By Casey Kuman
Have you ever thought about studying abroad? If so, Concordia University Chicago has several programs to offer. There are faculty lead trips and then there are studying abroad trips that last a semester long! If you have a great sense of independence this would be an amazing opportunity for you. Studying abroad improves problem solving skills and independence. It also looks very good for future employment opportunities. Many students may think there are several additional expenses that come along with studying abroad, but that is not the case. The cost of tuition for studying abroad through approved programs is the same cost for students who study at CUC’s campus. The only thing students would need to pay for is room and board.
This past fall in 2017 academic advisor Mia Garcia-Hills became the new leader for the study abroad programs. She plans to make some changes for the programs. She also had the chance to study abroad in India when she was studying in college.
“I want to make studying abroad information apart of advising for incoming students, I think planning ahead for freshman is helpful. Working closely with advisors can educate students about the programs and then students can start saving money early in their college career,” said Mia Garcia. If students learn about this their freshman year, by senior year students can possibly save their money to study abroad for a whole semester.
Sophomore Concordia student Emilie Stoller, is majoring in theology and minoring in psychology. She has been studying abroad at Westfield House in Cambridge, England for this 2018 spring semester. She also went with the CUC’s Deaconess program last May to the Dominican Republic for a week. This time around she is learning more about independence. She flew alone and is also living alone in a dorm in England. She landed in London on January 5, 2018 and is returning to Chicago the week of May 1st.
“Students who are willing to step out of their comfort zone, take advantage of opportunities, and like to get out and explore should take the chance to study abroad,” says Emilie Stoller.
Concordia also has faculty lead programs for majors in communication, theater, theology, and business. The communication department is going to Italy this year lead by professor Todd Hauser. Most faculty lead trips last up to ten days. Other faculty lead trips have also been for theology mission trips. Students have gone to Guatemala and Thailand. Other students have also traveled to Barcelona. Faculty lead trips are a great way to start out traveling at first, so students can get the feel of independence and exploration.
Also, Concordia has programs for other international students. There are students studying at Concordia that are from The Dominican Republic, China, Colombia, Saudi Arabia, Costa Rica, and Barcelona. Dominican Republic student Franchesca Cordero said, “I am here for my master’s in education. It’s a program that lasts one year and I arrived in the middle of October this past fall.”
Studying abroad is a great multicultural experience that gives students new learning perspectives and they gain a new level of independence in their lives. Concordia has many programs to offer for several types of students. Everyone should get the chance to study abroad in their lifetime!
