by Chloe Powell
Aniseya White poses in front of Stonehenge during her study abroad to England. Photo courtesy of Aniseya White
Imagine touring beautiful museums and galleries in Lackock Abbey, England, or getting three homecooked meals a day from a native Segovian host in Spain. Now imagine getting college credit while pursuing those adventures. For junior Aniseya White and seniors Haley Planicka and Kaitlyn Kalehuawehe, their imaginations became reality through Bellarmine’s study abroad program.
Study abroad has many advantages, such as allowing students to gain a global perspective, teaching students how to quickly adjust to new settings, increasing students’ confidence, widening students’ comfort zones and setting students apart from other graduate school and job applicants.
No matter a student’s major – whether it is business, education, psychology or art – there is a study abroad program to match those goals and interests. Study abroad also allows students to learn about their majors in an interconnected global field of research and practice.
Kalehuawehe, who studied in London, England, in the summer of 2021, examined how healthcare differs in the United Kingdom.
Kalehuawehe said: “My main motivation for studying abroad was to get out of my comfort zone. I had never been out of the country before, so I really wanted to challenge myself in a new way and study abroad was a great way to do that.”
The Institute for the International Education of Students (IES Abroad) surveyed more than 3,400 alumni from all IES Abroad study abroad programs from 1950 to 1999. Of those surveyed, 97 percent said studying abroad served as a catalyst for increased maturity, 96 percent reported increased self-confidence, 89 percent said it enabled them to tolerate ambiguity and 95 percent said it has had a lasting impact on their world view.
In today’s highly competitive global job market, an international experience will also help a student stand out among their peers.
A study by the European Commission shows that around 65 percent of employers consider international experience important for recruitment, and over 90 percent are looking for transversal skills enhanced by study abroad, such as openness toward new challenges, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Kalehuawehe said: “Study abroad is a life-changing experience…. You get to make the world your classroom, which you don’t really get when you’re stuck in a college campus…When are you ever going to get that chance again?”
White, who also studied in London, England, said study abroad is like “killing three birds with one stone.” She said students get college credit, get to go to a different country and learn about the culture and get academic enrichment.
The Bellarmine Study Abroad and International Programs office provides support to students during every step of the process, from choosing a program to post-experience reflection. Students may receive help applying for a passport, learning about safety, preparing for cultural differences, booking plane tickets and dealing with homesickness.
White said the Bellarmine study abroad staff provided both resources and support. “It was always a revolving conversation,” she said.
The study abroad staff also advised her about what to pack, explained what it is like traveling abroad, showed her how to transfer credits and explained the application process.
Mary Grandinetti, director of Study Abroad and International Programs at Bellarmine, said one of her favorite parts of her job is seeing students step out of their comfort zones and do things they didn’t think they could do. She said she is proud when students contact her and tell her a new thing they were able to accomplish on their study abroad experience.
Around 40 students studied abroad in summer 2022, and Grandinetti said there is already a lot of interest for next summer. Bellarmine also offers winter and semester study abroad options. There is a lot of interest in Europe, as well as Asia and Japan specifically, Grandinetti said.
“There is no reason not to explore your options,” Grandinetti said. She encouraged students to go to the study abroad office, located in the basement of the library, to receive help navigating any potential barriers.
“Do not let fear dictate or decide that you’re not going to go (study abroad),” White said. “I recommend all students to take advantage of it before leaving Bellarmine.”
All students who have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher are eligible for study abroad.
Students are not allowed to study abroad during the semester immediately before graduation.
Students interested in study abroad should keep the following application deadlines in mind:
Winter Study Abroad: applications - due Sept. 1
Summer Study Abroad: applications - due Dec. 15 for the following summer
Semester/Year Study Abroad: applications - due Nov. 1 for the following school year
For more information, students can contact the Bellarmine study abroad office at internationalstudies@bellarmine.edu. Students can also reach out to Grandinetti directly at mgrandinetti@bellarmine.edu.
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