Abroad Students Transition Back to Campus

Broncos return from fall quarter around the worldSamantha NitzTHE SANTA CLARA January 9, 2014As classes begin, Santa Clara has been flooded with the arrival of students who spent the last several months abroad during the fall of 2013. To them, the campus seems brand new once again as they take in the renovations that have been completed in their absence. Junior Devon Han-Klein is excited to be back. “(Going) abroad was amazing, one of the best experiences of my life,” said Han-Klein, “but by the end, I was ready to return home.” Han-Klein’s journey to Belgium took her far outside her native state of California. “At the end of the summer, I was hesitant to go,” said Han-Klein. “I was afraid of what I would miss here at school and I wasn’t sure I was ready to leave, but once I got to Belgium, I didn’t regret my decision for a second.” Those returning to Santa Clara bring back a whole new perspective on the world.“I got to experience so many things and travel to so many places that I would’ve never gone to had I stayed at school this quarter,” said Han-Klein.A few of these places included class trips to Amsterdam, Paris, Brussels, Budapest, Florence, Venice, Rome and many other places around Europe.Many students who went abroad tried to quickly move from place to place in order to see as many sights as possible, even regularly taking trips from London and Paris or taking a train across several countries at one time. The cultures of these various countries around the world often prove to be much different from the United States, even more so than some students expect, and they must be ready to adapt. Many college students often struggle to cope without the help of their parents and being so far from home without any established support system like that of Santa Clara. However, it seems that many students who complete their experience find that these challenges can be overcome.“You make friends that become your makeshift family,” said Han-Klein. “Plus you do have roommates, so there are always a few people around who are in the same situation as you.”Time spent abroad meant discovering many new things, several of which leave lasting impressions on students.“Everyday I was exposed to delicious food and beer that I wasn’t used to, and as I traveled around, I got to try even more meals that were unfamiliar to me,” said Han-Klein. “It was amazing.”She added that it was also enlightening to see all of the landmarks and cities she’d heard so much about but had never been to as well as have the opportunity to go to cultural events, like concerts and Oktoberfest, which made for a memorable quarter in Brussels.However, going abroad isn’t all carefree. “The academics were much more difficult abroad than they were in the United States,” said Chris Monark of his time abroad in Germany.“You still have school and have finals that matter,” said Han-Klein. “Don’t forget that teachers there do grade.”However, this difference in academics also proved to be beneficial in some ways.“The classes often include field trips around the cities,” said Monark. “The teachers encourage you to explore.”Going abroad is a unique opportunity to truly experience another culture. The students transitioning from their international educations back to Santa Clara are returning with positive accounts of their study abroad experiences.Though the deadline for applications for fall 2014 has passed, the chance to go in winter of 2015 and spring of 2015 will open soon.Those interested in studying abroad are encouraged to apply.“It’s an opportunity to meet people from all over the world,” said Monark. “You are able to make an international family.”  Contact Samantha Nitz at snitz@scu.edu.