Study Abroad Week Takes Off

By Jackie Pearce

This week students at Santa Clara interested in study abroad programs have the chance to learn more about studying abroad.

Senior Lisa Giusti, who studied abroad in Italy last fall, called the abroad experience life changing. "I gained so much independence and understanding outside of the Santa Clara bubble."

Representatives from the various study abroad programs will be tabling all week to answer questions about courses, cost or other relevant information as part of study abroad week. The schedule of events can be found on the study abroad website.

According to Study Abroad Peer Advisor and Workshop Series Coordinator Julie Gamez there are a few major changes for the application process. Students planning to study abroad summer or fall 2012 now have until January 13 to complete their petition.

In the past, the deadline to petition has been much earlier in the year. "This gives students enough time to receive their fall grades and ensure that they have the necessary GPA for the program they petition for," said Gamez.

The other major change is that students must now send their applications to the program provider, rather than applying first through Santa Clara's study abroad office. The only exception is for students who are applying for Santa Clara programs, such as Rome or London.

Some students have only found frustration with the technical process. Sophomore Lauren Ito said that she has been struggling to find summer programs. "I am undeclared, so I cannot go abroad during the school year."

According to the Study Abroad Office, over 60 percent of the 430 students who went abroad last year left during the fall. In order to go abroad students need to have completed at least 88 credits and have reached junior status. When students are unable to go during the fall, students can also go to a few Santa Clara approved destinations in the winter, spring or summer.

Senior Meghan Weiler, who studied abroad in Australia last year, had an internship in the fall and went abroad in the spring. "I would recommend (studying abroad sometime other than fall), especially because having the summer to fall back on was great. I didn't feel pressure to rush home and get adjusted to home life, I was able to travel to New Zealand and make the most of my travel abroad," she said.

According to the Study Abroad office, the most popular destination is Santa Clara's London. While many choose to venture to Europe, students can also go to Australia or Africa. If students don't want to stay travel internationally, they can stay stateside and study in Washington DC.

Giusti studied in Florence, Italy last fall. "My experience was life changing. I gained so much independence and understanding outside of the Santa Clara bubble," said Giusti.

Giusti suggests that students step out of their comfort zone when choosing where to go abroad. "Don't choose to go to London just because there would be no language barrier," she said.

Contact Jackie Pearce at jpearce@scu.edu or call (408) 554-4852.