Many people come to Marquette for its idyllic atmosphere and the natural environment surrounding it. However, for those looking to leave Marquette, NMU has options available for students seeking a change of scenery and a little excitement.

Susan Morgan, the coordinator of education abroad and exchange programs at NMU’s International Programs Office (IPO), said that students can engage in a wide variety of programs, which can last from two weeks to an entire academic year. Morgan said that the IPO works with students of any major, to help them develop a program that will allow them to study or volunteer in virtually any country in the world.

“It’s not your mom’s study abroad anymore,” she said. “We’ve departed quite a bit from the traditional junior year abroad model. That’s still out there . but that doesn’t mean that you have to fall into that profile to study abroad.”

Morgan said that there are different types of study abroad programs, such as faculty led classes, student teaching opportunities, internships and exchange programs with other universities. The variety ensures that students can find a program that suits their needs.

“We’re not squeezing [students] into pre-made [programs] . Study abroad is stretching beyond what it used to be,” said Morgan.

Studying abroad offers many benefits to students, both in their education at NMU and in their futures.

“You can demonstrate on a resume some real intangible skills that you can’t get just by being in the classroom,” said Morgan. “You can say ‘[I’m] a risk taker. I’m comfortable in a team setting. I am comfortable managing myself on my own with limited resources. I am comfortable dealing with people on a daily basis who are different from me.’ And those are really marketable skills.”

Many students often approach the idea of studying abroad assuming that they have to speak the host language, which Morgan said is helpful, but certainly not necessary. Another misconception students often have is that the programs will be extremely expensive. She said that the IPO works with students to find them financial aid and affordable programs which can be comparable in price to studying in Marquette.

Morgan also said that it is important for students considering going abroad to plan ahead and have a sense of flexibility and play.

“A sense of humor is the first thing that I put on a packing list,” said Morgan.

Jon Sherman, an assistant professor of modern languages and literature, taught a class this summer that allowed students to go to Austria. He said that beyond exposure to a new language, students are often able to garner life skills from going abroad.

“The study abroad programs that we offer are not always language centered, but also culture based,” he said. “The experience of living abroad, navigating a new culture, a new language, a new subway system, a new city, is an experience that enhances a student’s ability to navigate any situation.”

Sherman said that students should give studying abroad a chance regardless of their majors.

“Even if you’re a business major and you do something completely unrelated, like a semester of archeology . it’s the experience that counts,” said Sherman, “I’ve never heard of a student who studied abroad, even for a short program, who didn’t love it.”

For more information visit the IPO’s Web site at http://webb.nmu.edu/InternationalPrograms.

Jessica Price,
Junior
International studies major

Studied full time in Ankara, Turkey for four and a half months.

Memorable Experiences: “Taking a Turkish language and culture class, and a Palestinian-Israeli Conflict course from a different perspective. Being involved in dragon-boat racing in the Bosphorus Straights. Traveling across the different parts of Turkey.”

Advice for students considering going abroad: “If you go, try everything and give it your all. Don’t hold back . And don’t be afraid to be yourself, it’s a cultural exchange and a lot of the students that I met in Turkey wanted to meet me and talk to me because I was American.”

Nathan Larson
Senior
Elementary education major

Took a travel-writing class in Italy
for 11 days.

Memorable Experiences: “Being on the water constantly and the history in Venice. Seeing the statue of David. Climbing to the top of the Basilica in Florence. Experiencing a new culture and learning about myself.”

Advice for students considering going abroad: “If you haven’t done it before, do it. Take your opportunities because you’re going to have fun and you’re going to see
things that you’ll never see here. I would really recommend it . Keep a journal, because you’re going to want to remember it.”

Jaime Engvall
Senior
International studies and Spanish double major

Has studied abroad three times in Peru, Mexico and Spain. Also took a two-week art history course, during which she traveled to France, Belgium and the Netherlands.

Memorable Experiences: “I’ve been abroad so many times that every time I go there is something new that stands out. I feel like every time I go I want another minor because I find something else that is really exciting.”

Advice for students considering going abroad: “Do it . plan ahead. Try and pick something that you are going to want to research extensively, something that you’re going to continuously aspire to do the work for. If you just go abroad and you ignore the school part of it, it’s not as worth it. I mean it’s great to travel, but you want it to further your degree later.”

Nancy Kenok
Senior
International studies major

Studied as a full time student in Guanajuato, Mexico for six months.

Memorable Experiences: “Climbing the ancient pyramid of Teotihuacan. Being able to adapt into another culture and have it feel like home.”

Advice for students considering
studying abroad: “Look into scholarships before going abroad; there are a bunch of scholarships available. I was able to get a full ride. It’s really helpful because
you’re living abroad and you can’t depend on your family to help you out. And don’t be afraid to explore and be yourself abroad. Be respectful of other cultures and be open-minded.”