Students have the opportunity to improve cultural, academic and professional development by traveling to and studying in foreign countries through the Study Abroad programs.
While payment and program application deadlines are not until February, scholarship deadlines begin November 30. According to Dr. Kent Neuerberg, director of international studies, the programs are anticipated to cost anywhere from $3,000 to $4,500, excluding the cost of airfare.
“As cliché as it sounds, studying abroad really does open your eyes up to a new world; not because pixie dust is sprinkled on you when you travel across the ocean, but because of the seemingly unimportant things like figuring out how to navigate the subway system or finding out that the grocery stores all close around 6 p.m.,” said Claire Salinas, Student Government Association (SGA) senator who visited London, England for the Summer 2012 semester. “It’s being thrown into a totally new culture and having to figure it out. It’s incredibly fun to have to trust yourself like that.”
While program proposals have not received final administrative approval, the proposals include: France, China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, London, Panama, Austria and Spain.
“We expect to hear back very soon on final approvals,” said Neuerberg.
Students can stay updated on proposal approvals through the study abroad webpage at www.selu.edu/studyabroad, or by checking in with the International Initiatives office in Meade Hall, Room 103.
Program lengths vary from 10 days to about four weeks long. The cover cost includes courses, housing, in-country transportation and admission to various activities and sites as well as food.
Several organizations and departments sponsor scholarships for the study abroad programs such as the Department of Foreign Language, Spanish Club and Phi Kappa Phi.  Though the year’s exact amounts have not been finalized, SGA has consistently been a primary scholarship donor.
According to Branden Summers, SGA president, in previous years SGA has offered $40,000 in scholarships, each being worth $1,000.
“The study abroad program at Southeastern is one of the best in the state,” said Summers. “We feel it’s necessary to help out students financially so they can enjoy such a rewarding opportunity.”
Summers participated in the program and studied abroad in China for the Summer 2012 semester
“Study abroad gives students the opportunity to step out of their comfort zone and emerse themselves in a whole new culture,” said Summers. “The amount of information you gain is by far more than one will ever learn by sitting in a classroom.”
While SGA scholarships deadline is Nov. 30, many of the other scholarship application deadlines are in early February.
“The programs have to be self-sufficient. The prices vary depending on destination and length of programs,” said Neuerberg. “We encourage people to make sure they apply before the deadline so they can have their best shot at getting a hold of some of this money.”
Students will typically have lectures in the morning and course related excursions in the afternoon and evenings. All overseas courses are taught by Southeastern faculty.
“Most of the students like the opportunity to travel and to engage in the international experience as a part of their course work. It really makes the courses come alive for them,” said Neuerberg. “I really think that it’s something that our students benefit from greatly because it provides them a unique perspective.”
While several scholarships are available, most students find themselves requiring additional funding. Despite receiving an SGA scholarship, Salinas expresses the money difficulties of the study abroad program.
“While the cost paid to Southeastern was $4,075, I had to buy my plane ticket on my own which cost $1,300 even though I bought it in February and the trip was in July,” said Salinas. “I ended up taking out a $5,000 unsubsidized loan for the rest of the money, and after paying for my plane ticket I had about $800 to work with.”
The study abroad webpage offers an abundance of sources to help students through the process including: a financial handbook, a list of essential travel resources and a step-by-step guide through the application process. Criteria for applications can also be found on the webpage.
Although the study abroad programs are pricey, students agree that the experience is well worth the cost.
“I definitely recommend doing it now in your college years since you are free to do what you want without having to worry about too many responsibilities,” said Salinas. “It’s not just a line to add on your resume. It’s an experience that opens you up to all kinds of possibilities and encourages you to be open to new types of people and going to new places.”