If one has ever dreamt about spending a semester or year in a different state, country, or even continent, stop by the Global Engagement Office on Thurs., Nov. 21 to attend a Study Away Information Meeting. The meeting is located in International Hall 107 and takes place from 3 p.m.-4 p.m. Those running the meeting will answer any and all questions one may have about the study abroad experience.

At Sonoma State University and other Cal States Universities (CSU’s), there are two different programs that give students the chance to study away. California State University International Programs, also known as CSUIP, serves to 23 different CSU campuses and offers a variety of yearlong study abroad programs for both undergraduate and graduate students. The National Student Exchange (NSE), is another program that offers students a semester long experience abroad.

For a lot of people, studying abroad can seem like one big, giant, expense, but it is different for Sonoma State students. Sonoma State students are given the opportunity to use their financial aid in order to pay their abroad university’s tuition. That being said, students are essentially paying the same amount and sometimes less for university abroad as they would for Sonoma State.

“All students should study away because it is a cross-cultural adventure that provides opportunities to receive credit for courses to help them graduate while growing personally and professionally; so it’s an amazing experience that also looks great on a resume,” said Hope Ortiz, the Global Engagement Coordinator at Sonoma State. “Plus, students can use all of their financial aid and it’s often cheaper than staying at SSU! The first step to studying away is to attend an Information Meeting where we will go over all of the basic information you need to consider your options, including requirements, finances, academics, timelines, etc.”

Study abroad alumnis rave about their experience away, especially Sonoma State senior Mackenzie Marconcini. Marconcini shares her experience studying at Kingston University.

“I studied abroad at Kingston University, which is right outside of London. I loved being integrated into their curriculum and being surrounded by local students,” Marconcini said. “Public transportation can get you absolutely anywhere, traveling to other countries was almost too easy, and I met some of my best friends through study abroad! Going to the study abroad meetings before I applied showed me that it’s not as hard or as scary as I originally thought.”

Information meetings are beneficial for students and are only one hour long. These meetings will equip students with all the necessary information that will ultimately help them make smart decisions about where they will travel, what program is right for them, and how long they will travel. Students will learn about the benefits of their journey and about the proper steps to take to make this dream a reality. 

Another study abroad alumni, Tyler James, shares her experience studying abroad in Australia. 

“I studied in Melbourne, Australia which was such a great, life changing experience! It’s such a busy city full of diversity and culture. I got a chance to meet so many people who will now be in my life forever. The growth process I experienced while there was almost unexplainable but I am so thankful I had such an opportunity,” James said. “People should attend the study away info meeting to gain clarity on which study away program is right for their wants and specific situation. There’s lots of valuable information shared in the hour long meeting which will give anyone a better idea of the next steps they should take in regards to studying abroad. I truly think that everyone who has the opportunity to, should take advantage and see the world.”

Info Meetings occur various times a week, so be sure to call the Global Engagement Office (GEO) front desk at (707) 664-2582 to sign up for one before the semester ends.