In this episode, we switch things up a bit by interviewing Olivia Tursi, a licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with both the Calandra Institute and the Counseling Center at Queens College.

As the title of this episode implies, we discuss the positive mental effects of studying abroad, as well as different tips, advice, and coping mechanisms for dealing with difficult moments abroad, such as homesickness, loneliness, anxiety, etc.

What Was Discussed:

PART I: Positive Mental Effects of Studying Abroad

-The General Positive Effects of Studying Abroad

-The importance and benefits of stepping out of your comfort zone

-Why personal development occurs at an accelerated rate abroad

-The connection between being in a new environment and gaining more independence and maturity

-What experiential learning is and its benefits

PART II: Coping with Difficult Moments Abroad

-Culture Shock and tips for adjusting to a new environment

-Tips for coping with home-sickness and low days- how to improve your mood

-Coping with loneliness and making new friends abroad

-Eliminating negative thinking and fostering self-love in difficult situations

-Anxiety, recognizing triggers, and calming oneself down

-The importance of having a routine abroad

-Reverse culture shock and how to overcome it

-Closing Thoughts. Olivia’s advice for students who are about to embark on this journey

Queens College Counseling Services:

https://www.qc.cuny.edu/studentlife/services/counseling/counseling/pages/default.aspx

Our Website: www.qc.cuny.edu/studyabroad

Instagram: @QCTravels

In this solo-episode, you will find out why you should study abroad before your last semester of college—unless you are okay with pushing back your graduation.

Find our Summer, Winter, Semester/Yearlong & NSE Programs here:

www.qc.cuny.edu/studyabroad

Instagram: @QCTravels

In this episode, you will hear an interview with Jessica, a Queens College Student who studied abroad in Amsterdam through City College’s VU University Exchange Program.

Jessica will reflect on how studying abroad made her fearless, the amazing friendships that she developed with people from all over the world, how she came back to NY ready to take on the world, with more direction in her life, and more!

WHAT WE DISCUSSED:

-Why Study Abroad?

-Why the Netherlands? 

-Studying Abroad through a Non-Queens College Program

-Scholarships & Money Tips

-Classes & Assignments

-Culture Shock

-Friendship Abroad vs. At Home

-Tips for making friends

-Her travels

-Her favorite thing about studying abroad

-How she grew through her time abroad

-Her advice to YOU

-And more…

How to apply to NON-QC Programs here:

https://www.qc.cuny.edu/Academics/GlobalEd/StudyAbroad/Pages/Studying-Abroad-through-a-NON-QC-Program.aspx

City College’s Semester Programs:

https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/studyabroad/ccny-semester-programs-abroad

Our Website:

www.qc.cuny.edu/studyabroad

Instagram: @QCTravels

This is a very different kind of episode. The audio in this episode was extracted from a video we recorded pre-COVID for international exchange students who are interested in studying abroad at Queens College.

You will hear what studying in NY is like from the eyes of international exchange students from Barcelona, Spain and Lisbon, Portugal.

Tune in to hear about what these students think about New Yorkers, culture shock that they experienced, how studying abroad impacted their lives, and more!

WHAT WE DISCUSSED:

-Their thoughts about New York and Queens College

-Their biggest culture shock

-The difference between the American school system and their school systems

-Their relationship with other exchange students and with QC students

-Stereotypes of Americans/New Yorkers before coming here

-Their favorite exchange student event  

-Their favorite memory from their time here

-How they grew from their time in NY

-And more!

Our Website: www.qc.cuny.edu/studyabroad

Instagram: @QCTravels

Have you ever wondered what the difference between Semester Study Abroad and Semester Exchange Programs is? 

In this episode, this difference will be clarified, and you will be informed about your different options for studying abroad for a semester/year (Queens College Programs vs. CUNY Programs vs. NON-CUNY Programs).

Table: Semester Exchanges vs. Study Abroad: https://www.qc.cuny.edu/Academics/GlobalEd/StudyAbroad/Pages/Exchange%20vs.%20Study%20Abroad.aspx

Find out about our QC Semester/Yearlong Programs here:

https://www.qc.cuny.edu/Academics/GlobalEd/StudyAbroad/Pages/Semester-Yearlong-Programs.aspx

Find out about how to apply to NON-QC Programs here:

https://www.qc.cuny.edu/Academics/GlobalEd/StudyAbroad/Pages/Studying-Abroad-through-a-NON-QC-Program.aspx

Our website: www.qc.cuny.edu/studyabroad

Instagram: @QCTravels

One of the most common questions that students ask is “Can I take major classes abroad?” In this episode, I will discuss the different factors that contribute to answering this question, and let you know why we strongly suggest that you take electives abroad.

Find out Summer, Winter, Semester/Yearlong & NSE Programs here:

www.qc.cuny.edu/studyabroad

National Student Exchange: www.nse.org

Instagram: @QCTravels

This is part two of our interview with Melissa, a Queens College Alumna who studied abroad at Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, Spain.

In this episode, we delve deeper into more specific information about Universitat Pompeu Fabra. Learn about the ideal location of this campus, which is close to both a popular beach and park, the unique architecture of Barcelona, taking advantage of orientation to make friends, choosing classes, and more!

WHAT WE DISCUSSED

-The location of Universitat Pompeu Fabra

-Getting around Barcelona

-Language Learning Tips

-Catalan

-Different Housing Options

-Cafeterias on Campus

-What orientation was like

-Events for Study Abroad Students

-Student Clubs

-Choosing Classes

-And more…

Our Exchange Program in Spain:

https://www.qc.cuny.edu/Academics/GlobalEd/StudyAbroad/Pages/UPF-Page.aspx

Our Website:

www.qc.cuny.edu/studyabroad

Instagram: @QCTravels

In this episode, you will hear an interview with Melissa, a Queens College Alumna who studied abroad at Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, Spain.

Melissa will reminisce on her adventures and discuss the lasting impact of studying abroad, how studying abroad made her grow and impacted her career, the importance of being present and grateful, why you should to travel within the country in which you are studying, and more!

WHAT WE DISCUSSED

-Why Study Abroad?

-Why Spain?

-How Melissa chose the length of her stay

-Scholarships & Money Tips 

-Classes & Teaching Style

-The importance of planning ahead

-Culture Shock

-Friendship Abroad vs. At Home

-Tips for making friends abroad

-Melissa’s travels

-Her favorite thing about studying abroad

-How she grew through her time abroad

-How studying abroad has affected her studies/career

-Things she wishes she would have done

-Her advice to YOU

-And more…

Our Exchange Program in Spain:

https://www.qc.cuny.edu/Academics/GlobalEd/StudyAbroad/Pages/UPF-Page.aspx

Our Website:

www.qc.cuny.edu/studyabroad

Instagram: @QCTravels

I had the pleasure of interviewing very special guest in today’s episode: Dr. Karen Sullivan, a French Professor at Queens College, and Former Diplomat. 

Professor Sullivan will give you tips on how to learn a foreign language effectively, how to enter into the field of Diplomacy, how to leverage your study abroad experiences for your career, and more!

[Please note our new posting schedule: New Episodes Every Other Week]

WHAT WE DISCUSSED

-The importance of majoring/minoring in a language

-The benefits of participating in Student Clubs and holding leadership positions

-Professor Sullivan’s Educational & Study Abroad Background and how they impacted her life-path

-Advice about entering into Diplomacy

-Our programs in Francophone Countries

-How students grow from studying abroad

-How students can leverage study abroad in job interviews

-The power of networking

-Language learning tips

-And more!

Find out more about the French Major/Minor here:

https://www.qc.cuny.edu/Academics/Degrees/DAH/ell/French/Pages/default.aspx

Discover the following Study Abroad Programs:

Summer: French Language and Culture in Paris

(Summer 2021 In-Person Study Abroad CANCELLED)

https://www.qc.cuny.edu/Academics/GlobalEd/StudyAbroad/Pages/Frenchlangcult.aspx

Semester/Yearlong: CUNY-Paris Exchange:

https://www.qc.cuny.edu/Academics/GlobalEd/StudyAbroad/Pages/CUNYParisExchange.aspx

Canada: National Student Exchange:

https://www.qc.cuny.edu/Academics/GlobalEd/StudyAbroad/Pages/NSE.aspx

Our Website:

www.qc.cuny.edu/studyabroad

Instagram: @QCTravels

In this episode, I interview Niara, a student who participated in our Virtual Winter Study Abroad Program: Beginning Korean Language 1.

She discusses what she learned about herself through this program, how it allowed her to connect with people from all over the world, how it inspired her future travels, and more!

This Summer 2021, we are offering Virtual Study Abroad Programs via German & South Korean Universities:

https://www.qc.cuny.edu/Academics/GlobalEd/StudyAbroad/Pages/Summer2021VirtualStudyAbroadPrograms.aspx

*Deadline: May 7th, 2021*

What we discussed:

-Why Niara chose to participate in a Virtual Study Abroad Program

-Virtual Winter Study Abroad Courses vs. Queens College Winter Classes

-The format of the class, the activities & assignments

-The benefits of participating in a Virtual Study Abroad Program

-The insights she gained about the Korean Culture through this course

-Communicating & connecting with peers

-What Niara learned about herself by taking this program

-How this inspired her to travel to South Korea

-Advice for students who are considering participating in a Virtual Program

-And more...

-------------------

Why Participate in a Virtual Summer Program?

• Learn from international experts.

• Network and collaborate with international professors and students from all over the world.

• Gain international experience & new analytical and critical-thinking skills.

• Navigate cross-cultural environments which might be a necessity in your future professional life.

• Increase marketability on your resume.

• Learn more about the culture of the country through which the program is being offered.

• Become inspired to travel in the future.

• Enroll in courses that might not be offered at Queens College, while saving money (Virtual Study Abroad is cheaper than in-person study abroad).

• Etc.

https://www.qc.cuny.edu/Academics/GlobalEd/StudyAbroad/Pages/Summer2021VirtualStudyAbroadPrograms.aspx

You can discover our Queens College’s Study Abroad Offerings at www.qc.cuny.edu/studyabroad

Instagram: @QCTravels

https://www.instagram.com/qctravels/

Season 1, Part 2 of Study Abroad Stories Coming this Wednesday, April 21, 2021.

On this season of Study Abroad Stories:

Hear interviews with previous study abroad students, a professor and former diplomat and a licensed Clinical Social Worker

Learn about the lasting impact of studying abroad, finding direction through studying abroad, how to cope with culture shock, and much more!

Coming Soon… Don’t miss it!  

Thanks so much for tuning into Season 1, Part 1 of Study Abroad Stories.

We'll be taking a little break to pre-record future episodes for the second half of this season.

In the meantime, feel free to re-listen to previous episodes.

Study Abroad Stories: Season 1, PART 2 COMING SOON...

Check out programs:

www.qc.cuny.edu/studyabroad

Instagram: @QCTravels

In this very special episode, I interview the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship Team about tips on submitting a strong application for this governmental scholarship.

What is the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship?

“The U.S. Department of State's Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is a grant program that enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, thereby gaining skills critical to our national security and economic competitiveness.

The Gilman Scholarship Program is open to U.S. citizen undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university to participate in study and intern abroad programs worldwide.” (iie.org)

Open to both in-person and virtual study abroad programs. 

Gilman Scholarship Deadline for Summer 2021 / Fall 2021 / AY 2021-22:

Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at 11:59pm Pacific Time

What we discussed:

-What is the Gilman Scholarship & Who is eligible?

-When to start working on your application

-What makes for a great scholarship application

-The most common mistake in scholarship essays and how to avoid it

-The key to writing a scholarship-winning essay

-Tips for a creative service project proposal

-When do students receive their scholarship money? How?

-Can a student win this scholarship more than once?

-Advice for students who are applying for the very first time

-Advice for students who did not receive the scholarship & are reapplying

-Closing Thoughts: General Study Abroad Advice

To find out more about the Gilman Scholarship, visit www.gilmanscholarship.org.

You can discover our Queens College’s Study Abroad Offerings at www.qc.cuny.edu/studyabroad

Instagram: @QCTravels

https://www.instagram.com/qctravels/

This is a short storytelling episode about the time I watched France win the World Cup in Strasbourg, France. 

The town was painted in red, white and blue, and strangers became friends in an instant, connected by this historic win. It was the first time that France had won the World Cup in 20 years!

This did not happen during one of my study abroad programs, but it was my previous experiences that gave me the courage to venture out on trips such as these.

Listen to hear more about this amazing experience.

Check out our Winter, Summer and Semester/Yearlong Programs below:

www.qc.cuny.edu/studyabroad

Instagram: @QCTravels

No, this is not click bait. Regent’s University London is located in Regent’s Park, in London’s City Center. This means that you can have the perfect balance between bustling city life and the oasis of the nature within the park when you need a breath of fresh air.

In this episode, a former exchange student, Taylor, delves into very specific information about our exchange program with Regent’s University, including its special location.

Curious? Listen to find out more…

What Was Discussed:

1.   The Diversity of the Campus

2.   Choosing Classes

3.   Orientation

4.   Size & Location of Regent’s University

5.   Dorming & Roommates

6.   Food on Campus & Meal Plan

7.   Events for Study Abroad Students

8.   Classes in More Detail (Assignments, Work Load, etc.)

9.   And more…

Find out more about our exchange programs below:

https://www.qc.cuny.edu/Academics/GlobalEd/StudyAbroad/Pages/Exchange-Programs.aspx

www.qc.cuny.edu/studyabroad

Instagram: @QCTravels

In this episode, I interview Taylor, who participated in our exchange program at Regent’s University London.

She discusses what it is like to study abroad as a woman of color, her many adventures abroad, traveling to different countries, spontaneously exploring random parts of London with nothing but a map and an Oyster Card in hand, how traveling is cheaper than you think, and more.

What Was Discussed:

-Why Study Abroad?

-Why England?

-How Taylor chose the length of her stay

-Scholarships & Money Tips 

-Classes & Teaching Style

-Culture Shock

-Friendship Abroad vs. At Home

-Tips for making friends abroad

-Taylor’s travels

-Her favorite thing about studying abroad

-How she grew through her time abroad

-How studying abroad has affected her studies/career

-Things she wishes she would have done

-Studying abroad as a woman of color

-Her advice to YOU

-And more…

Find out more about our exchange programs below:

https://www.qc.cuny.edu/Academics/GlobalEd/StudyAbroad/Pages/Exchange-Programs.aspx

www.qc.cuny.edu/studyabroad

Instagram: @QCTravels

This is a short storytelling episode about the first time I went to Italy, on a weekend trip I took when I was participating in the CUNY-Paris Exchange Program for one semester.

I spent the weekend with my friend, Susanna, and her lovely Southern-Italian family, who welcomed me with open arms. 

Listen to hear about why I almost regretted not picking a home-stay option on my semester abroad.

Check out our Winter, Summer and Semester/Yearlong Programs below:

www.qc.cuny.edu/studyabroad

Instagram: @QCTravels

Ireland is home to friendly people, tranquil, evergreen landscapes, a rich history & culture, and more.

In this episode, I interview Holly, the Director of International Engagement at Mary Immaculate College in Ireland.

She discusses how studying abroad impacted her career path, and why a spending a semester/year in Limerick, Ireland is unique to other programs.

What Was Discussed:

-Holly’s most memorable experience in Florence, Italy (where she studied abroad)

-How she grew from her experience

-How studying abroad impacted her career choice

-How Mary Immaculate College is unique to other schools

-Ireland’s rich history & culture

-Classes at MIC

-Housing

-Budgeting Tips

-Student Life & Excursions

-Travel Tips

-Her advice to YOU

-And more…

Find out more about our Mary Immaculate College Exchange Program below:

https://www.qc.cuny.edu/Academics/GlobalEd/StudyAbroad/Pages/Mary-Immaculate-College-Page.aspx

www.qc.cuny.edu/studyabroad

Instagram: @QCTravels

In this episode, I interview Juliet, who did an exchange in New York (from Kentucky) through the National Student Exchange Program.

She discusses what NSE is, and how stepping out of her comfort zone allowed her to create meaningful friendships, believe in herself more, gain a clearer idea about her career path, and more.

What Was Discussed:

-What is NSE?

-Why NY?

-How Juliet chose the length of her stay

-Budgeting Tips 

-Culture Shock

-Stereotypes

-Student Life

-Friendship on Exchange vs. At Home

-How studying abroad has affected her studies/career choice

-How she grew more from her year in NY than 2 years at her home university

-Her favorite thing about studying in NY

-Her advice to YOU

-And more…

Find out more about the National Student Exchange (NSE) Program below:

www.qc.cuny.edu/studyabroad

www.nse.org

Instagram: @QCTravels

This is a short storytelling episode about my first ever study abroad program: “French Language & Culture in Paris.”

I left NY fearful, dependent and sheltered, but after spending one month wandering around the cobblestone streets of the City of Lights, I became fearless, independent, more cultured, and ready to take on the world—and with a case of the travel bug, of course. 

Listen to find out more.

Check out our France Summer Program & the CUNY-Paris Exchange:

www.qc.cuny.edu/studyabroad

Instagram: @QCTravels