Students looking for an alternative to the regular classroom setting and a fulfilling life-changing experience should sign up for the study abroad programs TCC offers.
“The benefits of these study abroad trips for students are numerous,” said, Jamie Palmer, the director of Spanish In Mexico.
Study abroad programs give students a fun and interesting learning experience while earning college credits. TCC offers a variety of study abroad programs in subjects such as history, foreign languages, English/literature and even photography.
Besides earning credits, students can get a lot more out of their experience. NW Professor Alejandro Garza believes it is a wonderful opportunity for students who would like to develop an international perspective.
“I strongly recommend studying abroad for anyone who wants to be globally marketable,” Garza said. “The best way for any student to be globally aware is by living and studying in a foreign country.”
Study abroad programs are offered throughout the year, during summer and spring break. It is a great opportunity for students.
During time spent in a foreign country, students will earn credits for class while expanding their worldview.
Students not only travel but learn a language and/or develop skills that cannot be taught in a normal classroom setting.
“I got a lot out of the experience that I couldn’t get if I read it out of a book, sitting in a classroom or by someone just telling me about how citizens in Mexico live,” former TCC student Janessa Richardson said.
Another TCC student who took advantage of studying abroad, Nikki Pagdanganan had a fulfilling experience and enjoyed his stay in Salzburg, Austria. He received credits for world literature and technical writing.
“There’s an entire world outside of the U.S., and I believe it’s important to recognize that,” Pagdanganan said. “I most definitely encourage students to study abroad.”
Pagdanganan will be taking advantage of his second study abroad program when he travels to Costa Rica with Garza this summer.
For students looking for a quick alternative to a long year of Spanish, study abroad programs would be helpful.
By going to Mexico for five weeks over the summer, a student can earn college credits in two Spanish classes. That means two long semesters could be completed in five fast weeks.
“I can’t overemphasize the advantages, and I would definitely recommend it to all,” Palmer said.
