Like many opportunities at Pacific, studying abroad is definitely one that should be taken advantage of. Studying abroad is a personally enriching experience, where students can gain self-confidence, international communication skills and language skills. It is also a potential way to get a leg up on employment opportunities according to Director of International Programs Steven Prag who said that these programs reflect Pacific’s view of global community.
There are currently 26 available locations for students to travel to, with a couple more opportunities possibly arriving in the near future. These 26 destinations provide plenty of opportunity for students of all majors. Some of the more popular destinations for Pacific students include Spain, the U.K., Japan and Australia, where 8 to 10 students have been traveling for the past couple of years.
Prag highly recommended to prepare efficiently for studying abroad by learning everything you can about the country you will be traveling to prior to leaving the country. Attending orientations, reading books and newspapers, along with other sources are “absolutely vital” to guarantee general health and safety while students are studying abroad.
In addition, if students are planning on studying language while abroad, it is required to complete the 202 level of the language before traveling abroad.
Prag said that it is never too early to consider studying abroad, especially for those majoring in the sciences, and he recommended to start looking into it freshman year.
In order to be considered for a study abroad program, you must first set up an advising appointment. These can be set up by emailing intlprograms@pacificu.edu. After the advising appointment, students must submit an Intent to Study Abroad form. The deadline for these forms to be turned in is Nov. 26 and the deadline for applications is Feb. 8, 2013. All of these forms should be turned in to the International Programs Office in Scott Hall. To see all of the possible destinations and programs, along with more information on the application process, visit the International Program’s study abroad page at pacificu.edu/as/intlprograms/studyabroad.cfm.
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