Students to embark on educational adventure

As the semester draws to a close, senior Erin Smith prepares to embark on the educational adventure. This February, Smith will leave Cal State Long Beach to spend a semester studying abroad at the University of Wales.

"Every time I think about it, I get nervous, but at the same time, excited," Smith said.

Smith is one of 100 CSULB students who will spend next semester studying abroad. The students study either as part of a year-long program or as a semester exchange, according to Allison Murray, student assistant for the Study Abroad office.

About 25 students including Smith, will be participating in semester exchanges this spring. These exchanges involve universities trading students to participate in their programs. While Smith studies exercise science in Wales, CSULB will receive a student for the physical education department.

Another seven students will study with the California State University London Semester program, said Murray. London Semester is a program held in conjunction with Cal State Fullerton, San Diego State, and San Francisco State. Students from these campuses are taught in London by CSU professors.

London Semester is one of the many programs offered by the Study Abroad Office located in SS/AD 201. The office assists students in finding a program to fit their academic interests in locations around the world.

Although western European countries are usually a favorite, according to Murray, the most popular study abroad country is Spain because of the language. Opportunities for study abroad were recently added in Argentina and Cambodia.

Study Abroad also stays in contact with students while they are overseas. They send student newspapers and keep them informed on what is happening back home while they are away, said Murray.

Murray recently returned from studying at the University of Wollongong in Australia. Studying abroad gave Murray "a greater respect for different cultures and people."