Shippensburg University professors Jonathan Skaff and Mark Sachleben moderated a discussion with seven SU students who have participated in study abroad programs.

The panel marked the first event of International Education Week, which “celebrates initiatives and programs that help bring a multitude of opportunities to learn about international themes.”

Clairanne Chairs, Hannah Culp, Ashley Ott, Paige Smith and Isabel Weaver completed full-semester study abroad trips. Keegan Huston and Chloe Prettyman traveled to Europe for a three-week Summer Study Abroad program in Ireland, France, Italy and Portugal. The panel participated in a discussion of each student’s international experiences. They explained the challenges of their experiences to give advice to students in attendance who are considering studying abroad.

Huston said the European study abroad trip included 24 students, and navigating as a group sometimes became difficult. Nonetheless, he said this obstacle was “definitely not something that would deter me.” One of Ott’s biggest challenges involved the Spanish 101 class she took while in Costa Rica because the professor spoke and taught entirely in Spanish.

The language barrier extended beyond the classroom for all students who went to non-English speaking countries. Huston said he became a lot more trusting of people because of his unfamiliarity with foreign languages. Huston explained that if a student had a concern while riding a bus in Rome, it would have been impossible to communicate to the bus driver because of the language barrier. 

Sachleben offered a solution for those preparing to face this obstacle before studying abroad.

“My goal is that if I go to a country where I don’t know the language, I try to learn 10 phrases and words,” Sachleben said. “You show that you are trying, and they will be very kind.”

As is common for many students who study abroad, some panelists felt uncertain and anxious at the start of their experiences. Smith said going to London “was a bit scary” and explained that it took several days before she overcame her doubts about the commitment she made.

Some students explained they were upset when they returned from their trips and their study abroad experience was complete. Their feelings reflect a mood referred to as post-vacation blues, where individuals experience sadness once their vacation or traveling event concludes. Sachleben has traveled internationally several times and he explained how he copes with it.

“I miss being in Europe,” Sachleben said. “There is a period of readjustment when you return, but it is something delightful. My life would be less interesting if I didn’t have that readjustment.”

Despite the obstacles each student encountered, they all said they would study abroad a second time if the opportunity arose. In addition to individualized study abroad opportunities, the 2023 Summer Study Abroad trip with professor Niel Brasher and Sachleben will run May 21-June 9. 

Professor Sean Cornell will also host a faculty-led international field course in the spring 2023 semester in Andros, Bahamas, where participants will conduct research on geological, geographical, environmental, biological and cultural perspectives.

Shippensburg University students have studied abroad in six continents. The Center of Global Education at Shippensburg University contains information related to all concerns for students, parents and guardians regarding study abroad opportunities. Interested students can also consult ship.edu/international for more information.

Share