Studying abroad an opportunity of a lifetime
Iliana Deanda
MCC’s study abroad program gives students the opportunity to experience another culture in a foreign country. “You don’t realize how much of a bi-product of your culture you are until you step outside of your self and go to a foreign country,” said education abroad coordinator Yvonne Schmidt.
Today the study abroad program has expanded to countries in Europe and Asia with even more on the horizon.
“We have a new program being proposed in Latin America this year and possibly Jordan,” said Schmidt.
Study abroad programs available this year are: China, Britain, Czech Republic, and Ireland.
This past summer MCC student Michelle D’Ecclessis studied in Ireland.
“Everything is so different from the U.S. I had to get used to a totally different way of living,” she said.
Some students find it difficult to adjust to cultures that seem very different from their own.
“It was hard at first because people are more outspoken there then over here. People will just come up to and ask about U.S. politics and if you believe in George Bush,” D’Ecclessis said.
“Some of the terminology is different too. The things we say here mean totally different things over there, like ‘crack’ means to have fun in Ireland but here it means a drug,” she added.
According to Schmidt, students will learn to live on their own and become responsible for themselves.
To sign up for the program, students must submit an application before the deadline.
“Depending on the program, you may also be interviewed because we want to make sure the students that are going there for the right reasons,” said Schmidt.
On the trip, students must take part in studies Monday through Thursday and excursions planned by their instructors.
“In general, students go to class Monday through Thursday and have excursions on the weekends. After class in the evening you’re on your own,”
“In Ireland and Britain they share apartments so what they do is purchase all of their food and cook together and eat if they want to,” Schmidt said.
“I recommend anyone to take part on a study abroad trip,” said D’Ecclessis.
“The things you learn are priceless. You gain so much perspective from every angle of your life. If you have the money then do it, it will be worth it.
