, too,” said Allen.

Along with Gasponi and Christnacht, Jenna Huff, a communication disorders student, believes that these programs are too expensive.

Jenna Huff, Photo by Justus Stafford

“There is one study abroad program that you can do over the summer but it’s pretty expensive and a place that I don’t really want to go to,” said Huff.

She's positive that the size of her major, accounting for student population, is so small that they don’t have many options for study abroad locations.

Tony Place, a junior studying manufacturing engineering, doesn’t think there are any programs offered to students that have completed most of their courses. He's unaware of the opportunities offered to students with his major.

“I don’t even think they have my classes in study abroad,” said Place. “I don’t really have any classes left that I think I could take in a program.”

Tony Place, Photo by Sawyer Click

The issue of money plays into the setbacks of studying abroad for Place as well.

“I understand that it’s going to be expensive if you’re going overseas for a bit, so $4,500 for everything is probably doable,” said Place. “At the same time though, if you have tuition, bills and rent, it becomes really hard.”

Texas State Students Talk Study Abroad

By Anahi Hernandez-Rico a_h291@txstate.edu

SAN MARCOS, Texas – Texas State Students and faculty said the reason students do not do Study abroad is because of lack of time and funds. Further people feel there is not enough exposure for the programs.  

The main reason people had for not doing Study Abroad was time. When asked what was stopping him student, Garfield Harrison, said he does not have time. 

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

Garfield Harrison by Anahi Hernandez-Rico

Other Students like Mathew Christnacht say the problem is not only time to take the trip but taking the time to even find out what is available.  

"I haven’t had time and don’t know about any opportunities. I feel like it would take a big time commitment to learn about them," said Christnacht 

Mathew Christnacht by Cruz Rojas

Ron Clark, a student, who has studied abroad said that the Study Abroad program should focus on motivating students to use their time wisely and Study Abroad sooner rather than never. 

"Encouraging people to study-abroad earlier would be best. I feel like a lot of people want to do it their senior year and they just never do it. It's something people put off a lot, and it may be because of the cost as well," said Clark. 

Ron Clark by Sawyer Click

The cost of the trips was another main reason students seem to avoid Studying abroad. When Ceven Johnson, a freshman, was asked if she would Study Abroad in her future she said it was not likely because of the cost.  

"I don't think so. Mainly because of money; I think the experience would be cool, but because of my financial situation that doesn't really seem possible," said Johnson. 

Ceven Johnson by Luis Seijo 

Lastly Students and Faculty mentioned that another reason students are not studying abroad is the lack of knowledge. Lolita Legan, a student affairs professional, said they should make staff and faculty more aware of the programs to help inform students of their options. 

"Obviously, there should be more publicity about it. I think that staff, as well as faculty, knew about them then they could encourage students to participate. I firmly believe that an international experience is important and I really think that the internship experience is important. And I spend a lot of time talking to students that if I knew about those details and specifics, that I could encourage them to participate. So I think especially making sure that the university community knows about them," said Legan. 

Lolita Legan by Anahi Hernandez-Rico

Stephanie Dardon, a student, agrees that there should be more exposure of the programs, even suggesting they come to classes or even club meetings. 

"Definitely a lot of outreaches, and maybe like have certain people go into classes," said Dardon, "Also if [they] could work closely with all of the [student] organizations...it would be cool to have certain people from the Study abroad come and talk about [that] kind of stuff," said Dardon. 

Stephanie Dardon by Anahi Hernandez-Rico

To learn more about Study Abroad at Texas state visit their website.