The Carolinian - Vol. 55, Issue 1 - Aug. 28, 2017

Studying abroad may seem unachievable to some, but it is entirely possible with a little research and saving. It is an experience that can be worth going the extra mile.
Studying abroad is an invitation to new cultures, languages
Andrew Becker
My study abroad experience didn’t
begin when I hopped off the plane
in Paris, nor after several hours of train
rides to reach my destination in the
Netherlands. It didn’t begin on opening
day at my foreign university, or even the
first day of classes.
It began at Upstate when I decided
to make a simple inquiry when I was
curious and asked for some help. Three
continents, 13 countries, and months
later, I can’t help but feel grateful for my
decision.
All it takes is a little motivation and
curiosity. Who hasn’t imagined living in
another country?
Maybe you’re like me and wanted to
follow in the footsteps of famous expats,
such as Hemmingway or Fitzgerald.
Maybe you’re looking to perfect a
second language, or to immerse yourself
in another culture. Or maybe you don’t
know what you want from life at all, and
you’re still searching for what’s important
to you.
A study abroad experience may offer
all these things, and so much more.
Getting in touch with the helpful faculty
at the Burroughs building can get you
started figuring out your options, costs,
paperwork, and accommodations. They
will let you know about scholarships
opportunity.
The application is not an easy process
and will require a great deal of time and
effort, on top of your normal workload.
There are people to help you along the
way, and the more work you put into
the process the more rewarding your
experience can be.
It takes a few hundred dollars to be
painfully realistic, and know the cost of
your trip.
This experience will cost you dearly if
you do not take the time and effort to
do it the right way, so hit the books hard,
pinch pennies, get scholarships and
grants, and spend wisely. If you can do
all of these things, you’re bound for fun
and success during what will surely be a
profound experience.
Studying in London was enlightening
and life changing
Zandra Shafer
It is odd for me to think back on how
nervous I was in the days leading up to
my trip to London.
Tomorrow is my last day here, and I’m
getting emotional thinking about having
to leave early Sunday morning. London
is such an incredible city, and I feel so
lucky to have been able to live here for
a month and to study under Andrew
Kennedy, who taught me so much
about museums and galleries.
I loved London and my course so
much that I’m planning on applying to
graduate programs in Museum Studies
at three schools over here in addition to
the programs in the United States that I
was already planning on applying to.
This trip has certainly expanded
my horizons, and I’ve learned many
lessons both academic and personal.
Interestingly, I feel perfectly at home
here.
I was expecting it to be a little more
difficult to adapt to the English way
of life. While there are some cultural
differences, the most surprising part of
my stay in London is how similar it is to my
experiences with large cities in the Unites
States.
My time here has been incredible. I’ve
learned so much, and I am very grateful
for this opportunity. It has reinforced my
vision for my future, and opened new
doors and possibilities.
It’s been life changing in more ways
than one. I’m so glad that I chose
to study abroad, and would highly
recommend that every student take
advantage of that option.
It has been such an enlightening and
successful trip that I’ve decided that
I’d like to come here to continue my
education. We shall see what the future
has in store for me, but I will never regret
taking this chance.
Photos by Zandra Shafer | Zandra Shafer attended Pride in London 2017 during her studies.
The Carolinian staff interviewed the USC Upstate Shoestring
Players before they traveled to London to perform their
original play, “Tapestry” this summer. The 2017 London
Company expressed their excitement and nervousness
about presenting their brainchild at the Rose Theatre.
Check out the video online at UpstateCarolinan.org.
6 The Carolinian Orientation Issue