Center encourages studying abroad

By Jeanine Cardullo, On-Line Forty-Niner

Wednesday, September 16, 1998

Every year American students throughout the United States pack up and ship off in search of adventure - and education. Cal State Long Beach's Center for International Education wants to help students do just that.

According to the CIE, there are many benefits of living and studying in a foreign country.

A study abroad experience can enhance a student's education by widening one's perspective of the world. Programs abroad also help to build a resume, distinguishing one student's background from the rest, CIE said.

"Anyone can grab their credit card and go to Paris tomorrow," said Cecilia Fidora, coordinator at the CIE. "But with study abroad you can stay for an extended time, and not be a tourist be-bopping through 10 countries in three weeks."

The International Programs is a systemwide program of the CSU for overseas study. Participants have 17 different countries to choose from, and each year-long program offers coursework for CSU resident credit.

CSULB has its own direct exchange programs for fall or spring semesters in nine countries.

The number of countries to choose from is extensive; from Australia to Zimbabwe, Italy to Taiwan. But if a student does not see a program from the CSU system that fits his or her needs, the CIE will work with the student to find an alternative, Fidora said.

In most cases, financial aid will apply to an overseas program. Also, many U.S.-based programs outside of the CSU system offer coursework that is translatable to credit in the Cal State system.

Students should be aware of differing program requirements when researching a study abroad program. According to the CIE, some programs require a specific GPA and upper division status. Individual programs may also have language prerequisites.

A Study Abroad Fair, hosted by the CIE, will take place Oct. 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the CSULB Friendship Walk. A variety of program coordinators will be on hand to answer students' questions.

"Don't give up," Fidora said. "If after the fair you're still not sure, make an individual appointment at the Study Abroad office. It's very rarely that requests can't be met."