Study Abroad Goals

     Remembering all the way back to my fall semester of 2015 when the freshmen class crowded into Lawson Auditorium for the study abroad seminar, I knew from that moment that I absolutely must study abroad. However, it was not until a year later that I would find myself taking the first steps of this journey. While I have been nominated to study at Massey University in New Zealand, I have yet to receive my acceptance package( so much anticipation!). The waiting is totally comparable to being a kid again and waiting on Christmas morning to see what presents are under the tree, only in this case, my present is a trip across the globe and one full of cultural and academic experiences. I have never left the United States of America before so just that is one goal I will be completing, but there are several others that I hope to fulfill as well.
     While I am a mathematics major, my true passion lies in statistics (I know someone is reading this and cringing) especially biostatistics. Unfortunately, Maryville College does not offer a stats major program, only a minor. So, I have settled for Math with Stats and Bio minors. Since Massey is  much  larger than Maryville College, there is a substantial number of classes available not offered at MC. One such class is introductory biostatistics. I love biology and I love statistics, but I have not yet taken a class combining the two disciplines. Having this opportunity is allowing me to fully explore a career concept that I have only dreamed but never had experience in. So one goal I have is to see if biostatics is the career I wish to pursue.
     Another goal I have probably been considering my life is to see myself and my home country from an outsider's eyes. I will be the first person to admit that the United States of America is not perfect and has some serious issues, but I don't know exactly what generalizations or stereotypes other countries have and actually believe about the United States of America. I feel as if I'm very open-minded, and I think getting this global perspective of not only my home country but myself will be an experience of great personal growth. This whole experience will definitely prove to be a source of enlightenment as well as some small conflict with some current preconceptions I might have.

Goals and Fears of going abroad
Sarah Feely

         I have been out of the country 4 times since I was twelve. I feel like I would be used to it by now, but not really. I am gripped with fear at the thought of not seeing my friends and family for four months. I am scared of the fact that I will basically know no one there. But, at the same time I am so incredibly excited.
        My goals are simply: make friends/lasting connections, be comfortable with myself where I am, and take it easy. I also want to learn the language of the country and eat good food etc, but those are my three main goals. My main goal is probably to get out of my comfort zone. I'm sure all blogs say that, it is a difficult task for many people.
        I have high anxiety, so leaving my comfort zone is always difficult. I think that this trip will change me in many ways, hopefully I will be open enough to let it do so. I have the normal fears: losing passport, spending all my money, random volcanic eruption, the usual. The pros outweigh the cons. I wish I went aboard my junior year, but better late than never. I want to make this is the best experience, i don't know when I will have another chance to leave my country for fun/learning.
       To maximize my experience:
1. I want to travel across whichever country I go to.
2. I want to make sure not to stress too much over money, but not go crazy.
3. I want to explore my city and know it like I know my hometown.
4. I want to not stress over planning every little thing (a bad habit of mine).
     I am over the moon to begin my great journey to go abroad. Listing my goals and fears has helped me a lot. I figure this class with help me a lot.

Study Abroad Goals

To say that I've been nervous about studying abroad would be an understatement to say the least. I have lived in Maryville, Tennessee my whole 21 years of life, and I come from a culture where family comes before anything else. I'm very close with my family, and have never been apart from them for longer than a two week span. I am the oldest of five, and am close with all of my siblings. Naturally, I've put off a semester abroad for as long as possible.

With graduation quickly approaching and as I begin to think about my future, I realize how lucky I am to have the opportunity to travel to another country to gain experience. As an international business and Spanish major, international travel will be a positive contribution in reaching my professional goals.

While I'm abroad in Spain, I hope, most importantly, to become more independent. I've had the luxury of having my parents at my side every step along the way concerning my college career. They help me making important decisions and reach my goals every day, but it's time for me to learn to live on my own.

Another goal I have for myself while I'm abroad is to hopefully intern for a company or for the Spanish government. Interning for a company while I'm abroad would be extremely helpful for reaching my professional goals concerning my international business degree. I previously interned for a Senator here in Tennessee for five months and hope to intern for a Senate committee over the summer in Washington D.C. as well. Finding an internship in either of these sectors would be extremely beneficial. I hope to pursue a dual degree after I graduate from Maryville College--a MBA or MIB and a JD. So, being able to add professional experience abroad to my resume would provide me with a competitive advantage when applying to graduate schools.

Another goal I've set for myself is to travel as much as possible while I'm abroad. I selected Spain as my destination for this reason; to have the opportunity to travel to as many European countries as possible, as well as possibly Africa. There is so much to experience and see while I'm there. I'm excited to pursue these adventures, especially since a couple of my friends are planning on visiting throughout my time there to share these experiences with me.

I'm not really nervous about actually going to Spain. A language barrier doesn't exist for me, since Spanish is my first language. I understand the Spanish culture is different from the Mexican culture and definitely from the American culture, but I've had to live in a state of "in betweenness" between two cultures my whole life. I've gained adaptive skills, and I understand what it means to have to change the way you do things in certain situations out of respect for another culture. I guess the only things I'm really worried about now are missing my family and whether or not I'll like the food there... I'm such a picky eater! Oh, and I have no idea how I'm supposed to pack my closet into only two suitcases.. But other than that, I think I'm actually more excited than anxious to leave!

Study Abroad Goals

Goals for Study Abroad

Studying abroad is something that I have wanted to do more than anything for the past couple years. Unfortunately, this is something I have not been able to actually put into place until now due to playing soccer and scheduling conflicts. Now that I finally have the opportunity to experience this dream I am very excited and also a little nervous at the same time as I will be far away in a completely different culture. However, Not only do I have many goals for studying abroad but I also believe that my experience abroad will help me reach my professional goals.

            My first goal for studying abroad is to improve my fluency and language proficiency as far as Spanish is concerned. Being fluent in another language is something that I always have thought would be a cool skill and asset for life. Therefore, during my trip abroad to Spain, I want to try to speak and learn as much from native speakers as possible. As I’ve heard from my good friend and many others who have went abroad, they have all said to make sure not to be afraid of speaking and making mistakes. Many times people are afraid to get out and talk to natives and speak their first language with other study abroad students because it’s more comfortable. Therefore, I want to try to speak as much Spanish as possible and not regret not making the most of the opportunity.

            Also, as I have a Spanish minor from Maryville and am in the teacher licensure program, one day I would like to be able to teach Spanish. Studying abroad in Spain will give me the opportunity to experience not only the Spanish language but Hispanic culture first hand. My goal is to immerse myself and learn as much as possible about the Hispanic culture and language which I believe will be critical in becoming an effective Spanish teacher. Studying abroad will provide a great opportunity for me to utilize the Spanish language daily which will be invaluable in achieving my future professional goals.

Additionally, this experience will afford me the unique opportunity of living in a country known for its national passion for soccer. Playing soccer is something I have done my whole life and a sport I played here for the past four years. While living in Spain I would like to get involved in some type of soccer league which I believe would also be a great opportunity for immersing myself into the culture and getting to know more people.

As this trip approaches I am sure I will become more anxious and nervous about the opportunity that lies ahead. I know that it will be very challenging and intimidating being so far away in a different culture and language for a long period of time. However, I know that it is incredible opportunity that will make me a better person and allow me to come back with much more knowledge, language skills, and cool experiences to share.

My Study Abroad Goals

I plan to study abroad at Kansai Gaidai in Japan. While abroad, I wish to really delve into the history and culture of Japan, through classes as well as practical experience. One of my goals is to see as many of the Kansai's significant landmarks as I can. Now, this may not be that many, as transportation is a bit costly, but a trip to another country is not something I've ever done before, and I think it would be positively wasteful not to see as much as I can while I'm there. After all, if I spend all of my free time in my room, I might as well be in America. Nothing will have changed. I want my experience in Japan to mean something. I want to be able to come home and know that my time spent there was valuable, and that I learned a lot that I would have otherwise never known.

Another goal is, of course, to improve my Japanese language proficiency. As my recent Japanese homestay experience has shown me, while my Japanese is adequate for basic survival, it is not good enough that I could put it on a resume in good conscience. I want to, at the very least, expand my vocabulary and grammar comprehension to the point that I can understand most of what is said to me and be able to, if only very basically, articulate any thought that may come to mind within the course of a conversation. Only then will I feel comfortable using my language ability in as a resume enhancer, as I would actually be able to translate most of what a speaker is trying to convey.

I would like to be able to apply what I learn in Japan to whatever future job I hold. If my language skills grow enough, I could try to become a translator or interpreter. Or, I could work in a museum with my knowledge of Japanese history. I am still not certain what job would best fit me yet, but I do think it would have to have some relevance to my study abroad experience.

Ray Cleavenger

Study Abroad Goals

     Studying abroad was not part of my original college plan. I was supposed to get my bachelor's in biochemistry and work in a lab for the rest of my life. However, after the fall semester of my junior year, my grandmother encouraged me to follow my love for language instead. Taking her advice, I switched majors and colleges that very spring semester. Now, as an International Studies major with an Asian concentration, I am required to spend time abroad. Having always had an interest in Japan, I decided to enroll in Japanese classes and study Japan in depth.

     If all goes well, I will be going to Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University over the summer. During my time in Beppu, my first goal will be to enhance my Japanese language capability. I wish to speak to as many people as possible, and learn the parts of the Japanese language that cannot be taught in a textbook. This will be a daunting task, as I will only be abroad for 62 days, but I want to learn as much as possible before I return to Maryville College.

     My second goal is to completely immerse myself in Japanese culture. I want to learn all I can about Beppu and the native traditions to the region, as well as take part in as much of it as I can. I will strive to be involved in absolutely everything, while at the same time realizing that this will not be entirely possible.

     All in all, I hope to return to America with experiential knowledge to couple my book knowledge. I want to know Japan first-hand, rather than from what I've heard or read about. I want not only to enjoy my time in Beppu, but to analyze it and learn as much as possible. I am truly grateful to have this experience that I would have otherwise never have had a chance at obtaining.

Study Abroad Goals

As I sat in my dorm room checking my email on a cold January morning, little did I know that my dreams would soon come true. The email was the Maryville College newsletter and the words that caught my eyes read, "NEW: Take PSYCHOLOGY courses abroad this summer." I clicked the link, not knowing that this link would lead me to my dream trip. Now as I sit here writing my goals for my very real trip to Finland, I am overwhelmed with emotions. 

I am feeling many emotions as this trip draws nearer. I am so excited to travel to the place from which my great-grandparents immigrated from, and see the beautiful country that I have heard about all my life. With all this excitement, I am also feeling nervous. I am nervous to fly out of the country by myself for the first time and be completely independent. As a lifelong dancer and (hopefully) future physical therapist, I am extremely excited about the courses I will be taking during my trip, specifically Intro to Dance Therapy. 

A goal of mine is to learn more about the culture, and learn as much of the language as I can. Although I grew up knowing my family history, I did not learn as much about the country as I would have liked. To maximize my experience I want to learn as much of the culture as I can by going out and experiencing it first hand. To aid in my learning I am also taking a class on the culture to obtain as much information as possible. 

Another goal of mine is to meet as many people as I can. I would love to form long-lasting friendships during my time in Finland. I would also love to meet some of my relatives. I am extremely nervous to meet people I have only ever heard about, but super excited because they are family! 

Along with these goals I also want to grow as a person. I tend to be a very shy, introverted person. This trip will force me to be out of my comfort zone and allow me to be open to change, which would help maximize my experience as well as help me grow into a strong, independent person. 

I am so excited for this trip, but also nervous that I won't take every opportunity to learn and experience the Finnish culture. With these goals in mind I am going to do everything I can to prepare myself for the best trip of my life. I am excited to take as many pictures as I can to share with my family at home, and experience as many Finnish activities as I can, including taking a sauna so I can say that I have experienced a real Finnish sauna!

  

Study Abroad Goals!

It's funny sitting here thinking about what I want out of my time abroad. As a 日本語 student of years more than anybody else in the class. My dream is become a 日本語名人 (Japanese master!!!)

Like everyone else before me, I'll have more experience in Japan than sitting in an American university classroom setting thats a true fact! Besides, unlike others if I may add, this won't be the last time I'm in The Land of the Rising Sun and therefore, upon completion at Ristumenkan Asia Pacific University. I will feel much stronger and better than ever!

Another goal of mine is to get to the point that when I'm speaking it will become second nature!! Therefore, when in Japan the no English rule will be applied!  All of this and more is what I hope of achieving!

Plans after study abroad are also in effect: Teaching English in Japan and before that, continue to study my precious Japanese at a language school in Japan around 8-9 months. However during that time I will say,  I will have a greater opportunity to network.

Regarding both topics, I will be looking at 英会話 schools for teaching English and then meeting with the language school to lay out my future. So overall, these things looking ahead for my study abroad will definitely be a game changer in not my overall experience as an international student but for my Japanese!

There's the one I like to add if I may: even though studying abroad doesn't guarantee an increase in proficiency, however like anything else, it really is an individualistic choice. A lot of people study abroad not just cultural experience but to just to get the major and be done with it. There ARE people that study abroad for the first time and have a memorable experience, I completely agree. The other side of the coin is that a intensive language course is a completely different ballgame.  What I meant earlier in regards to proficiency  is when you are giving an opportunity like this to study abroad, you have push your language boundaries there's no other way around.

Wrapping up, by the Fall of 2016 your going to see a different Arik: a more fearless and confident one with a greater amount of proficiency that I can't even think to imagine.

皆さん、その経験が非常に大事である。だが、留学のためによく勉強せねばなりません！だから、一緒に進もう！！俺のブログを読んでありがとございました！ Thanks for reading!

My Study Abroad #goals

     Right now, I'm sitting on my extra long twin mattress in Pearsons Hall contemplating the now-undeniable fact that I am planning a study abroad trip to the United Kingdom, which is quite literally a dream come true for me.  My "unironically enthusiastic" (to quote one of my favorite people, John Green) brain is screaming, "What is life?!" When I start to think about studying abroad, the emotions I feel are complicated-- like all emotions, I suppose.  Obviously, I am incredibly excited but I am also incredibly anxious.  It's immediate excitement and then unstoppable butterflies.  

    I'm excited and enthusiastic for all the obvious reasons-- I'm planning a trip to a place I dreamed of seeing since I was in elementary school.  I'm leaving the United States for the first time in my life.  I'm (hopefully) going to see all of the famous monuments and towns and castles (what?!) that I've been reading about since I was a child.  As a writing major, the literary tourism is what I look the most forward to on this trip.  Visiting Stratford-upon-Avon and the Globe theater have been on my bucket list since I read Romeo and Juliet for the first time.  However, I also tell folks that if I was not a writing major, I would be studying history.  Seeing the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, the British Museum, Loch Ness, and the Roman Baths (to name a few places on my list) is going to be an unforgettable and truly fantastic experience.  

     Although I am extremely happy to be going abroad, it would be dishonest of me to say I wasn't feeling any anxiety about it.  I think that all new experiences come with anxiety because we can never fully know what to expect.  I can read and research and ask as many questions as I want, but I won't actually understand what it's like to live in a foreign country until I actually do it.  I think this long state of not-knowing is the root of my butterflies.  I desperately want to make the most of this trip.  As a perfectionist, I want my experience to go exactly the way I plan, but as a realist, I understand that is going to be almost impossible.  Therefore, one of my goals, besides visiting all my tourist-y destinations, is to be open to spontaneous adventures.  

     Along with the goals I have already discussed, I also want to make as many friends as I can, write as much as possible (this is an academic as well as a personal goal), take as many photos as my 64gb SD card will allow (then buy another one and take more pictures), and learn some things about the world and about myself.  

     Also-- fifteen-year-old-Hannah would never forgive twenty-one-year-old-Hannah if she did not visit the Madame Toussauds Wax Museum so she can take a photo with the One Direction wax figures-- that is, unless she can meet the real One Direction while abroad, in which case, it won't matter how the rest of the trip goes because her life will then be complete. <3 #studyabroadgoals