Get to know the ins and outs of Parkland’s Study Abroad Program

Participating in an exchange program allows one the opportunities to visit breathtaking sights, learn another language, immerse yourself into another culture, and form connections around the world. Parkland College’s exchange program strives to turn those sought after opportunities into a reality.

Why Study Abroad?

Studying abroad bridges together academic studies and exploration of different cultures. Being thrown into a different routine, it allows for students to step outside of their comfort zone all while having fun and receiving college credits for it.

Jody Littleton, the Study Abroad Coordinator, describes more about the experience, saying, “It’s not just about studying; it’s about growing as a person, building connections around the world, and discovering things about yourself you never would have back home.”

Littleton also mentions that, “It’s an experience that truly shapes who you are.” Concluding that exchange programs are great for broadening one’s perspectives and learning about different ways of life.

Clayton Nelsen, a student who has previously participated in the study abroad program, sat down with us to explain what pushed him to be part of the study abroad program. “I have constantly read about [other countries]  for so many years, and I’ve always seen it through a TV screen, always see[n] it through a documentary,  … to me, that just wasn’t enough.”

Nelsen adds that “the study abroad [program] really grants that opportunity of having a third point of view… You’re learning through your experience, and you’re being hands-on… that brings an entirely different point of view.”

How the program works

After verifying that students meet the requirements to attend the program, students are allowed to choose from a variety of countries to study in. A few of the countries available to visit are Austria, Costa Rica, Canada, and Korea. The full list of countries that are covered by the exchange program can be found here.

While the program advocates for students to experience as much as they can while abroad, which results in vastly different perceptions from previous participants, the program is relatively consistent with their academic standards and general rules. 

Students are required to take one or two classes about the country of choice and its local culture. Once classes are finished, they are able to explore places of interest freely. When asked about the leniency of self exploration, Nelsen clarifies that if the instructor knows about students’ plans and they are able to consistently stay in touch, they are allowed to visit locations on their own accord.

He also highlighted the importance of communication in a trip abroad, “as long as you’re back within like 10 or 11:00 PM, … and you message in the group chat… they’re pretty lenient”.

Funding your next study abroad

Parkland knows that one of the main concerns for students considering studying abroad is the cost of the trip. However, Parkland takes that into heavy consideration and has provided many ways to help alleviate that financial strain.

Some suggestions that Littleton has for students who worry about the cost are to “check with your financial aid advisor to see how your aid can be applied to study abroad.  In addition, we do have some study abroad scholarships and if you have a Pell grant you can apply for the Gilman Scholarship.”

Littleton continues, “I tell students that it may not be as expensive as they think because they are already paying many of these costs such as tuition, books, housing, etc whether they study in Illinois at Parkland or in another country.”

Additional advice

Studying in another country can be frightening for several reasons: language and cultural barriers, being away from home and having to leave the comfort zone are just a few of them. As reassurance, Nelsen offers final advice to students who are considering studying abroad. “Don’t stress about it too much. If it’s something that you are pretty dead set on doing… as you are a good, upstanding academic student…  It’s really easy to get in.” Additionally, he says:

Learn the language…  as best as you can. Even with that, just do a lot of prep beforehand, and just spend a lot of time knowing what you want to get out of it and knowing what you really want to experience.

Although Nelsen suggested learning the language as best as possible, if a student is not familiar with a different language, Littleton emphasizes that the language barrier is not a problem for most students. “With modern technology, it is easier than ever to translate signs, menus, and even spoken words into English. English is such a dominant language that many people know it in addition to their native language.”

Lastly, Littleton recommends that students who are interested in the program contact her for more information. Reach out through her office visitations in D175, or by email [email protected] or her cell, 217-351-2532.