International Affairs Scholars: Academic Event Reflection, Study Abroad Expo

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the Study Abroad Expo: an informative and engaging event that provided me with useful information regarding the study abroad possibilities here at OSU. This event was on September 4th, 2018 in the Ohio Union, and fulfilled the Academic Event requirement.

Fitting the theme of International Affairs, the Study Abroad Expo presented a wide variety of ways I can fit studying abroad into my educational experience here at The Ohio State University. Representatives from different programs, as well as various partner schools set up booths where we could inquire about said programs.

As a student in The Fisher School of Business, I learned about a few programs that sounded particularly interesting. There are freshman global labs, one of which takes place in Hamburg, Germany, where I would receive the equivalent in credits for BSML 3380: Logistics; a 1.5 credit hour class.

I have also chosen to pursue a minor in Spanish, and there are extensive and myriad of possibilities in this track. Countries include Spain and various other South American countries such as Ecuador or Chile. There are summer options, as well as exchanges and semesters abroad.

One qualm I have with the Study Abroad options is the lack of crossover available. As a business major with a minor in foreign language, it would behoove me to have options to cover some of my bases for both majors during a semester abroad, as to not fall behind with credits for my major whilst also fulfilling requirements for my minor. Due to some restrictions with Fisher, however, there isn’t a lot of room for this double dipping, so to speak.

My ideal study abroad trip would be to Chile, where I could take classes in Spanish that both fulfill Business requirements as well as Spanish requirements. I would take courses that would fit under the culture categories for a Spanish minor, as well as the courses offered by Fisher at that particular University. I have an inclination towards Chile because a dear friend of mine is from Santiago, and when I was learning Spanish she was instrumental in teaching me. I enjoy the accent, understand it with ease, and have even picked up a few of the colloquialisms.

Studying abroad is particularly helpful in the professional world, as it broadens your experience and expands your worldview to make a well balanced student and future employee. As a student immersing myself in the study abroad experience, my goals would be to absorb as much of the culture as I could whilst in another country. The enriching part of studying abroad is learning more of people that are different than I, and stepping out of my comfort zone. Having studied abroad before, I feel that I would be fairly comfortable and adjust quickly, but there are always exceptions to this depending on circumstances.

Overall, I am excited about the study abroad opportunities here at OSU. I believe studying abroad will be an important part of my educational experience here, and I cannot wait to see the possibilities that await.