This week in our blog series Male Students in Study Abroad, CEA Alumni Ambassador and junior at Towson University, Conor Farrell, reflects on his experience abroad and how it has better prepared him for future international employment opportunities.

Conor: I studied with CEA in Barcelona, Spain, for the Fall 2012 semester. I took part in a number of CEA sponsored trips around the city, including field trips with professors at the CEA campus as well as trips to the Pyrenees Mountains and Montserrat. While in Barcelona, I stayed in a residencia with other international students, which gave me the independence and freedom to make my own decisions - from making meals to planning trips with other students in the residence.  Also while abroad, I was able to travel quickly and easily to Prague and Peniche in Portugal.  Overall, I was able to experience a mix of cultures in Spain and abroad, and also able to learn the European style of life and business, which I absolutely loved.

CEA: Why did you choose to study abroad?

Conor: Ever since I went abroad in high school, travel has been a  huge desire.  I've studied in Costa Rica and Guatemala, but visited four different European countries and much of Central America.  Being able to study in a Spanish-speaking country was a big bonus.

CEA: What skills did you learn or improve on during your time abroad?

Conor: Independent decision making was something I considered lacking before I went abroad; I would usually do what peer majority wanted and just go with the flow. Being abroad and living in the residencia allowed me to focus on how I wanted my experience to be. Although I would still make group decisions and hang out with large groups of people, I have definitely noticed that I am more comfortable in making decisions that impact my life. Clearly my Spanish increased ten fold; I am now one class away from completing my minor and I am absolutely breezing through the class,  all due to being in Spain and having an excellent Spanish teacher while there.

CEA: What classes did you find useful or applicable to your field of study or career interest?

Conor: A big reason I studied in Spain was to improve my Spanish but also to get an idea of international business and economies. Being an international business major and a Spanish minor, it made perfect sense to study in a country where there was a different economy and different language.  The three business classes I took abroad all had to do with international business and business practices.  Each class was taught by a professor with not only teaching experience, but actual experience in the field as well. They were able to give real world examples and from their personal life that tied the material together.

CEA: How has your study abroad experience impacted your life, academics, and/or future career goals?

Conor: Before Barcelona, I really knew I wanted to travel the world and be able to experience different cultures, as cliche as that sounds. Because I had already studied abroad previously, I knew studying abroad was the best way to do that outside of joining the Peace Corps or something. But study abroad has already opened me to professional opportunities. After being back for a month, I applied for a job that required an international business degree, language minor and absolutely required study abroad experience. This opportunity would never have come my way without having studied abroad.


CEA: In your opinion, why don't more male students study abroad?

Conor: I think male students are less aware of the amount of opportunities abroad and are less proactive about looking into programs. Many of my friends at school always talk about how much they want to study abroad but never even take the first step to research the programs available. Also, from my experience, males tend to think it's always "too late" to study abroad.

CEA: Why do you think it's important for male students/all students to study abroad?

Conor: The world is too global at this point. You cannot feasibly only understand and experience one country and one culture and expect to make it through life. Studying abroad is a great first step in the right direction and gives you the base understanding of the global marketplace and the underlying differences between the United States and the rest of the world.

CEA: What are 3 study abroad myths you can debunk for other male students considering study abroad?

Conor: First myth - the ratio of guys to girls is never a negative. Even if there are more girls than guys, everyone is in a different country, different lifestyle and just as nervous. 

Second myth - study abroad isn't safe: Studying abroad is as safe as you make it. As long as you don't draw attention to yourself, make smart decisions and follow the recommendations of the program, you will be as safe as any place in the states.

Third myth - No one goes abroad alone: I DID!  And so did many other students in the CEA program as well as many other students I met in Barcelona. Going abroad alone isn't bad, everyone else is uncomfortable for the first few days and almost everyone I met was willing to have another friend around.

CEA: If you could give any piece of advice to other male students considering study abroad, what would it be?

Conor: JUST GO! No matter what country or program you choose, being in a different culture and being away from the boring grind of the American lifestyle is amazing in itself.


Conor Farrell is a junior at Towson Univeristy and studied abroad with CEA in Barcelona, Spain, during the Fall 2012 Semester.

            Since the moment I stepped off of the plane in Granada, I have been an active learner. Studying abroad is a unique experience that allows this at all times. I am not only actively learning a second language through everyday interactions with my host-family, friends, teachers and locals, but I am also learning more about culture, world issues, religion, literature, art, history and more. My learning takes place due to the opportunities I am given each day. I have had the opportunity to tour, and learn about the history of famous Cathedrals, palaces, cities and ancient ruins. Through learning about the history of Spain in these guided tours, I’ve also developed a better understanding of life and Spanish culture. Normal everyday occurrences are also a source of personal growth. Every day I challenge myself by trying new food, planning trips to places I never imagined visiting, speaking with locals, meeting new friends for tapas, and exploring more of the city.

This week we continue our series, Male Students in Study Abroad with our Alumni Ambassador and junior at Hofstra University, Matthew Morgan. Here, Matthew talks about his second time studying abroad with CEA in Paris, France, after his first experience with the Rotary Club in the south of France, just outside Paris.

CEA: Please provide a short summary of your study abroad experience:

Matthew: My study abroad with CEA was one of the best experiences of my life. I arrived in Paris in early August for the early start program. I lived alone in an apartment for 2 weeks, but it helped me get acquainted with the city and the metro before the others arrived for the start of the semester.

When the semester started, I moved into AEPP, which is the international dormitory. It was the highlight of the whole experience.  I made so many friends from around the world that I still keep in touch with.

The classes I took with CEA were great because they taught me about the city I came in contact with every time I stepped outside of campus. It was the first time I never sat in the classroom asking myself, "When am I going to need this?"

The excursions were all great and allowed me to meet and interact with other people in the program I did not get to see as often. The experience with CEA surpassed all my expectations, and I had a high bar set going in.

CEA: Why did you choose to study abroad?

Matthew: I chose to study abroad because I had already studied abroad for 10 months after I graduated high school, and I was dying to return to France, mainly Paris. I lived about an hour outside of Paris during my last experience so I wanted to actually live in Paris, and CEA offered me that opportunity with the most benefits.

CEA: What skills did you learn or improve upon during your time abroad?

Matthew: My ability to speak French definitely improved thanks to the foundational skills I had before I arrived, my great French teacher, and of course being immersed within the culture. Also my worldview was broadened a lot living in another culture, as well as living in an international dorm that caused me to have interactions with people of all cultures.

CEA: How have you changed since your experience abroad?

Matthew: Studying abroad has made me more independent, confident and a better citizen of the world. Study abroad is a path not chosen by many, so you have to be independent to make the choice in the first place. Confidence is something you gain being put into another culture and assimilating to another culture totally different from your own. Becoming a better citizen of the world comes from meeting new people from around the world and learning to understand the similarities and differences of people different from you.

CEA: How has your study abroad experience impacted your life, academics, and/or future career goals?

Matthew: My abroad experience has impacted all of those facets. I now have friends all over the world who I can visit and stay with whenever I am in their country, and I would do the same. It has affected my academics by helping to provide me with the credits I'll need to obtain a French minor. The experience has also made me realize how much I love study abroad, and want to work in that field when I graduate college.

CEA: Why do you think it's important for male students/all students to study abroad?

Matthew: I feel it is important to get a broader worldview and step outside of the box a bit.  Also, it is good to shake things up a bit in your life, feel uncomfortable and experience something new. The experience of study abroad makes you realize what is most important in your life, it gives you a perspective and it gives your life more meaning.

CEA: If you could give any piece of advice to other male students considering study abroad, what would it be?

Matthew: I only have one thing to say to male students who are considering study abroad, "70%/30%."  That is the ratio of female to male students in an average program. That was a small joke, but the real piece of advice is that the world is getting smaller and no matter what career choice you are pursuing you're going to be affected by globalization. So if you go out there and experience another culture and learn to adjust to foreign and unfamiliar situations, you will be far ahead and a far more valuable asset in comparison to other males in your field.

CEA: Please share any more of your perspective on studying abroad and male participation:

Matthew: Study abroad is one of the best experiences of my life and I feel that it is important for every student to take advantage of this opportunity. The chance to immerse yourself so fully in another culture while still getting credit for school is a chance that is fleeting. You can travel the world when you're older, but you'll probably only stay somewhere for a couple days and only interact with other tourists. Take the opportunity to become a citizen of another culture and you will not regret it!


Matthew Morgan is a junior at Hofstra Univeristy (Hempstead, NY) and studied abroad with CEA in Paris, France, during the Fall 2012 Semester.


 

Arrival: Colonia de Sarmiento, Uruguay



The Shores of Colonia



The Shores of Colonia


Centro Colonia


Centro Colonia

Centro Colonia


Centro Colonia



Shores of Colonia




Shores of Colonia


Centro Colonia (Lighthouse View)

10:00pm-3:00am

2. Mc Donagh's is the place to go if you're looking for fish and chips in Galway

3. Finnegan's is a great place to get a huge serving of traditional Irish food on an small budget.

1. The Crane is my favorite location for traditional music. Located in the west end, it hosts NUIG's trad music society every tuesday night during the school year. It's a must see while you're here

2. Tig Coili is a great spot for musicians from all over to come and play their music in the booth just behind the windows. They were just painting when I took this photo, so you'll have to recognize it by its bold black and red when you come to visit.

3. Taaffes holds great music events all the time. It's conveniently located right on the main street and is a must visit for anyone stopping in Galway.

1. The Quays was on everyone's list for a favorite pub. They have great live music every night and is always sure to be a good time.

2. The Roisin Dubh (the Black Rose in Irish) is a great spot in the west end. It's a younger crowd and every Tuesday and Wednesday night they host Silent Disco.

3. Monroe's Tavern is also in the west end. They have everything from salsa nights to traditional music.

1. Weekend Market is the best way to get a serving of local food. You must try the doughnuts, it's not an over-statement when I say, they are the best doughnuts you will ever have, and for only 80 cents!

2. The Salthill Prom whether you want to go for a nice walk, swim or lay on the beach, the Salthill Prom is the ultimate hangout spot. Take a dive on the Blackrock diving board to feel like a local.

3. The Spanish Arch is a well known feature of Galway, and on sunny days you'll see this area crowded with people enjoying the sunshine! Anna Toman is the spring 2013 CEA MOJO for Galway, Ireland