What do incoming freshman, transfer students, and first semester seniors all have in common? Each of them wants to maximize their college experience. Most Farmingdale students find it convenient to study close to home; however, many miss out on college residential life. The solution: Study Abroad!
Over the last several years Farmingdale students have had the opportunity to study in Italy during the summer months, while completing general education requirements and studying Italian culture. The Academic Advisement and Information Center (AAIC) website lists a number of scholarships, grants, and foreign experiences available to all students and recent graduates. Make your college experience a memorable one by calling The Office of Study Abroad at (631) 420-2479.
10 Reasons to Study Abroad:
1. Learn a Language: Did you take a foreign language while in high school? ¿Hablas español? Parle le francais? Studying abroad will offer you the chance to use those linguistic skills in daily life through cultural immersion.
2. Travel Opportunity: Where in the world will you go? Farmingdale students can study in Italy during the summer months; however, ALL students are welcome to join other SUNY school’s study abroad programs and travel to their destination of choice. Instead of taking a week off of work to travel, why not extend your stay a semester or more?
3. Cultural Exchange: The experience will increasing your understanding of cultural norms in your host country. You’ll acquire strong critical thinking skills as you analyze how things are done abroad, and how they could be adjusted and implemented here at home.
4. Outside the Classroom Experience: Cultivate your knowledge by trading the classroom for a city. As you exploring city streets you’ll apply theoretical comprehension into everyday practicalities, gaining real world experience.
5. Making Friends Around the World: Wouldn’t it be great to go somewhere in the world and have an immediate place to stay? Be it with locals or other students studying at the foreign university, one trip will open the door to other nations and friends around the world.
6. Learn About Yourself: Outside of your comfort zone, the real you—in the raw—will show up. With parents back at home and the freedom to do as you please, you’ll be forced to make your own decisions. Your convictions will be on display allowing you to appreciate your strengths and weaknesses.
7. Break Out of Your Academic Routine: Routines can be frustrating and unsatisfying; no one likes to feel as though life is one pointless circle. Studying abroad will breathe fresh air into your academic routine and prepare you mentally for life after college.
8. Expands World View: Living outside of the U.S. you’ll be able to observe how foreign governments work, and how others view our nation. Your perspective of the U.S. will change as you stand from the outside looking in.
9. Enhance Employment Opportunities: What if you could build up your resume? In today’s competitive workforce, having international experience will be valuable to you and your future employer.
10. Enhance the Value of Your Degree: Studying Abroad will give you hands-on experience, making your degree much more valuable than a certificate.
After your Study Abroad adventure, you’ll never be the same. What are you waiting for? Visit the Study Abroad website and the AAIC scholarship webpage for additional information and funding.