Letters
from System Officials
From the Board of Regents Office of International Education
Dear
Student:
The
twenty-first century requires international skills and competencies to
navigate the complexities of an interdependent world. Studying abroad is
one of the most effective ways to acquire that global awareness. Living
in another country; learning from its culture, language, and customs;
finding similarities and differences between Georgia and your host
location - all this and more is part of the experience that will change
the way you see the world, and yourself.
Studying
abroad is one of the best investments you can make in your college
education and future career. Whatever your major - from arts to
engineering - the value of your college degree will increase, when it is
complemented with an international perspective.
Recognizing
the importance of studying abroad, University System of Georgia
institutions - through their presidents - have committed funds for study
abroad scholarships. These institutional funds are matched at the
University System level through generous donations from The American
Institute for Foreign Study Foundation, The Coca-Cola Foundation, and
other corporate sponsors and individual donors. Last year, over 350 of
the 3400 Georgia students who studied abroad received one of these
awards. Application
information can be found in this catalog.
Good
luck on your quest to study abroad. It is a journey well worth the
challenges of the process. You will reap the rewards of the experience
for many years to come.
With
best wishes,
Dr. Richard C. Sutton
Director of International Programs
University System of Georgia Board of Regents
Letter from a Student
To
my fellow students considering studying abroad:
The
question is not, "Will you be able to study abroad?" but
"Are you willing?" Are you willing to step out of the familiar
and step into the foreign? There is a lot more going on in the world
around us than most of us know. Although we like to think that our state
of Georgia or the United States has it all, our surroundings are just a
part of the big picture. This world is like a beautiful portrait painted
for us to enjoy, but many times we limit ourselves to seeing just a
small part of the artwork. When will our eyes be open to the big
picture?
Did
you know that YOU have an opportunity to see another part of the world
as a student? Well, you do - studying abroad is one way to encounter
many different and diverse people, cultures, and lands.
Through
my experience studying abroad in Vigo, Spain for a year, I learned many
new things. And at times the lessons were hard, but in the end I gained
insight from even the toughest times there. Traveling on vacation time,
I would always say, "I am taking a picture in my mind!" so
that I would never forget the experiences.
Studying
abroad as a foreign exchange student will definitely broaden your view
of the world and enhance your career and studies throughout your college
years. I surely have benefited from the experience and you can too!
Laurie Nelson
Spanish Major, Valdosta State University
Studied in Spain through the USG ISEP Program
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