Smith
Again Tops in Sending Students Abroad
Smith is once again at the
top of the list among baccalaureate institutions nationally
for sending the largest number of its students abroad for
a full year in 2007-08, as reported by . The 149 Smith students who studied abroad for a year
represents 50 percent of the total number of students who
went abroad, to 42 different countries, in 2007-08.
While faculty and administrators
urge students to consider a study abroad experience, returned
students can best relate its benefits.
So, in their words, here are nine reasons to study abroad from seniors who ventured
outside the United States last year.
Scenes from abroad (click on pictures for enlarged
view).
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“I think this experience was
specifically helpful to my architecture major as I was
able to really experience design and architecture instead
of merely reading about it.” Panchali Ellepola, Copenhagen
“I'm not sure when but at one point
it just clicked and I no longer had to think in English
before I spoke German.” Shanell Paulk, Hamburg
“Living in an international environment was
such an enriching experience. I loved living in a student
apartment-style building, cooking with people from all over
the world, talking about their experiences and political
issues.” Marguerite
Davenport, Geneva
“Open
your eyes, try something new. You will never understand someone
else’s
culture until you take time to live in it.” Cassandra Chao,
Beijing and Shanghai
“This is a very good
year to learn how to manage your money.” Paris student
“I know that I chose the
right major. I tried a lot of other classes and activities
outside of my field because I was interested in them, and
I believed that they have enriched me, but I know now more
than ever that the path I started on at Smith was the right
one.” Maxine Battis, Geneva
“I
changed my mind about what I'd like to do after Smith as
a direct result of classes taken in Paris.” Rachel Weston,
Paris
“Studying
abroad in Australia has also definitely improved my study
skills and also taught me to appreciate and take more advantage
of the wonderful programs offered at Smith, such as the CDO
and Quantitative Learning Center.” Amirah Nelson, Melbourne
“It
was an INTENSE, rough, beautiful, rewarding, frustrating
and unforgettable experience. Living in Dakar is maintaining
a lifestyle that constantly revolves around never-ending
patience, guts, and willingness to try again, again and again.” Sarah
S. Miller, Dakar |
