STUDENTS SHARE STUDY ABROAD EXPERIENCES

Kalue Yang went to South Korea last spring to study at Chonnam National University in Gwangju.

“I definitely think it’s a unique experience. Even if you don’t do it for like the academic aspect of it, just because I personally think there’s a lot of academic advantages to it,” said Yang, a psychology major.

Yang shared her experience with other students at the Fresno State study abroad fair. She said she loved how welcoming the university and its students were. In addition, she fell in love with the country after visiting more than four cities and meeting people.

“You get a network with a lot of students from all around the world and domestic students, too. And to be honest with you, I met some of the most amazing people while I was abroad in Korea, and I’m still in touch with a lot of them,” said Yang.

The Study Abroad office offers more than 66 different programs. South Korea, Spain, Italy, Japan, and more. Not all programs are the same. Some focus on a major, while others focus on travel and experience. Some programs are short, taking place during the summer and winter breaks, while others are for the whole semester or year.

“There are many factors, like a lot of personal growth, especially if there’s a student population,” said Marcela Magdaleno, study abroad advisor. “They’ve never been even outside of California or the U.S., so this is a great opportunity to get to know what’s out there but in terms of language, culture, tradition, different way of thinking.”

Biology major Corey Cox studied in Madrid, Spain, where she put her Spanish into practice.

“Once you’re like there, it’s really worth it,” Cox said. “You get to experience a whole new culture. It really opens your mind to a whole other world outside of what you see here in the U.S., you know? And then you get to meet a lot of great new people.”

The cost of each program depends on the country and the time you want to travel. However, the study abroad office staff can break it all down for you and give you information about scholarships to help pay for it.

For more information, visit the Study Abroad Office in the Family and Food Science building, room 119, or go online to the Fresno State Study Abroad website.