Spring Break
Study abroad students receive the experience of a lifetime
Ekene Ikeme
Issue date: 10/15/07 Section: Student Life
For some college students, being on campus provides the home-away-from-home atmosphere that helps them with experiencing new beginnings, but some students need to cross the borders to fully experience what life has to offer.
The SJSU Study Abroad program offers students the chance to not only obtain an academic education, but "an amazing adventure," said Dave Rudel, the program's coordinator.
That is exactly what three SJSU students say they experienced during their stay overseas.
America Bailon
America Bailon, a senior justice studies major at SJSU, traveled to Bath, England. She said she wanted to study abroad because she thought it would be a great experience.
"The university was called Bath Spa University," said Bailon, who stayed for one semester. "I stayed with a host family of three - a husband, wife and a little girl."
Bailon was shocked at the scenery when she first arrived in England.
"When I first got out of the plane I didn't know what to expect," Bailon said. "Looking at all the buildings I realized there was so much history. It was so beautiful."
Bailon said the school experience was different than it is at SJSU and she met a lot of friends while there.
"The classroom was packed and some students would have to sit on the floor," Bailon said. "All the people in the school would hang out with each other and we would take trips to Scotland and Barcelona."
Bailon said traveling overseas changed her views on life.
"I learned that there is so much more than just California," Bailon said. "Seeing different people and cultures really made me realize that the world has a lot more to offer than just what I'm used to."
Veronica Malki
Veronica Malki, a senior Spanish and psychology major, said traveling abroad gave her an extra sense of maturity because she had to take care of herself.
"It was the first time I lived away from home or the dorms," Malki said.
The SJSU Study Abroad program offers students the chance to not only obtain an academic education, but "an amazing adventure," said Dave Rudel, the program's coordinator.
That is exactly what three SJSU students say they experienced during their stay overseas.
America Bailon
America Bailon, a senior justice studies major at SJSU, traveled to Bath, England. She said she wanted to study abroad because she thought it would be a great experience.
"The university was called Bath Spa University," said Bailon, who stayed for one semester. "I stayed with a host family of three - a husband, wife and a little girl."
Bailon was shocked at the scenery when she first arrived in England.
"When I first got out of the plane I didn't know what to expect," Bailon said. "Looking at all the buildings I realized there was so much history. It was so beautiful."
Bailon said the school experience was different than it is at SJSU and she met a lot of friends while there.
"The classroom was packed and some students would have to sit on the floor," Bailon said. "All the people in the school would hang out with each other and we would take trips to Scotland and Barcelona."
Bailon said traveling overseas changed her views on life.
"I learned that there is so much more than just California," Bailon said. "Seeing different people and cultures really made me realize that the world has a lot more to offer than just what I'm used to."
Veronica Malki
Veronica Malki, a senior Spanish and psychology major, said traveling abroad gave her an extra sense of maturity because she had to take care of herself.
"It was the first time I lived away from home or the dorms," Malki said.
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