Studying Abroad: The OU Experience

 No matter where you attend college, there are certain experiences you expect to go through. Living in the dorms, sneaking into bars, pulling all-nighters, learning to cook for yourself are just a few on this universal list. But there is one experience that you may or may not be familiar with: studying abroad.
Okay, so you’re obviously awareof studying abroad. You hear stories of your friends’ older siblings traveling around Europe and you have heard your mom talk about her semester in Italy one too many times. But have you ever seriously considered leaving the United States for an extended period of time to live in a foreign location? Whether or not you think studying abroad is in your immediate future, Ohio University’s study abroad programs have more than enough options for you to explore.

There are about 55 programs at OU, not counting the outside programs students also can participate in. As far as countries are concerned, students “can go just about anywhere in the world,” Lori Lammert said, Assistant Director of the Office of Education Abroad.
 


 
Pounds? Euros? Pesos?
Lammert has been working at OU since 2005, and encourages students to not let the usual perceived barriers of studying abroad deter them. “I think people unfortunately sometimes view this as an extra they can’t afford,” she said. Cost is perhaps the biggest deciding factor in student’s decisions, especially in today’s economic climate. The trick is to research your programs thoroughly, as well as available scholarships. Leeann Lanzarotta, a sophomore who traveled to Merida, Mexico this winter quarter says that the biggest misconception is the cost. “I actually got a refund for going to México rather than staying in the dorms,” Leeann said.
 
No Habla Espanol?
Credits and not knowing a language can also discourage students. However, Lammert explains that both can be dealt with through smart and early planning, like going to the UK or Australia, where English is the main language.
 
Econ Class in Ecuador?
You can also take general education credits, or go during the summertime so you aren’t behind in any of your classes. “You can do any of our programs, they aren’t always major specific,” Lammert explained. “Just because a program isn’t designed for your major doesn’t mean that you won’t get a lot out of it.”
Getting a lot out of it is an understatement for Gina Mussio, a sophomore who spent fall quarter in Italy. “I was living across an ocean from all my family and friends and really learned the meaning of independence,” she said. Gina described studying abroad as something she’s always been passionate about, and knew she wanted it to be apart of her college experience. “Studying abroad teaches you how to handle new situations and behave like an adult, while still having fun!” she said. “My friends and I would go out to dinner, go to a pub or go dancing!” And do I even need to mention international eye candy? “We came to the conclusion that God hid all of the beautiful people in Mérida after our first trip to the discoteca,” Leeann declared. 
 

 
The praises of the experience are almost always confident and optimistic, with many students making major life decisions after they return. “I was so unsure about my major before I went to Mérida, but I came back with a clear head and a destination,” Leeann said. She is now a Spanish Education major, with plans to pursue her Teaching English as a Foreign Language certificate and return to Merida next winter.
 
“Studying abroad is something that can and will change your life in some way or another,” Gina said. After returning from Italy she became a PR intern for Athena Study Abroad, the program that she was in while abroad.

Lammert knows firsthand the success stories of students and occasionally, the regret of those who passed on the chance to go abroad. “Do you know how many parents say I never did that I really regret it so much, I hope my son or daughter takes advantage of it?”  she asked. “When is a better time than college?”