After getting their passports ready, packing their bags and saying their goodbyes, students travel abroad for what is expected to be an educational as well as an enriching cultural experience.
The study abroad program at UB offers numerous countries for students to choose from as well as affordable prices and the opportunity to earn credits.
Sandra Flash, director of the study abroad program, says that the decision to study abroad should not be based solely on cost, and for some, the fear that it will delay the graduation process.
"Two preconceived myths that students have about studying abroad is that they can't afford it and that it will delay their graduation; both are not true," said Flash.
She said that financial aid can be applied to study abroad programs and 80 percent of UB students that study abroad do fulfill their requirements as well as gain the most rewarding experience of their life.
For some, the rewarding part came from simply bizarre experiences, things that could never be taught in a classroom setting.
"When I was swimming with the seals, I was told not to pee because it would attract male seals and they would hump my leg," said Todd Reeves, a junior psychology major, who studied abroad at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia for the Spring '05 semester.
Getting a break from the routine of being in school is not all that studying abroad offers. But Dr. Flash says that the study abroad experience should be a unique way to gain an education while learning the culture and customs of a different country.
"Students should not look at this as an opportunity to take time off, but to enrich their lives while making timely progress with their education," said Flash.
For Reeves, a language barrier did not affect his decision to study in Australia. Instead, it was based on taking advantage of an opportunity before it was too late.
"I didn't care about a different language; I just wanted to go somewhere that I didn't think I'd be able to visit once I was out of college," said Reeves.
For other students, the decision to study abroad was based on the interest in a foreign language.
"I really wasn't shopping around for a place to study. I knew I wanted to study French and that's what I did," said Patrick Clemons, a senior political science major, who studied abroad in France with hopes of putting his knowledge of French to use.
Reeves also stated that after studying abroad, his study habits changed from being hardworking to skipping classes in Australia. However, he did not regret missing class because he was able to absorb the local culture.
"I went from being an extremely diligent student to not going to class because it was raining out. I wish that I had worked harder, but I don't regret slacking a little - because I had an incredible time," said Reeves.
Like Reeves, Jennifer Gutai is a senior political science major and also chose to study abroad at the Monash University in Spring of '05. For Gutai though, the opportunity was a great way for her to combine her passion for traveling and her education.
"I love to travel but I couldn't figure out a way to incorporate both school and travel into my life, so when I looked into studying abroad, it was an easy decision," said Gutai.
Although financial aid did support some of his travels, Reeves recommends that students studying abroad be prepared to spend more money compared to the cost of living at UB for the semester.
"The $2,000 flight wasn't included, and I probably spent $5000 when I was there, just for living and entertainment expenses. But it was worth it because you can't get that kind of education from sitting in a classroom," said Reeves.
In the case that UB does not offer a particular study abroad program, Dr. Flash explains that UB works with all of the SUNY schools. Collectively, there are more than 400 programs in more than 50 countries to consider.
Reeves said, "If you're passive and withdrawn, quiet and collected, unwilling to take risks and throw caution to the wind, spend your semester in Ellicott, where you'll be safe from the rest of the world."
