Recently, the International Programs Office at Westfield State University has been offering students more opportunities to study abroad and think of studying abroad for their college career. In the form of fairs and DC dinners, the Office of International Programs has reached out to various students during the fall 2018 semester. 

Cynthia Siegler, director of International Programs at WSU writes, “Besides being fun and exciting, studying abroad is a unique and life changing experience that will help you grow academically, personally and prepare you for your career.”

Siegler has been aiding students with the international programs for the last 10 years. In the last two years, the IPO has seen a 30% increase in student participation in short-term programs, study abroad and national student exchange programs.

Siegler went on to write, “Studies have even shown a positive correlation between students who study abroad and higher grade point averages and degree completion rates. And this is especially true for underrepresented and at-risk students.” 

In a study run by the University of California, 97% of college students who participate in their school’s study abroad programs were employed within twelve months of their graduation. 

Those that hadn’t enter into the program, only saw a 49% success rate over a twelve month period. 

A 2014 survey of 800 U.S. business executives also found that 75% of companies want students with a global perspective. 80% of those business executives stated that they believe their businesses would benefit if their staff had more international experience. 

WSU is a member of the Council for International Educational Exchange (CIEE), Academic Programs International (API), Global Learning Semesters (GLS), and the Center for International Studies (CIS), so there are a network of programs offering students a wide range of places to travel. 

From places like Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Germany, China, Italy and the Virgin Islands, the programs at WSU offer students dozens of places to travel and plenty of academic opportunities. 

As of right now, the IPO has given an extended period of time to apply for a study abroad program. Spring courses include, a trip from the Adirondacks to Lake Placid, NY May 19-June 2, for HIST, GARP, or ENVS credit. Followed by a trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands on June 10-21 for BIOL credit. Deadline to apply is Nov. 16.

Summer courses include an Intercultural and Tropical Ecology Experience course for EDU credit in Costa Rica May 19-June 2. The deadline to apply is Nov. 16 also.