UWG News Archive

UWG students study abroad

December 13, 2004

CARROLLTON, GA - The number of students studying abroad has reached record heights in the state and the University of West Georgia is a major contributor to those efforts, ranking fourth among member institutions of the University System of Georgia (USG).

More than 200 students participated in 2003/04 programs offered through UWG and USG, said Dr. William Schaniel, director of UWG’s international programs. There are several different programs offered for UWG students to study abroad, including two from the Richards College of Business — the International Business Summer Studies Program and the International Finance and Economics Program.

“Both of those programs are aimed at students majoring in that field,” Schaniel said. “There are also art programs, language programs and the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), which used to be the old Fulbright Student Program. The ISEP is probably the best deal. You pay for room, board and tuition here and study there.”

Students report that study abroad experiences change their lives — it opens their eyes to the world. As such, study abroad has been the topic of much research. Surveys report students developing bilingual skills; expanding their knowledge of the host country, its people, culture, politics, economy, society and role in the world; developing the capacity to empathize with people from other countries; and developing an understanding that the world is one community.

Such knowledge, attitudes and beliefs tend to make one less ethnocentric and more adaptable. Studying abroad helps students gain skills in creative and critical thinking as well as expanding their knowledge of their home country and culture.

“What you get out of it is cultural sensibility,” Schaniel noted. “Things work differently in different parts of the world and you can’t communicate that by talking. The best way is to take people there for the experience. This allows people to become comfortable in a different cultural situation to really get perspective.”

In addition to the character benefits, study abroad can also be an excellent addition to a resume. A study in 1994 found that employers now put a high value on international skills such as knowledge of a foreign language and cross-cultural competence. A student that makes the most of a study abroad experience will certainly enhance these skills.

Paying for a trip to study abroad is not that complicated, Schaniel explained, because all federal and state financial aid, such as Hope or Pell grants, may be applied to the cost of studying abroad.

“It doesn’t have to be expensive. The cost can vary greatly by destination and program type,” Schaniel said. “All our programs and most other programs include meals, transportation and airfare. Some programs might be cheaper or cost the same as living on campus.”

The USG Board of Regents offers matching grants to its institutions through its Students Abroad with Regents’ Support (STARS) program. UWG received a $13,000 grant this year and the directors of the different programs are charged with raising additional matching funds.

“The (West Georgia) Foundation contributes $4,000 and the rest of it is raised by the various departments, various programs or from outside sources with the business programs,” Schaniel pointed out. “All of that is scholarship money. We’ve been pretty successful at raising the matching funds and probably will be able to raise more for next year.”

USG also is committed to offering a variety of study abroad programs. Study abroad programs range in length from two weeks to one year. Last year, students studied in places such as the United Kingdom, Costa Rica, Australia, India, Russia, Peru, Mexico, Nicaragua and Ghana.

As the world grows smaller through technology and with more people and countries interconnected, institutions such as UWG provide valuable training with study abroad programs, said UWG Vice President of Academic Affairs and Professor of Mass Communication Dr. Thomas J. Hynes.

“We can think of no better way for such preparation than programs that provide opportunities to observe closely what those other parts of the world look like,” Hynes said. “Interacting with people and places has been a transforming experience for our students — and blending those interactions with learning in study abroad programs provide a unique way to foster those transformations. We only wish that we had more aid available to help more students discover these experiences.”

For more information about UWG study abroad programs contact Schaniel at 678-836-6477.

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