By Jamie Kerr and Annemarie Medrzycki
Many U.S. citizens will never extend their personal boundaries beyond their own country, state or even hometown. Often times, this is due to financial limitations, or lack of understanding and interest in what the world has to offer.
As University of Portland students, we are given countless opportunities to expand our minds in the world of higher education through easy access to the cultural awakening that is a study abroad experience. UP offers summer, semester and year programs that enable students to experience new cultures all across the world, while gaining academic credit.
Last year, through the year program in Salzburg, Austria, we spent nine months exploring ancient castles, standing upon the foundations of our civilization in Greece and Rome, hearing the bells at Notre Dame, pinching pennies for food in the London metropolis, and encountering fellow travelers with similar stories from other worlds entirely.
Every passing day reminded us of how lucky we were to be given such an incredible opportunity.
The vaguely recognizable faces from freshman year became the best friends we never knew we'd have.
The independence and self-awareness we gained is truly immeasurable.
No matter where you go or whom you're with, the unexpected will occur.
You cannot possibly prepare yourself for an experience where the world is literally at your fingertips.
After studying abroad, you are better equipped for any profession you chose.
Expanding your horizons to new cultures can equip you with the understanding and life experience to be a better nurse, engineer, teacher and any other career that you aspire to have. The world today is smaller than ever, and studying abroad allows you to fully participate in our global society.
You will continually draw on your experiences for the rest of your life.
Traveling worldwide will never be as easy as it is now. UP's study abroad programs are affordable, safe and well organized.
Don't let the price tag scare you; most programs allow financial aid to transfer. Many programs are tailored for specific majors, while others include courses that cover the basic core requirements.
UP provides the opportunity to every student to excel academically while having the cultural exposure of a lifetime.
In our everyday encounters with the friends we missed from back home, we are inevitably asked, "how was your year?"
We often find ourselves lacking for words to express the impact this experience has had on our lives.
It is the best field trip we have ever been on.
If you are interested in studying abroad, there are many different options including year, semester and summer programs to locations in Europe, Asia, Canada and Mexico.
You can also apply to an IES program, which opens even more doors for UP students to travel all over the world.
Applications are due October 9. Come by BC 161 to the Study Abroad Office and pick up and application today.
Jamie Kerr is a junior business administration major and Annemarie Medrzycki is a junior history major
