Sam Allen is a multimedia journalist for the Samford News Network.
“Explore. Apply. Go.” These are the words the Samford Abroad website uses to promote their variety of programs, letting students travel the world while gaining necessary college credit. The time to apply for these programs is now; some programs (such as the CAM399 trip to Japan or the SOA200 course to London) have already opened their applications, and spots for these programs are limited.
“The ones for this upcoming cycle in May and summer, every one of them is amazing. Every one of them would be an excellent opportunity for a student,” says Samford Abroad Director Jennifer Lackey. “We try and make sure they all offer gen ed credits if possible, so if you need to do your SOA200 course, we’re offering that in London, and Prague, Germany, and Barcelona, Spain, so there’s just lots of really good opportunities if you need gen ed courses.”
Some students might be anxious about such a serious commitment: studying abroad requires time, money, and operating outside of familiar American culture. However, Lackey assures students there is nothing to worry about.
“It’s for them, that’s the main thing I’d like them to know. No matter their major, or financial situation, we really do try and accommodate every student at Samford so at some point during their career they can get abroad.”
The Samford Abroad trips take a hands-on approach to international learning, giving the students opportunities to live fully immersed in the culture of their destination for the period that they are there. Some trips feature faculty-led discussions on the rich history of these countries, or give the students a chance to practice a foreign language. There are a variety of class credit and lifelong experiences to obtain through these journeys, and Samford student Eli Bowen heavily recommends the chance to study abroad.
“I would say go for it. I was nervous going into it, and I took a leap of faith, and I’m so glad I did. The people I met along the way were so helpful and make you feel comfortable the whole time you’re there, and I”ll never forget my experience,” he says.
For more information on Samford Study Abroad and its programs, click here.
