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Seidman Study Abroad Ambassadors
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Lance Radebaugh Study Abroad Program: USAC Chengdu, China (academic year abroad) Major: International Business and General Management Minor: Chinese Feel free to contact Lance if you have any questions about study abroad and/or China: radebaul@student.gvsu.edu
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1) Study Abroad Highlights: Making my way through the Himalayas in a land cruiser, then having the opportunity to hike into Mount Everest's Base Camp, standing on top of the Great Wall for the first time, seeing the Terracotta Warriors, boating through the Three Gorges, seeing and working in Shanghai and Beijing, and visiting the Olympic Village, eating bizarre things and making life-long friends are all priceless memories never to be forgotten. 2) Life lessons learned: It allowed me to look at life in a whole new light and to truly appreciate the diversity in the world. I try to have an open mind in more situations now, and I am increasingly thankful for the things that we enjoy here in the United States. 3) What did you like best about your study abroad location, the local culture and the overall program? Chinese Culture is so different. It was an extreme change from American culture, which was neat to experience. There are so many opportunities in China for students to do extreme and sometimes bizarre things. Anyone can teach English in a University, model and even star in a movie. Chinese people in general are very kind and helpful. Chinese history is unmatched in the world, and now these are exciting and new times for their country. 4) Why should Seidman students pursue study abroad? Experience! I was able to not only acquire cultural experience but also actual International Business experience, as an intern for the summer. This will be huge in the future when applying for a job. |
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Joshua Plona Study Abroad Program: University of Deusto, Spain - Summer Business Program(summer abroad) Major: International Business and Marketing Sales Minor: Spanish Feel free to contact Joshua if you have any questions about study abroad and/or Spain: joshuaeplona@gmail.com
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1) Study Abroad Highlights: Sleeping on the beach, exploring local cities, touring Madrid and Toledo, seeing a bullfight, witnessing the running of the bulls, going to fiestas in local towns every weekend; what more can a college student ask for out of one summer? How about getting six college credits while doing it? Yes, there were some times that we actually had to go to class (everyday Monday-Friday to be exact), but it was by far one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I witnessed a local culture I never even knew existed in the Basque Country. I learned about Spanish history and even got to go to several beaches as a “field trip”. Studying abroad was awesome and I would recommend it to every college student! 2) Life lessons learned: I learned to live everyday for what it is worth. Life is too short to not experience it. So get out and go explore. You only live once, so why not see what you can while you are alive. Yes, studying abroad can be expensive, but it is worth every penny while you are living and experiencing it. 3) What did you like best about your study abroad location, the local culture and the overall program? The best part about being in Bilbao was the authentic Spanish/Basque culture. While we were in Spain, there were so many fiesta’s and festivals, including the San Fermin Fiesta and the Paella Fest. The location was near almost a dozen unique beaches, as more beautiful than the last. You cannot learn to appreciate and understand the Spanish culture in a better location. It was so close to so many activities, there was always something to do and somewhere to go. 4) Why should Seidman students pursue study abroad? I am a firm believer everyone should experience life in someone else’s shoes. By studying abroad, you might not be able to necessarily experience life from someone’s shoes per se, but you learn so much about a different culture that it will completely change your outlook on your own life and how others see you. |
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Ashley Killgore Study Abroad Program: John Cabot University in Rome, Italy (semester abroad) Major: Marketing Minor: International Business Feel free to contact Ashley if you have any questions about study abroad and/or Italy: shube777@aol.com
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1) Study Abroad Highlights: Top highlights include traveling to places I never knew existed, meeting people from all ends of the world, independence gained from a new experience, climbing the eiffel tower, cliff jumping in Tuscany, late night karaoke, and exploring the colosseum, trevi fountain, and the modern meets ancient side of the eternal city. 2) Life lessons learned: The importance of an open mind, as well as how to adapt to something new and exciting. Being in a university abroad demonstrates the unique qualities each culture possesses, each with something different to offer or learn from. 3) What did you like best about your study abroad location, the local culture and the overall program? Rome itself is a city of history. You can walk in the path of Ceasar and in the same step Audrey Hepburn or Pope John Paul II. Every city in Italy is different, but each one holds true to its own culture and tradition. The people are the most passionate and happy I have ever seen. The entire area is history building upon history. It is very mysterious and hard to resist. The program itself included a lot of paper work and e-mails, however, I cannot imagine loving one place more than Italy. 4) Why should Seidman students pursue study abroad? As a student you're constantly learning, personally, I think there is no better way to learn than by experience and exploration. Study abroad gives you the opportunity to see how business applies overseas and how the world moves everywhere, not just where you are. |
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Maria Gerstenberger Study Abroad Program: The International College of Management in Sydney, Australia (semester abroad) Major: Marketing Feel free to contact Maria if you have any questions about study abroad and/or Australia: marialynn_05@hotmail.com
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1) Study Abroad Highlights: Every day in Australia offered something new and exciting, and there are definitely a few experiences I will never forget. Learning how to surf on Manly Beach was one such experience. Taking on the waves for the first time was probably the most challenging yet exhilarating things I've ever done. Another highlight for me was meeting and getting to know students from all over the world during my term at ICMS. It was a great way to learn about different people and cultures. Lastly, going sailing in the Sydney Harbour a few days before I left the country was another highlight that is high on my list. It topped off my trip as I got to take in the beautiful city from the water for the last time. 2) Life lessons learned: 3) What did you like best about your study abroad location, the local culture and the overall program? In addition to the incredible view of Manly Beach I had from my dorm, (which was only a ten minute walk away) I found the overall beauty of Australia to be captivating. With some of the best beaches in the world and an abundance of interesting plants and wildlife, there were always tons of things to do and see while I was there. The warm climate was great, the locals were genuine people always willing to help me out or strike up a conversation, and the laid-back casual atmosphere of Manly made the location ideal for studying abroad. ICMS looks much like a castle and is situated on a very charming property. I thought the staff and students at the college were some of the nicest people I’ve met, and it was a pleasure to learn from and spend three months with them. 4) Why should Seidman students pursue study abroad? Business is so dynamic and requires a broad range of knowledge and great deal of experience to fully understand. Studying abroad has helped me gain a better overall understanding of the business world by allowing me to live in and experience another part of the world and interact with people I normally would never have had the opportunity to do so with. Moreover, the insights I gained from my courses abroad have definitely helped me to better grasp different aspects of business on a world-wide level.
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