The Study Abroad Programs Office helps to identify international opportunities for students seeking an international experience and a broader perspective of the world. Last year more than 1,600 students traveled to 67 countries from Argentina to China, Australia to Spain and many in between. With more than $500,000 in study abroad scholarships available at Texas A&M and numerous federal grants to pursue education abroad, the Study Abroad Programs Office and the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid work with students to make an international experience a reality.

Samantha Chiu, a senior political science major, spent the spring 2008 semester at Peking University's Research Center for Contemporary China studying East Asian economics, policy reforms and political science research methods.  Researching in China for a semester gave Samantha exposure to research techniques, allowed her to practice her Mandarin language skills, and provided her the opportunity to make her first visit to the country where her parents were born. A Gilman Scholarship of $5,000 and Freeman Asia Award of $5,000, both national scholarships, helped to defray the costs of her study abroad experience.

“My most rewarding academic experience was in Xi'an, Shaanxi; one of the four great ancient capitals of China. I assisted and attended this research workshop with a group of Texas A&M graduate students studying political science, economics, sociology and communication as well as graduate researchers from universities all across China,” said Chiu. “We met for two weeks to study advanced research methods, specifically focusing on the 2008 China Survey. Academic topics included survey technique, new research technology, and questionnaire design. All these valuable skills apply towards my work as a 2008-2009 Undergraduate Research Scholar at Texas A&M. However, this workshop was not solely academic. We visited rural villages and collaborated with international students. Unfortunately, we also experienced the 2008 Sichuan Earthquake that killed approximately 60,000 people.”

Despite this tragedy, Samantha felt the pulse of optimism and unlimited opportunity in China as the country prepared to host the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. 

For three months, Samantha independently designed and taught weekend English classes to help her students improve their English for conversation and business. These classes will undoubtedly help her as well, providing her with new friends and business experience she’ll need post-graduation.

Like each student who takes advantage of the opportunity to study abroad, Samantha’s journey is unique. Students have thousands of options available to choose from, whether alone like Samantha, or with a group of Aggies like those who spend a semester or summer abroad at Texas A&M’s Study Center in Italy. The Study Abroad Programs Office has peer counselors and advisors to help students navigate the sea of programs and national scholarships available. Departmental advisors can help students plan their schedules around a study abroad experience so the courses add to the students’ skill set and count toward an on-time graduation.  In some academic departments, professors have developed study abroad programs or exchanges that will fit into a students’ major.

Working together with individual students, faculty and staff can help find solutions for financial and academic hurdles to an international experience.

“Though traveling and taking time away from Texas A&M seems expensive and academically risky,” said Chiu, “the experienced faculty relieved all my concerns about spending time abroad. I approached the staff with all my questions and they helped me open the right doors.”

Programs are available to help students in any major study, work, intern, conduct research or volunteer abroad from one week to one full academic year, including numerous opportunities during summer sessions. Language skills are not always a prerequisite for an international experience, although they are easily improved upon with such an immersion experience.

“Studying abroad is essential to understanding yourself, your culture, and the world you are part of,” asserts Chiu. “Every student should experience looking out into a new landscape, because you will return to the United States with awakened senses. Gazing out into the horizon of Beijing, marked by skyscrapers and mountains evokes completely different emotions from when I look out into College Station’s endless sunset.”