Students from all academic and personal backgrounds gathered on Monday afternoon to explore study abroad possibilities. Drake’s study abroad program offers students opportunities to travel to over 70 countries through more than 300 unique programs.
Jen Hogan, director of study abroad programs, encourages Drake students to go abroad because it is a “great opportunity to stretch their comfort zones academically, personally and professionally.”
Jordan Payne, a sophomore international relations and sociology double major, hopes to travel to Chile during the second semester of her junior year. Payne is interested in learning more about Chile’s political system, but overall is most excited about “breaking from the norm.”
“I’m a sociology buff and want to break out so I can clearly see our own society,” Payne said. “It’s impossible to really see it from the inside.”
Danielle Hefferan, junior environmental science and policy double major, spent last semester working and studying in the Galapagos through the International Partnership for Service-Learning program, which allows students to participate in a volunteer internship on top of taking classes.
Hefferan was able to take classes in both biology and politics while abroad, which correlated with her fields of study. She said her favorite part of her trip had to do with IPSL’s unique volunteer internship. In general, Hefferan thinks students should study abroad to live outside their comfort zones.
“(Students) learn how culture works and interact with people from around the world, including the kids from America in your group as well as people you meet while abroad,” she said. “Going makes life a lot more interesting. There is so much more outside our little bubble.”
Payne found the study abroad fair helpful.
“There was tons of information and lots of opportunities I didn’t know were there, like volunteer work and internships,” she said. “There was a wide range of good information to help students make educated decisions.”
Payne also thinks students should utilize all the help Drake provides for students wanting to study abroad.
“Jen Hogan is fantastic,” Payne said. “She helps so much and is genuinely excited about your chance. Plus she’s truthful about costs and makes sure you can go.”
Hogan hoped students would come to the study abroad fair and realize that there are “tons of possibilities.”
“Regardless of your finances or major, study abroad is a possibility,” Hogan said
