Study Abroad Stories

In this episode, we switch things up a bit by interviewing Olivia Tursi, a licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with both the Calandra Institute and the Counseling Center at Queens College.

As the title of this episode implies, we discuss the positive mental effects of studying abroad, as well as different tips, advice, and coping mechanisms for dealing with difficult moments abroad, such as homesickness, loneliness, anxiety, etc.

What Was Discussed:

PART I: Positive Mental Effects of Studying Abroad

-The General Positive Effects of Studying Abroad

-The importance and benefits of stepping out of your comfort zone

-Why personal development occurs at an accelerated rate abroad

-The connection between being in a new environment and gaining more independence and maturity

-What experiential learning is and its benefits

PART II: Coping with Difficult Moments Abroad

-Culture Shock and tips for adjusting to a new environment

-Tips for coping with home-sickness and low days- how to improve your mood

-Coping with loneliness and making new friends abroad

-Eliminating negative thinking and fostering self-love in difficult situations

-Anxiety, recognizing triggers, and calming oneself down

-The importance of having a routine abroad

-Reverse culture shock and how to overcome it

-Closing Thoughts. Olivia’s advice for students who are about to embark on this journey

Queens College Counseling Services:

https://www.qc.cuny.edu/studentlife/services/counseling/counseling/pages/default.aspx

Our Website: www.qc.cuny.edu/studyabroad

Instagram: @QCTravels

In this solo-episode, you will find out why you should study abroad before your last semester of college—unless you are okay with pushing back your graduation.

Find our Summer, Winter, Semester/Yearlong & NSE Programs here:

www.qc.cuny.edu/studyabroad

Instagram: @QCTravels

In this episode, you will hear an interview with Jessica, a Queens College Student who studied abroad in Amsterdam through City College’s VU University Exchange Program.

Jessica will reflect on how studying abroad made her fearless, the amazing friendships that she developed with people from all over the world, how she came back to NY ready to take on the world, with more direction in her life, and more!

WHAT WE DISCUSSED:

-Why Study Abroad?

-Why the Netherlands? 

-Studying Abroad through a Non-Queens College Program

-Scholarships & Money Tips

-Classes & Assignments

-Culture Shock

-Friendship Abroad vs. At Home

-Tips for making friends

-Her travels

-Her favorite thing about studying abroad

-How she grew through her time abroad

-Her advice to YOU

-And more…

How to apply to NON-QC Programs here:

https://www.qc.cuny.edu/Academics/GlobalEd/StudyAbroad/Pages/Studying-Abroad-through-a-NON-QC-Program.aspx

City College’s Semester Programs:

https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/studyabroad/ccny-semester-programs-abroad

Our Website:

www.qc.cuny.edu/studyabroad

Instagram: @QCTravels

This is a very different kind of episode. The audio in this episode was extracted from a video we recorded pre-COVID for international exchange students who are interested in studying abroad at Queens College.

You will hear what studying in NY is like from the eyes of international exchange students from Barcelona, Spain and Lisbon, Portugal.

Tune in to hear about what these students think about New Yorkers, culture shock that they experienced, how studying abroad impacted their lives, and more!

WHAT WE DISCUSSED:

-Their thoughts about New York and Queens College

-Their biggest culture shock

-The difference between the American school system and their school systems

-Their relationship with other exchange students and with QC students

-Stereotypes of Americans/New Yorkers before coming here

-Their favorite exchange student event  

-Their favorite memory from their time here

-How they grew from their time in NY

-And more!

Our Website: www.qc.cuny.edu/studyabroad

Instagram: @QCTravels

Have you ever wondered what the difference between Semester Study Abroad and Semester Exchange Programs is? 

In this episode, this difference will be clarified, and you will be informed about your different options for studying abroad for a semester/year (Queens College Programs vs. CUNY Programs vs. NON-CUNY Programs).

Table: Semester Exchanges vs. Study Abroad: https://www.qc.cuny.edu/Academics/GlobalEd/StudyAbroad/Pages/Exchange%20vs.%20Study%20Abroad.aspx

Find out about our QC Semester/Yearlong Programs here:

https://www.qc.cuny.edu/Academics/GlobalEd/StudyAbroad/Pages/Semester-Yearlong-Programs.aspx

Find out about how to apply to NON-QC Programs here:

https://www.qc.cuny.edu/Academics/GlobalEd/StudyAbroad/Pages/Studying-Abroad-through-a-NON-QC-Program.aspx

Our website: www.qc.cuny.edu/studyabroad

Instagram: @QCTravels

One of the most common questions that students ask is “Can I take major classes abroad?” In this episode, I will discuss the different factors that contribute to answering this question, and let you know why we strongly suggest that you take electives abroad.

Find out Summer, Winter, Semester/Yearlong & NSE Programs here:

www.qc.cuny.edu/studyabroad

National Student Exchange: www.nse.org

Instagram: @QCTravels

This is part two of our interview with Melissa, a Queens College Alumna who studied abroad at Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, Spain.

In this episode, we delve deeper into more specific information about Universitat Pompeu Fabra. Learn about the ideal location of this campus, which is close to both a popular beach and park, the unique architecture of Barcelona, taking advantage of orientation to make friends, choosing classes, and more!

WHAT WE DISCUSSED

-The location of Universitat Pompeu Fabra

-Getting around Barcelona

-Language Learning Tips

-Catalan

-Different Housing Options

-Cafeterias on Campus

-What orientation was like

-Events for Study Abroad Students

-Student Clubs

-Choosing Classes

-And more…

Our Exchange Program in Spain:

https://www.qc.cuny.edu/Academics/GlobalEd/StudyAbroad/Pages/UPF-Page.aspx

Our Website:

www.qc.cuny.edu/studyabroad

Instagram: @QCTravels

In this episode, you will hear an interview with Melissa, a Queens College Alumna who studied abroad at Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, Spain.

Melissa will reminisce on her adventures and discuss the lasting impact of studying abroad, how studying abroad made her grow and impacted her career, the importance of being present and grateful, why you should to travel within the country in which you are studying, and more!

WHAT WE DISCUSSED

-Why Study Abroad?

-Why Spain?

-How Melissa chose the length of her stay

-Scholarships & Money Tips 

-Classes & Teaching Style

-The importance of planning ahead

-Culture Shock

-Friendship Abroad vs. At Home

-Tips for making friends abroad

-Melissa’s travels

-Her favorite thing about studying abroad

-How she grew through her time abroad

-How studying abroad has affected her studies/career

-Things she wishes she would have done

-Her advice to YOU

-And more…

Our Exchange Program in Spain:

https://www.qc.cuny.edu/Academics/GlobalEd/StudyAbroad/Pages/UPF-Page.aspx

Our Website:

www.qc.cuny.edu/studyabroad

Instagram: @QCTravels

I had the pleasure of interviewing very special guest in today’s episode: Dr. Karen Sullivan, a French Professor at Queens College, and Former Diplomat. 

Professor Sullivan will give you tips on how to learn a foreign language effectively, how to enter into the field of Diplomacy, how to leverage your study abroad experiences for your career, and more!

[Please note our new posting schedule: New Episodes Every Other Week]

WHAT WE DISCUSSED

-The importance of majoring/minoring in a language

-The benefits of participating in Student Clubs and holding leadership positions

-Professor Sullivan’s Educational & Study Abroad Background and how they impacted her life-path

-Advice about entering into Diplomacy

-Our programs in Francophone Countries

-How students grow from studying abroad

-How students can leverage study abroad in job interviews

-The power of networking

-Language learning tips

-And more!

Find out more about the French Major/Minor here:

https://www.qc.cuny.edu/Academics/Degrees/DAH/ell/French/Pages/default.aspx

Discover the following Study Abroad Programs:

Summer: French Language and Culture in Paris

(Summer 2021 In-Person Study Abroad CANCELLED)

https://www.qc.cuny.edu/Academics/GlobalEd/StudyAbroad/Pages/Frenchlangcult.aspx

Semester/Yearlong: CUNY-Paris Exchange:

https://www.qc.cuny.edu/Academics/GlobalEd/StudyAbroad/Pages/CUNYParisExchange.aspx

Canada: National Student Exchange:

https://www.qc.cuny.edu/Academics/GlobalEd/StudyAbroad/Pages/NSE.aspx

Our Website:

www.qc.cuny.edu/studyabroad

Instagram: @QCTravels

In this episode, I interview Niara, a student who participated in our Virtual Winter Study Abroad Program: Beginning Korean Language 1.

She discusses what she learned about herself through this program, how it allowed her to connect with people from all over the world, how it inspired her future travels, and more!

This Summer 2021, we are offering Virtual Study Abroad Programs via German & South Korean Universities:

https://www.qc.cuny.edu/Academics/GlobalEd/StudyAbroad/Pages/Summer2021VirtualStudyAbroadPrograms.aspx

*Deadline: May 7th, 2021*

What we discussed:

-Why Niara chose to participate in a Virtual Study Abroad Program

-Virtual Winter Study Abroad Courses vs. Queens College Winter Classes

-The format of the class, the activities & assignments

-The benefits of participating in a Virtual Study Abroad Program

-The insights she gained about the Korean Culture through this course

-Communicating & connecting with peers

-What Niara learned about herself by taking this program

-How this inspired her to travel to South Korea

-Advice for students who are considering participating in a Virtual Program

-And more...

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Why Participate in a Virtual Summer Program?

• Learn from international experts.

• Network and collaborate with international professors and students from all over the world.

• Gain international experience & new analytical and critical-thinking skills.

• Navigate cross-cultural environments which might be a necessity in your future professional life.

• Increase marketability on your resume.

• Learn more about the culture of the country through which the program is being offered.

• Become inspired to travel in the future.

• Enroll in courses that might not be offered at Queens College, while saving money (Virtual Study Abroad is cheaper than in-person study abroad).

• Etc.

https://www.qc.cuny.edu/Academics/GlobalEd/StudyAbroad/Pages/Summer2021VirtualStudyAbroadPrograms.aspx

You can discover our Queens College’s Study Abroad Offerings at www.qc.cuny.edu/studyabroad

Instagram: @QCTravels

https://www.instagram.com/qctravels/