In graduate school, a friend of mine had just returned from studying in Malaysia for a year. Her stories of the culture, food, and living there entranced me (yes, even the durian). Since then, I advise study abroad students who want a unique experience to look at programs in Malaysia (you included!).

You’re investing a great deal of time, energy, and money preparing for your study abroad journey – and it seems that the list of things to do and buy still is endless. But it doesn’t have to be that way – and it doesn’t have to cost that much.

Adam Lough is a senior Supply Chain Management major at the University of Pittsburgh. Aside from majoring in supply chain, Adam has also received a Certificate in West European Studies and concentrations in Spanish and German language. He has had several internships and jobs, including an internship at DHR International, working on a consulting project for the Sarah Heinz House, an internship with Bosch Automotive Steering, and has been working at the International Business Center since August 2013.

Hi, I'm Alexandra Oetzell, I graduated spring of 2015 from SDSU and completed my degree in Studio Art in 4 years. I spent my final year abroad, studying in Florence, Italy. I love to paint and draw, but as long as I'm working with my hands, I'm a happy girl! Since I returned from my 12 months abroad, I picked up this school bus project.

Study abroad – should you do it? The simple answer? YES! The longer answer? Read on…

You’ve heard it your whole life – you must prepare for high school, college, a career. And while there are many ways to prepare for each of these, one stands out at each level – gathering as much global experience as possible. 

Why global?

Hi, I’m Ally Buzzanga, a 25 year old postgraduate who’s passionate about cultural shock, urban environments, and fish & chips. I spent the fall of 2012 studying abroad in London and decided then that living and traveling abroad was something that I was passionate about. Study abroad programs are getting more and more popular in the US and that’s great. I’d love to see American culture fully embrace the “gap year” and “gone travelling” attitude that my foreign friends so casually mentioned.

Stormy Sweitzer is a consultant, everyday explorer, and co-author, with her husband/collaborator Will Swanepoel, of the YA environmental spy thriller The Drowning Shark: A Sierra Rouge Adventure (read our author interview here!). You can discover more of Stormy's writing at StormySweitzer.com.

NEW YORK, NY - March 31, 2016 - Baruch College hosted the U.S. Department of State for “Study Abroad: An Investment in Your Future,” a discussion of the role of study abroad in U.S. relations and practical ways students can access global opportunities. U.S. Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy and U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs Evan Ryan spoke at the event that was attended by students, faculty, and staff from Baruch College and other schools within The City University of New York (CUNY).