Participate in a Life Changing Experience

A study abroad experience can be life changing. The College of Business offers study abroad opportunities every summer with the possibility of earning course credit and traveling to a different country. The Institute for the International Education of Students (IES) surveyed 3,400 students that had participated in study abroad programs and here is what they found:

There are many benefits to participating in the COB study abroad program. For example, students often cite, personal growth as one of the most important benefits. In particular, personal growth benefits range from increased self-confidence and independence, long lasting friendships, and a higher tolerance for ambiguity. After taking several groups of students I can attest to the fact that long lasting friendships are always created on these trips. Many students join these trips without knowing another person but they always leave with a group of friends that last many years. In fact, it is common for groups to get together often after the trip to catch up and relive some of the great memories.  Increased self-confidence and independence is another benefit I mentioned. After spending two weeks in a foreign country navigating public transportation, language differences, currency exchanges, etc. students often feel they can accomplish anything!

Some of the most important benefits involve educational and career goals. Participating in the COB study abroad program can lead to fellowships and internships in the future. We visit universities and foreign businesses. These contacts have led to future opportunities for students. They also influence education and career decisions. Perhaps you will decide to continue your education based on something you learned while abroad, or perhaps you will seek career opportunities with a global company. Meeting business men and women and professors provides you with the ability to increase your network as well as the opportunities you have in the future.

There are also intercultural development benefits from studying abroad. Students often leave with a better understanding, not only of the country we visited but their own country as well. Study abroad often provides the student with a more sophisticated view of the world by understanding the differences and similarities between cultures. Many times, while visiting a foreign country, our perceptions and habits are tested and even changed.

As I stated above, there are many benefits to participating in the COB study abroad program. I have included just a few. Please, join us one summer for a life changing experience!

For more information about Summer 2015 Study Abroad: http://www.ecu.edu/cs-bus/studyabroad/index.cfm

-Dr. Amy McMillan, Associate Professor, Management

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