VOL. 1 ISSUE 2 • FEB 2024
CROSSROAD
NEWSLETTER PRODUCED BY STUDENTS OF THE GCSU INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION CENTER
STUDY ABROAD INFO SESSIONS
Interested in studying abroad and have no idea where to start? Drop in and ask any questions you may have about potential study abroad programs, internships, scholarships, etc. Info Sessions are every Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m. and Thursdays at 2:00 p.m. in the Bone House (across from the Old Governor’s Mansion). Any and all questions are welcome. Get started experiencing the world right now!
THE INTERNATIONAL CLUB Are you looking to join a club full of friendship, inclusivity, and diverse cultures, languages, and backgrounds? Join The International Club! This vibrant community offers monthly events and activities, making every moment a celebration of global unity. All students are welcome!
Jacqui in Paris! Program Abroad: GCSU Gender, Love, and Culture in Paris, France Why did you choose to study abroad? “I’ve been speaking French since I was in preschool and have always dreamed about going to Paris since I was young. When I found out about this opportunity, I knew I had to go!” What did you like about your course abroad? “I took Philosophy and Women’s Studies. I learned about the influence of Parisian writers, philosophers, and women on Parisian culture. We went on walking tours around the city seeing where various writers wrote and spent their time. I loved seeing the different chateaux and learning about royal history, too!”
Follow The International Club on Instagram to stay updated on events and meetings! @gc_internationalclub
Written by Sydney Zeff and Ansley Hill
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GCSU ADVANTAGE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT TESTIMONIES: WHY STUDY ABROAD AT GCSU?
SHRADHA CHHABRA From: India Major: Psychology
“The connections and relationships that I have with my professors, classmates and tennis teammates is unmatched. The community that I have found at GCSU is what keeps me going when away from home.”
WEYMAN MABUYA From: Zimbabwe Major: Management
“GCSU is well diversified when it comes to students from different countries. It is one of the best options for international students as it provides support and care to their students, making their college experience more adaptable and enjoyable.”
CHRISTIAN REINHARD DIAZ From: Venezuela Major: Exercise Science
“The small college town makes it so much easier to make new friends. The campus feels like home, and the hospitality of the people is very comforting...my favorite part of GCSU is being involved in The International Club as an officer. It has helped me to come out of my shell and make new friends.”
CROSSROAD
For Info Email studyabroadinfo.edu
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INTERN IN SWEDEN ANNIE SIEGEL, JUNIOR MSCM MAJOR, GEARS UP FOR SUMMER INTERNSHIP WITH SWEDISH COMPANY: PERMOBIL
THE INITIAL STEPS Annie was initially introduced by the possibility of an international internship by Dr. James Callaghan, the International Education Director. Annie explains, “I am planning to participate in a GCSU-led study abroad program in Denmark for two weeks, and Dr. Callaghan suggested I explore more opportunities abroad to fulfill my internship degree requirements-an unconventional route that would challenge me!” Taking his advice, Annie contacted a family friend living in Sweden who was able to connect her with various companies seeking American interns.
PERMOBIL Annie Siegel will serve as a communications specialist intern for the wheelchair company, Permobil. The founder of the company, Dr. Per Uddén, established it on the mission that “every person has the right to have his or her disability compensated as far as possible by aids with the same technician standard as those we all use in our everyday lives.” Permobil sparked Annie’s attention and interest because of the company’s core values and overall mission: “The company is passionate, relational, and always innovating
Pictured: Annie Siegel, ‘25
to fit needs and lifestyles of their consumers.”
PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL GROWTH As Annie prepares to start her senior year in the fall, she aims to obtain professional experience that will polish her skills and ready herself for ‘the real world’. At Permobil, she will assist the marketing and PR department in content creation, blog posts, website development and other promotional needs. “This summer, I hope to polish my skills in IMC as well as gain confidence in myself as a young professional, expand my worldview while working with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and deepen my understanding of effective leadership and worth ethic.”
MEET YOUR STUDY ABROAD ADVISOR: ARIANA YOUMANS Ariana Youmans is a proud GCSU alum who has moved back to Georgia after ten years of living in Ireland. It was while on her Study Abroad trip to London that she first visited Ireland and knew that it would one day become her home. Through her love of travel, her interest in diversity and inclusion, and her own firsthand experiences of Study Abroad, she advises and supports GCSU students seeking to enliven their educational experiences, and expand their perspectives of the world. “I love the Program Discovery process! It is so fun to present students with academic, professional, and service-learning possibilities abroad that align with their personality, curiosity, and interests. I was recently advising a student who is an English major, wanting to study in London. I was able to find courses in her destination of choice that also piqued her interest – including ‘British Horror and Fantasy Cinema from Dracula to Harry Potter’ and ‘Taylor Swift and Literature’. It was amazing to see her face light up!”
C o n t a c t A r i a n a t o d i s c u s s i n t e r e s t in s t u d y in g a b r o a d o r s t o p b y t he B o ne H o u s e f o r m o r e i nf o : ariana.youmans@gcsu.edu
ADVICE FOR PARENTS OF STUDY ABROAD STUDENTS PRE - DEPARTURE PREPARATION
Research the country and program your student is traveling to. Some example questions could be: What type of classes are they taking? Where is their accommodation? How does the program ensure safety? Above all communicate with your student. Keep copies of important documents for your student. This includes a copy of the student's passport and visa cover pages, medical prescriptions, credit card numbers, and social security number. Have your student provide you with all relevant contact information, so you can reach them in case of emergency.
LOOKING FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION?
WHILE THEY ARE ABROAD Encourage your student to explore new cultures and opportunities! Always keep lines of communications open. Be sure to have the contact info for the International Office and any 3rd party companies that may be involved. Remain calm if your student doesn’t contact you at an agreed upon time, traveller’s plans change! Have a backup plan.
CROSSROAD
For Info Email studyabroadinfo.edu
