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Category Stories: Academics

  • It’s Possible to Study Abroad if You’re a STEM Major: Just ask me!

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    It’s Possible to Study Abroad if You’re a STEM Major:  Just ask me!

    I declared my computer science major sophomore year. When I was assigned my advisor, she asked about my plans to study abroad, if I had any, since it can be difficult to fit studying abroad into a STEM major’s college experience. I was unsure but kept the thought in the back of my mind throughout…

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  • My Golden Internship: Why I Chose to Intern on the Gold Coast

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    My Golden Internship: Why I Chose to Intern on the Gold Coast

    There is so much pressure to graduate with work experience, yet barely any time. From the very first day of college, my professors have stressed the importance of internships. As a student who is involved in leadership positions in Greek life, the Honors College, and a professional organization, I barely have time to sleep, let…

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  • From Risk-Taking Freshman to Irish Adventurer: The Challenges and Rewards of Being Your University’s First Freshman Abroad

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    From Risk-Taking Freshman to Irish Adventurer: The Challenges and Rewards of Being Your University’s First Freshman Abroad

    At 18-years-old, I did not cry when I said goodbye to my parents at 6:00 am at the Tulsa International Airport before I would leave them for four months.  No, I stayed strong and waited until they were out of my sight before I booked it to the airport bathroom to let out all the…

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  • A Passion for Global Politics Culminating in Meeting the Taoiseach of Ireland

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    A Passion for Global Politics Culminating in Meeting the Taoiseach of Ireland

    I’m a nerd. I’ll admit it, I love following international politics. Back home, I indulge my fascination and love for politics on the international stage by participating in Mizzou’s Model United Nations club. Going abroad presents a golden opportunity to pick up all sorts of cool new hobbies as well as help reinforce the love…

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  • My Greatest Accomplishment in Ecuador was Failure

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    My Greatest Accomplishment in Ecuador was Failure

    It was nightfall when I first stepped off the bus in Salasaca, a Kichwa town of the Ecuadorian Andes. Kichwa is an indigenous nationality and language. By invitation of the young adult leadership program, I would visit for the weekend and assist in English classes. Midnight of the first night, sharing Monopoly and a large…

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  • Building a Network Outside the Classroom: Interning Abroad

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    Building a Network Outside the Classroom: Interning Abroad

    Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work abroad? Many students are interested in the concept of working in a foreign country, but might be uneasy about the idea, as they have never had exposure to a foreign office environment. Well, IFSA students studying in Shanghai have the best of both worlds- they are not…

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  • When Abroad, Phone Home!

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    When Abroad, Phone Home!

    Reality Hits It’s that time of the semester when there is increasing popularity of memes speaking to many students abroad who are slowly realizing that they still have academic responsibilities and are bracing themselves for the impending doom of neglecting them. The academics may be different from back home, but assignments, essays and exams still do exist on…

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  • Peru, Biology and Biochemistry: Tips for Studying Abroad

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    Peru, Biology and Biochemistry: Tips for Studying Abroad

    STEM students have long been underrepresented in study abroad. Up until recently, students majoring in or studying science, math, or engineering were, for the majority, unable to participate in study abroad due to the nature of their course loads. STEM majors often have a specific track they need to follow, with courses specific to the department which need…

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  • How To Navigate Course Enrollment in Peru

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    How To Navigate Course Enrollment in Peru

    Now that you’ve made your decision to study abroad in Peru, you’re probably wondering about the classes that you’ll be able to take while you’re there. Maybe you need to fulfill some major requirements, gen-eds, or need to make sure that you’ll have enough credits to graduate on time. Unlike programs in other parts of…

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  • STEM Majors: Is Studying Abroad Worth It

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    STEM Majors: Is Studying Abroad Worth It

    The STEM Dilemma It’s common to hear from science, technology, engineering and mathematics students that their course schedules are too hectic or busy spending hours in labs, clinic, or independent thesis projects to fit in a study abroad experience. This unfortunate tendency for STEM students in college results in them lacking the fulfilling and eye-opening…

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