Mention the words “study abroad” and it is almost guaranteed the phrase “life changing experience” will follow.
At Marist College, a great deal of emphasis is put on the opportunity for students to study abroad. The chance to receive an education in a foreign country is an experience many students often find they cannot miss.
“Studying abroad is pretty important to me,” said Jackie Brophy, a junior at Marist. “Everyone tells me it is going to be ‘life-changing’ so I’m excited to see how that works out.”
Brophy is one of the many fashion merchandising majors who is going to study abroad in the upcoming fall semester. Brophy plans on spending the first semester of her junior year in the historic fashion capital of London, England.
Infamous London landmark, Big Ben. Photo courtesy of frankthetank.files.wordpress.com
“I am excited to get to study in London,” said Brophy. “I like that I will be able to have many new experiences with people I go to school with here at Marist.”
For 45 years, the Marist International Program has offered students the opportunity to travel and study overseas. Through the Marist International Program, students can study a wide range of courses on any of the six different continents. From Europe all the way down to Australia, the variety of countries students can study in are numerous.
The fashion program at Marist is just one of the many courses a student can choose to study when abroad. For fashion majors, London and Italy are the two most popular locations to study in.
“I chose London because I wanted to get an international internship experience,” said Brophy. “I feel that interning will give me an advantage over the other job seekers in my industry.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of the study abroad experience offered to Marist students is the ability to enroll in an internship. In certain courses of study, students can gain work experience by enrolling in an internship. The ability to participate in an internship is just another opportunity for students to become knowledgeable in their field of study.
According to Brophy, interning while abroad is not only helpful for gaining work experience, but an insightful source to her field of study.
“It [Interning] will give me an idea of what the fashion industry is like outside of the US,” said Brophy. “It will help me when looking for jobs in the future.”
Aside from the education one receives while studying in a foreign country, another prominent aspect of studying abroad is the opportunity to experience different places and cultures.
Brophy plans to take full advantage of her time in Europe and experience other places and cultures.
“I really want to travel as much as I can,” said Brophy. “I am most looking forward to visiting Italy and Greece.”
For Brophy, studying abroad was not an easy decision. However, the several opportunities offered by the Marist International Program helped make the decision a little bit easier.
“I am sad I won’t be able to be here for my sister’s first semester at Marist (she is coming here next year), but I know I would not want to miss out on the amazing opportunity to spend the semester in Europe.”
Comments are closed.