Written By Lia Armistead

Beautiful scenery, inspiring history, exotic culture, and amazing people; study abroad is the best way to experience something new and different in a student’s college career.

Whether it’s a summer, a semester or longer, each is unique, yet amazing in the same sense.

“It gives students the opportunity to do something adventurous, to do something they normally wouldn’t do, to get out of their comfort zone, and learn in an environment that is different than usual,” said VSU Professor Susan LaPlant, who has taught English for the European Council in two study abroad programs, once in London, England, and twice in Waterford, Ireland.

Summer programs are the shortest programs to study abroad. They can be taken in Maymester or through June and July for five weeks. The European Council, based in Valdosta, Georgia, has many programs including Ireland, Russia, France, England, Spain and more.

As opposed to an entire semester, summer programs are more sheltered and the students and teachers do pretty much everything together, including eating, traveling and living.

Although living in a bubble often has a negative connotation, in this sense, it is positive. The students and teachers who go on these programs come back with lasting friendships and memories.

The students who go on the summer programs are from schools all across Georgia, ranging from about 30-60 participants, hence forming the bubble for the rest of the trip.

LaPlant often advises that experiencing a short study abroad program first and then a longer one is the way to go, especially for those that have trouble traveling or being away from home. However, not everyone chooses to take this route.

Hannah Hansberry, senior Spanish major, chose to jump straight into study abroad and go to Puerto Rico for a semester to help further her studies.

“If I was going to go, I was going to go big or go home,” Hansberry said.

Study abroad, whether for a summer or longer, takes a lot of planning in advance, such as figuring out classes and finances. However, these should not be reasons that hold students back from taking the risk.

There are many options to gain financial support and guidance to help prepare for the trip and there also many types of scholarships, including HOPE, that can help students pay for parts or all of tuition and air fare.

Coming from the perspective of a student who has studied abroad, there are many things to expect.

While traveling to Ireland and other parts of Europe, the group of students bonded so closely together that it was hard to leave each other when the five weeks were up. Not only did students bond with each other, but they also bonded with their instructors.

These classes were completely different from those taken on the VSU campus. The desks were set up in a circular position, allowing students to have a face to face connection with each person in the class. Classes were more of discussions than lectures, and everyone, including the teacher, was a lot more laid back and relaxed.

Study abroad is a great way to try something new and for students to get out there and be different.

Study abroad is the best way to take a risk to further the ultimate college experience, while bringing joy and adventure to students’ lives.