Many students only dream of studying overseas, but for senior Nycole Hicks, that dream became reality.
Hicks traveled to Guyana last year with history professor Jahwara Giddings and a dozen classmates.
“The best part of Guyana was taking a hike to the top of a 1,000-foot rain forest,” Hicks said. “We also had a chance to interact with people in the villages.”
The Central State Center for Global Education reports that nearly fifty students traveled abroad last year. Two-dozen more students will travel to Guyana and India next fall.
“There’s nothing like going to a different country to kind of test out your set of assumptions.” Giddings said. “It’s really significant for students’ intellectual and personal development, in terms of broadening their horizon.”
Maria Potter, coordinator of Study Abroad, said students should consider studying abroad once they’ve completed their freshman year. “We recommend that students who study abroad do so in their sophomore or junior year, because they have the most flexibility,” Potter said. “We want freshmen to focus on on-campus classes. Seniors are too busy with graduation arrangements.”
Students have traveled the world over the past eight years with the Center for Global Education. They’ve visited Ghana, Guyana, Costa Rica, Italy, China, and India.
Students who travel abroad often develop an appreciation for other cultures. Sometimes, they develop a greater appreciation for their own. “(Traveling to Guyana) was a really great experience,” Hicks said. “It showed me how fortunate we as Americans really are, and how grateful we should be.”
Sophomore Lahmal Adderley will visit India in December. “I have never left the United States before, so I am very excited,” Adderley said. “I’ll be learning about the culture of India, studying business, and learning a bit about their education system and famous landmarks.”
Students headed to Guyana look forward to a taste of the Caribbean lifestyle. “I am more than ready to visit Guyana with Dr. Giddings in December, both to study political science, and experience the Caribbean culture,” junior Don Simmons said. “I also want to see how it was like for Dr. Giddings growing up.”
The Study Abroad program was established in 2011 for students who wish to learn outside of the United States. It is an enriching, life-changing experience that can lead to personal growth, a global perspective, and even career opportunities.
Students interested in studying abroad should visit the Center for Global Education on the third floor of Wesley Hall, or call 937-376-6128.
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