Study Abroad

This is Edward, a student worker in the Public Response unit.  Summer at UCLA is filled with an interesting mix of people – including many prospective students and their families touring the campus, people taking summer session courses, and visitors from various camps and programs roaming the school.  But many UCLA students, including myself, take the break to travel the world and go abroad.  Studying abroad is a very popular option at UCLA and we have three different programs: the Education Abroad Program (EAP), Travel Study, and Quarter Abroad.

I participated in Travel Study, enrolling in the Spanish Language and Culture program.  I spent 6 weeks in Spain and during the course of my adventure abroad I saw Madrid, Toledo, Granada, Seville, and Barcelona.  If you are ever in Andalucía (the autonomous Southern region of Spain), you must visit The Alhambra—it’s amazing. Also known as “The Red Fortress,” it is a palace/fortress complex built by Moorish rulers in the 14th Century; today it is one of Granada’s major attractions.

The temperatures reached up to 40 degrees Celsius (or 104 degrees Fahrenheit), but we were exposed to so many beautiful historical sights and places and met and interacted with tons of interesting and new people. I even found out that some people from my program were also student workers in Admissions’ systems unit!

What is cool about Travel Study is that you get to take classes too. I enrolled in an intensive Spanish language program that covered Spanish 2 and 3 in just four weeks, thus fulfilling my foreign language requirement.  I'm the "busy-bee" type, so it was neat to be able to sort of take a vacation, but still be productive. Also, where better to sharpen my Spanish skills then in Spain?

A lot of my friends also had their own travel experiences away from Westwood.  While I was in Spain, other people I know studied Italian in Florence, did research with a professor in Greenland, worked for the U.S. consulate in Thailand, and interned at the Associated Press in New York City.  UCLA offers its students a variety of different options so you can spend part of your summer abroad, or spend the quarter (or even a whole school year) studying in a different country.  Often times, the cost of the program is comparable to the normal cost of attending UCLA and the classes are guaranteed to transfer as credit.  Students are also eligible for financial aid.  Most college students agree: going abroad is one of the most unique and memorable parts of their four years in school.  For more information on the different study abroad options, visit the UCLA International Education Office at www.ieo.ucla.edu.

Comments

[Study in New Zealand]

Thank you for sharing your experience. And It inspires a lot of people who would like to study abroad. Keep it up!

[Brent Elliot]

Travel study looks fantastic aside from you take up classes there is the chance to walk around. That's awesome. I really wanna go and take study abroad in Spain. It will be a great opportunity.

[Jessica]

Studying abroad is always a fascinating experience as you get to meet different people, different cultures. UCLA deserves to be amongst the top US educational institute.

[James Bourne]

I think there are more benefits in studying abroad like you did.

[Tommie Jakis]

It is so important to travel abroad during your time at UCLA. I was able to take a history class in Ireland a few years back. There is really no excuse, especially since they offer financial aid for most programs. I talked to Andy and he gave me all the info I needed. One of the best decisions you will ever make. Are you going again Edward?

[Ron Tigayoma]

Hi Edward,

This was a really great post. Thanks for sharing your adventures abroad. It makes me want to pack up and go!

-Ron

[No Fax Payday Loans - David]

I observed that you had fun with the activity.

Studying in other countries would be exciting. You will meet students from different countries. You will mingle with them. You can have enjoyment and learning as well.

However, it is costly also. A better financial plan is needed to cover budget for the entire school year and duration of the sad studies.

[Mortgage Loan Gopal]

Nice post. We have learned too many exciting things from your post. It is very helpful to those who wants to go abroad for study.

[whlooi]

Thank you for this wonderful sharing, there's no doubt that one can achieve more if able to travel abroad to study and enjoy the local cultures.

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Good post on study abroad.

[Reverse Mortgage]

I believe that studying abroad brings one of the most memorable and enlightening experiences from the entire college experience. Great posts, keep up the good work!

[sgk]

Nice topic. Great article, thanks.

[indir]

Thank you for sharing your experience. And It inspires a lot of people who would like to study abroad. Keep it up!

[blogname]

That's awesome.

[Site Ekle]

i've read and its realy intersting :/
Thanx for sharing us.

[Emo Resimleri]

Thanks you.

Thanks for sharing!

[John P.]

Very nice job, studying abroad is an awesome experience for those who are lucky enough to be able to do it.

[Angela]

I love to read about people who have studied abroad. I'll be visiting this blog a lot. :)

[Duman]

Thank you.

[Paul Wilson]

I think you are spot on. By giving people the opportunity to study abroad definitely helps broaden their horizons. I wish that I had the opportunity to do so. My eldest son is soon coming over to the States for a year to study.

[Nunan]

Cool post. Travelling abroad really gives a lot of eye-opening opportunities to learn about the different cultures of the world. Thanks for sharing.

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Good post on study abroad.

[jimmg]

I really admire you and your wonderful experience.

[ACCA Global]

Hi Edward:
This was a really great post. Thanks for sharing your adventures abroad.