By Mackenzie Shields

The Study Abroad Fair on Wednesday, Feb. 9 provided an opportunity for interested students to learn more about the experience of traveling internationally.

Nine tables with representatives from SUNY Oswego’s Office of International Education and Programs, CAPA and other SUNY schools lined the Marano Campus Center concourse. Interested students could stop by tables for specific programs or learn more about studying abroad in general.

Oswego offers over 100 different programs for students to take advantage of, Kelsey Gillett, a program coordinator at SUNY Oswego for study abroad programs, said. Gillett said that even if Oswego does not offer a specific location that a student wants to go to, the office will work to find an option for them.

Study abroad programs allow students to earn credits that are applicable to their degrees at Oswego. Programs run in various timeframes, some over a summer, others over a semester and some for an academic year.

Gillett said that two “home-grown Oswego programs,” which visit Barcelona and Paris, are some of the most popular among students studying abroad.

One program that Oswego will be offering in quarter four will visit Munich, Germany. One of its faculty leaders, Ana Djukic-Cocks, said that the focus of the program is on the city itself and elements such as its culture and history. Students can also visit museums and concerts there. Djukic-Cocks said that this is the first time that this program will be taking place in Munich.

Oswego also has a partnership with CAPA, another organization that offers study abroad programs. CAPA offers both online and travel-based programs in Barcelona, Florence, Sydney, Dublin and London, program manager Maggie Ovian, said. Ovian said that these programs provide professional experience.

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented some challenging circumstances for study abroad programs. Ovian said their programs have “seen a lot of ups and downs,” and that when things began to shut down, she feared that it might be the end of study abroad programs, though they have now returned.

CAPA now offers online global internships as a way to safely get some international experience. 

Ovian said that when offering programs, CAPA seeks out countries that have a similar response to the pandemic as the United States. She added that they have “always taken student safety into the forefront of [their] decisions.”

There are some associated challenges with studying abroad. Ovian said that when in a new culture, “it’s a lot to take in at once.” She added that it is important to take things day by day, and to adjust slowly.

Gillett said that another perceived challenge for students is the financial barrier, but added that there are “lots of scholarship opportunities.”

“I think it’s very important that students apply for [scholarships],” said Destiny Crossway, a senior and risk management and insurance major who assists students with the financial side of studying abroad. Financial aid may be available to students as well.

Charlotte Holding, a senior zoology major, studied abroad in Paris. She said that the biggest challenge she faced in her experience was with her flights, which were changed several times due to mechanical issues. Upon arrival, she said she had to adjust to a new language and get to know the city.

The fair also highlighted the benefits of studying abroad. Gillett said that traveling abroad is a “once in a lifetime experience,” and added that these programs provide a unique experience of integration that vacations do not.

Holding said that there were lots of advantages to her experience. “I learned a lot about myself and my confidence in myself grew as I was making my own decisions and relying on my own knowledge to survive the week,” she said.

Ovian said her undergraduate experience abroad in Spain was amazing, and that she sought out further opportunities to travel internationally afterwards.

Holding said that she would recommend studying abroad. “Studying abroad is a wonderful experience and teaches you, not just the course you signed up for, but many deeper things such as self identity, organization, responsibility, and how to follow your instincts,” she said, and added that she would urge students to study in a county where they do not speak the language, as this can build confidence and decision-making skills.

Students interested in studying abroad can contact Oswego’s Office of International Education and Programs at intled@oswego.edu or visit their office in 100 Sheldon Hall. 

Mackenzie Shields | The Oswegonian