Seminar
introduces Asian culture
By Yi-Fang Vicky Lin
On-line Forty-Niner
A
study abroad seminar that gave students
background on college education in Asian
countries concluded International Education
Week Thursday at Cal State Long Beach.
Participating students of different ages,
genders, races and majors shared one common
interest: the desire to pursue an educational
experience in Asia.
Faculty members who visited Asian countries
such as China, Taiwan and Japan were invited
to the workshop to talk about cultural differences,
lifestyles and study abroad experiences.
Attendees were given the opportunity to
take a glimpse at the university system
and were given the chance to plan ahead
for a study abroad program.
Study abroad adviser Cecilia Fidora stressed
the importance of the study abroad experience
for students.
“I think the best benefit for any student
going anywhere overseas is that they grow,
they stretch themselves and learn so much
about another culture other than their own,”
she said. “They return more confident, mature
and happier human beings. Everyone should
make this investment for [their] future.”
Among the Asian countries discussed, Taiwan
has the most cost-effective program, totaling
close to $8,778 for one academic year. The
Korea and China programs cost approximately
$10,778 and $11,128, respectively. This
includes tuition, housing and living expenses.
Japan’s program is the most expensive, averaging
about $18,028 per year. Despite the price,
Japan’s program is the most popular among
students, Fidora said.
“Money is usually a big issue, but don’t
give up,” she said.
Students with financial difficulties may
find financial aid to assist in the cost
of studying abroad. One such scholarship
is The Wang Family Scholarship, which offers
$4,000 for qualifying students to study
in China. Other online scholarships are
also obtainable to students who are qualified.
All students at CSULB are eligible to study
abroad as long as they meet certain requirements.
Applicants must be a junior or senior and
must have at least a 3.0 GPA at the time
of the application deadline. The completion
of two college-level courses in language
and culture-related issues are other requirements
for students before applying for the study
abroad program, according to the Center
for International Education Web site.
“The intent of it is that they want you
to have some background so that you are
not just walking in to some countries cold,”
Fidora said.
Eduard Tan, a junior management information
systems major who plans to go on the Japan
study abroad program, said he found the
seminar useful.
“They answered a lot of my questions,” Tan
said. “It [was] very helpful.”
For more information on study abroad programs,
students can contact the study abroad office
at (562) 985-8429.
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