JSIS/Hellenic Studies Greece: Greece and Europe – Travelers, Migrants and Tourists
I never planned on studying abroad. I was just like most other students who categorized study abroad as a “once in a lifetime chance that only the financially stable students were capable of experiencing.” During early spring quarter, something changed my mind. I’m not completely sure how that lightbulb went off, but I’m grateful that it did because it allowed me to grow academically, personally, and professionally. My chosen study abroad program was the JSIS/Hellenic Studies Greece: Greece and Europe – Travelers, Migrants and Tourists through the summer of 2019. This program focused on the effects of migration and tourism on Greece and its social, political, and cultural economies. How did I know this program fit me?
Step 1. Pick your program and research!
There are so many amazing programs to choose from, but not all of them will suit your needs, and benefit you in the long run. Before choosing my top three programs, I started off highlighting all the programs I was interested in. I then narrowed this list to the programs that suited me best. For example, I choose three that catered to my career path as a newly aspiring lawyer, because I knew what I would be learning would be more meaningful to me. These top 3 picks were: LSJ Africa, JSIS Greece, and SAFS Samoa. Greece was admittedly not my number one pick because I was interested in being a criminal defense attorney. My top pick was the LSJ Africa program. Why? Well, it was more focused on the criminal justice system in Africa compared to the U.S. This was something I was extremely passionate about, but I registered too late and was not accepted into the program. Greece was my second pick because it still had to do with politics and was relatively close to my career path. I also knew the democratic system originated in Athens, Greece. This location is precisely where we were studying for about a month. My last pick was the SAFS American Samoa program. This pick was really outside my career goals, but because I was born there, I wanted to learn more about how the local ecosystems were being affected by humans, and how that would affect others on the sacred lands of Samoa. Overall, once you narrow down to your top three program choices, and take the time to research the benefits of each program to your academic, personal, and professional growth you will then be able to choose YOUR program. As a result you will have the tools to collect the right questions to ask before meeting with your study abroad, your major advisor, and your financial aid advisor (if you are eligible for financial aid).
Step 2. Ask ALL the RIGHT questions
When choosing a study abroad program, it’s important you come up with all the RIGHT questions before meeting with any advisor (specifically your major advisor and your financial aid advisor), this way you are prepared when stepping into their offices (advisors always appreciate questions and preparation from students as well). When I say ask all the “RIGHT” questions, I mean think about your questions in depth. Do not ask questions that can be answered through research. Here are some questions you may want to jot down/think about
- What requirements do these study abroad classes fulfill for graduation?
- Can these classes be petitioned towards other requirements for graduation?
- Can I still graduate within my desired time frame if I study abroad?
- Will financial aid cover my tuition?
- What is and isn’t included in my tuition fees abroad?
- What happens when I get sick, injured, etc… abroad?
- I’m not familiar with the host country language, will this be a problem?
- What are some challenges I should prepare for when studying abroad?
STEP 3. Meet with study abroad advisor, Major advisor, Financial aid advisor, and Program Coordinator
Once you have written down all the questions you have, schedule an appointment to meet with them individually (the earlier the better). Ask your questions, and create/jot down new ones as you learn more about your desired program. By meeting with all your advisors, you will be given advice you would otherwise not find on the internet.
STEP. 4 Find your funds
I know the struggle of not being able to afford to study abroad, but do not let your financial status stop you from achieving a global education. The route that initially wanted to take was to simply rely on financial aid. After I spoke with an advisor, she explained to me that relying on financial aid was not a guarantee, and that it’s always a good idea to apply for scholarships even if you may not think you’ll win. There are many alternatives to fund your education abroad (i.e fundraisers, GoFundMe, etc…). My top 3 sources of funds was from
- Gilman Scholarship: UP TO $5,000
- UWB Study Abroad Scholarship: UP TO $2,500
- Financial aid money: If eligible may cover your tuition
These three sources combined paid for my entire tuition abroad, my round trip ticket, my insurance abroad, my meals abroad, and all my personal shopping abroad. I know that applying for scholarships are really difficult, but in my personal experience, it’s better being prepared abroad then stressing about money. My advice is to rely less on financial aid because sometimes it can disappoint. Instead, you can:
- Find study abroad scholarships for your term
- Look for scholarship deadlines and requirements
- Prepare your essays ahead of time, DON’T WAIT LAST MINUTE
- Be your authentic self in your essays
- Commit at least half an hour every day to write portions of your essay
- Have someone proofread
- Correct any mistakes
- Finalize your application
- Submit
- If you don’t get the scholarship, it’s not the end of the world, keep looking and keep applying! YOU WONT REGRET IT!
Impact of my program on my life
In conclusion, I know we have talked a lot about how to choose a program that will best fit you, but now what happens when that process is over? What experiences do you get to share because you were able to follow even one of these steps I shared with you today? Well, although I wasn’t accepted into my first study abroad choice, I believe that it happened for a reason. Studying abroad in Greece really has molded me to be closer to the woman I see myself being in the future. Greece taught me a lot about myself and my upbringing.
As we talked to the Romani settlement “leader,” Mr. Stelios, he explained his people’s desires for their community and their culture. They desired integration into their societies, they desired to be able to walk the streets without being stereotyped, they desired to futures for their children (and future generations), they desired to be heard by their local authorities/governments. Overall, talking to Mr.Stelios and being on the Greece 2019 program, made me recognize how ungrateful I had been to my parents and their sacrifices to pull me out of a similar environment earlier in my childhood.
I am a child of immigrant parents. I was born in American Samoa. My parents, much like the Romani parents that were being discriminated against in Greece, had very little but hoped and prayed that their move to the U.S would provide my siblings and me with a better future. After years of hard work and continuous guidance, I am able to say that I am a proud first-generation college student, and I am grateful for the sacrifices of my parents have made to help me obtain these experiences that remind me who I am, and what I am capable of achieving.
Tulauoneone Tupolo, Summer 2019
