For students looking for a change of scenery, a change of pace and a new way to earn college credits, studying abroad might just become their new home away from home.
The study abroad program at Auburn has become an increasingly popular alternative for taking classes during a semester.
Study abroad is praised because of the opportunities it provides. It can help students experience new cultures and be better at adapting to new surroundings.
Giovanna Summerfield, associate professor and CLA director of the arts, said she sees it as a one-of-a-kind experience.
"I think when you are abroad, facing other cultural customs and settings, you inevitably start to compare them with your own," Summerfield said. "And with that, I think you learn to appreciate other people's perspectives."
Summerfield said initially, studying abroad was a way to educate the upper-class youth in the early 18th century and still remains an educational asset to students today.
"You are able to get to know new people while knowing yourself better," Summerfield said. "A study abroad is an experience that will leave an indelible mark on the heart and in the mind of a student for a long time."
The ability to study abroad is made easier by the Auburn Abroad program. Its website offers 70 faculty-led programs and a connection to more than 10,000 off campus programs. It helps send about 1,000 Auburn students abroad every year, with the most popular sites being the United Kingdom, Spain and France.
Students are able to study abroad through Auburn's program or through other affiliates off campus. Even though they would be going through another program, students could still earn their 12 full-time student hours for Auburn.
Although studying abroad can be a great experience, it often comes with high expenses. However, there are ways for students to help pay for the trip and various expenses.
Charles Markle, manager of Financial Aid Services at Auburn, said there are a number of options that students can take in order to study abroad.
"Obviously, the cost of the trip abroad would depend on the location and length of stay," Markle said. "However, students can use whatever is available to them whether it be financial aid, loans or even scholarships to help with the costs of traveling overseas."
Markle also said students who were going to school through the P.A.C.T. program could use those funds to pay for studying abroad.
Alison Norby, junior in hotel and restaurant management, said though costly, a study abroad is an experience that shouldn't be missed.
"I honestly think it's something that every student needs to do if given the opportunity," Norby said. "You meet a wide variety of people and get to really see all parts of a city."
Norby and her study-abroad group backpacked through Europe, starting in Ireland and ending in Italy.
"Studying abroad is expensive," Norby said. "But to me, it was well worth it. I saved up my money and made it happen. It was absolutely amazing."
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