Oh, the places Toreros go

USD staff and students offer advice on the study abroad experience

Jennifer Mossuto | Feature Editor | The USD Vista

Although San Diego is a travel destination in itself, that does not stop college students from jumping on the opportunity to study abroad. According to the Institute of International Education, in 2017 the University of San Diego’s study abroad program ranked No. 2 nationally for undergraduate study abroad participation. USD’s programs include 30 assorted countries and 80 diverse programs for students of all interests. From Argentina to Morocco or Uruguay, the variety of opportunities and adventures are endless.

Junior, Claire Mulcahy, is a New Zealand second year experience (SYE) alumna.

“My favorite memory about being abroad was the freedom to go and do fun things,” Mulcahy said. “Obviously we had to go to class, but after our class in the morning, we were free to spend the rest of the day and our days off however we wanted to. It was all about us exploring the country.” 

Melody Day, a second semester sophomore, is currently working in the International Center as a study abroad intern. She is also a St. Clare’s Oxford study abroad alumna.

“We often get asked, ‘What programs do you have?’ and ‘How do you study abroad?’ We usually give them a flyer with the full list of semester and short-term programs and then direct them to go to a Study Abroad 101 session, where we answer the other questions most students have,” Day said. 

USD’s International Center encourages and helps students prepare to go abroad. This includes pre-departure orientations, helping students receive passports and visas, providing students with a packing list, as well as information of arrival, international insurance, and airfare. USD also offers scholarships for study abroad and helps students find outside scholarships to help fund their excursion. 

Junior, Summer Anderson, is a Florence SYE alumna and agreed that the International Center helped her and other students with anything they needed for study abroad. 

“The meetings were definitely helpful, especially the ones we had when we actually got to Florence,” Anderson said. “The staff went over some common phrases and tips about finding the best places to eat.” 

One of the most enticing parts of studying abroad is the flexibility. Students can go in the fall, intersession, spring, or summer. With so many options, it can be difficult to decide when the best time to go abroad may be.

“For semester programs, most students tend to go in the fall of their sophomore year or junior year, but as long as the student has 45 units, he or she is able to go at any time; however, we recommend that you save a few core classes to take while abroad, as major-specific classes may be more difficult to find at a partner institution,” Day said. “For short-term programs, including intersession and summer, any time is a good time. Each program may have different application requirements, however as long as prospective applicants meet the basic eligibility requirements, the chance of acceptance is very high.” 

Some of the most popular study abroad programs are Semester at Sea, Madrid, Prague, and Rome. During Semester at Sea, students live on a charming 600 passenger  cruise ship while traveling to at least 12-14 different ports, making it desirable to students who want to see as much as possible in a limited amount of time. Semester at Sea, as well as all semester-long programs, last about three months, fulfilling either the fall or spring semester. While traveling from one country to another, students continue to take courses aboard the ship to earn credits for that semester.

In 2014, USD created an international location in Madrid, Spain. This center offers undergraduate courses to students abroad in Madrid, as well as a home away from home. The Madrid program offers classes in English and a home-stay opportunity where students live with families and immerse themselves in the home life and culture of Spain. As for student life, Madrid is known for its tasty tapas, and afternoon siestas. During the spring semester excursion, students are taken on a tour of Paris for three incredible days. 

Another popular study abroad program, as mentioned previously, is SYE, where sophomores go to another country for several weeks over the intersession before spring semester. Students can go to the city of Florence, Italy or Auckland, New Zealand. Many students take advantage of this invaluable opportunity to visit interesting places, try different activities, and spend time with friends in their year. While in their new country, they also partake in one three-unit course that will fulfill a curriculum requirement. 

“My advice for Florence is to pack lots of warm clothing and to try anything and everything that you wouldn’t normally do,” Anderson said. “My favorite memory is when my friends and I took the train to Lucca where we rode a bike that seated three. We biked around the city and we looked absolutely ridiculous! It was hilarious to us and the locals.”

Mulcahy also shared some advice in regards to her time on SYE.  

“My one piece of advice to a student going abroad would be to use each and every moment you can to explore and do fun things,” Mulcahy said. “SYE is only a three week program, so you only have so many days to go out and explore. I would say take every moment you possibly can. One or two chill days won’t kill you, but there is so much to see and experience that you want to take every opportunity to find your new favorite restaurant or a cool waterfall hike or an awesome museum. Go out and explore.”

Junior, Lauren Bergmark, gave one honest piece of advice for all interested study abroad students. 

“Come in with an open mind and a good pair of walking shoes,” Bergmark said. 

USD students have many options when planning their trip abroad. The International Center is located in Serra Hall 201 and is available to answer any questions concerning students’  travels.