Study abroad is an invaluable experience in many ways. Not convinced? Let’s listen to your fellow Communication Studies students who recently studied abroad:

Delisha Brown (studied in France fall 2008)

Studying abroad has benefited me personally because it caused me to step outside my comfort zone.  It caused me to have to figure things out on my own, a really good trait that translates well into a resume.  We live in a diverse world, and living in a different country helped me realize how big of a difference it makes to take the time and effort to learn about a country's culture, and appreciate it for what it is.

Katie Ostrowka (studied in Sweden in spring 2006)

This experience benefitted me in so many ways. I gained a new sense of independence in adapting to a new culture and a new educational system. The structure of the classes in Sweden challenged me and caused me to look at things from a different perspective. I learned a lot about myself and what I am capable of achieving.

Giles Taylor (studied in South Korea in fall 2008)

I loved almost every minute of it. Academically it benefited me tremendously because I was able to take classes that I am unable to take at UNCG because they are either not offered or have requirements that I have not filled. I recently was hired at a marketing firm, and, during the interview, I mentioned that I would be a great person to hire because of my study abroad experience; I can relate with people from all walks of life and the marketing class helped me have some clue as to what I am doing. Personally, it helped me grow up a lot. I got to see how people on the other side of the world live their life, and it really helped me focus in on what I want to do with my life, career wise, once I graduate.

Gerson Sanchez (studied in France in spring 2009)

My experience was an incredible one. It taught me how to be independent, more confident, and how to use my resources to the fullest. Academically it taught me that even though I literally had the world at my finger tips, I still had to get my work done therefore my level of procrastination has gone way down, and I am now more disciplined. Personally, I've always considered myself a very outgoing person, but being in the country where the primary language is French, I had to depend on my amicability and it worked out great. I made friends from all over the world including France, therefore improving my French in an immense way and almost reaching my goal of being trilingual. Lastly career-wise, I'm more mature and I believe I'll do very well with whatever career I have. I'll be able to deal with different cultures, personalities, and all kinds of people from all over the world.