Study Abroad Stories Queens College Study Abroad Office

In this episode, we switch things up a bit by interviewing Olivia Tursi, a licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with both the Calandra Institute and the Counseling Center at Queens College.
 
As the title of this episode implies, we discuss the positive mental effects of studying abroad, as well as different tips, advice, and coping mechanisms for dealing with difficult moments abroad, such as homesickness, loneliness, anxiety, etc.
 
What Was Discussed:
PART I: Positive Mental Effects of Studying Abroad
-The General Positive Effects of Studying Abroad
-The importance and benefits of stepping out of your comfort zone
-Why personal development occurs at an accelerated rate abroad
-The connection between being in a new environment and gaining more independence and maturity
-What experiential learning is and its benefits
 
PART II: Coping with Difficult Moments Abroad
-Culture Shock and tips for adjusting to a new environment
-Tips for coping with home-sickness and low days- how to improve your mood
-Coping with loneliness and making new friends abroad
-Eliminating negative thinking and fostering self-love in difficult situations
-Anxiety, recognizing triggers, and calming oneself down
-The importance of having a routine abroad
-Reverse culture shock and how to overcome it
-Closing Thoughts. Olivia’s advice for students who are about to embark on this journey

Queens College Counseling Services:
https://www.qc.cuny.edu/studentlife/services/counseling/counseling/pages/default.aspx
 
Our Website: www.qc.cuny.edu/studyabroad
Instagram: @QCTravels

In this solo-episode, you will find out why you should study abroad before your last semester of college—unless you are okay with pushing back your graduation.
 
Find our Summer, Winter, Semester/Yearlong & NSE Programs here:
www.qc.cuny.edu/studyabroad
 
Instagram: @QCTravels

In this episode, you will hear an interview with Jessica, a Queens College Student who studied abroad in Amsterdam through City College’s VU University Exchange Program.
 
Jessica will reflect on how studying abroad made her fearless, the amazing friendships that she developed with people from all over the world, how she came back to NY ready to take on the world, with more direction in her life, and more!

WHAT WE DISCUSSED:
-Why Study Abroad?
-Why the Netherlands? 
-Studying Abroad through a Non-Queens College Program
-Scholarships & Money Tips
-Classes & Assignments
-Culture Shock
-Friendship Abroad vs. At Home
-Tips for making friends
-Her travels
-Her favorite thing about studying abroad
-How she grew through her time abroad
-Her advice to YOU
-And more…
 
How to apply to NON-QC Programs here:
https://www.qc.cuny.edu/Academics/GlobalEd/StudyAbroad/Pages/Studying-Abroad-through-a-NON-QC-Program.aspx
 
City College’s Semester Programs:
https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/studyabroad/ccny-semester-programs-abroad
 
Our Website:
www.qc.cuny.edu/studyabroad
 
Instagram: @QCTravels

This is a very different kind of episode. The audio in this episode was extracted from a video we recorded pre-COVID for international exchange students who are interested in studying abroad at Queens College.

You will hear what studying in NY is like from the eyes of international exchange students from Barcelona, Spain and Lisbon, Portugal.

Tune in to hear about what these students think about New Yorkers, culture shock that they experienced, how studying abroad impacted their lives, and more!

WHAT WE DISCUSSED:
-Their thoughts about New York and Queens College
-Their biggest culture shock
-The difference between the American school system and their school systems
-Their relationship with other exchange students and with QC students
-Stereotypes of Americans/New Yorkers before coming here
-Their favorite exchange student event  
-Their favorite memory from their time here
-How they grew from their time in NY
-And more!
 
Our Website: www.qc.cuny.edu/studyabroad
Instagram: @QCTravels

Have you ever wondered what the difference between Semester Study Abroad and Semester Exchange Programs is? 

In this episode, this difference will be clarified, and you will be informed about your different options for studying abroad for a semester/year (Queens College Programs vs. CUNY Programs vs. NON-CUNY Programs).
 
Table: Semester Exchanges vs. Study Abroad: https://www.qc.cuny.edu/Academics/GlobalEd/StudyAbroad/Pages/Exchange%20vs.%20Study%20Abroad.aspx
 
Find out about our QC Semester/Yearlong Programs here:
https://www.qc.cuny.edu/Academics/GlobalEd/StudyAbroad/Pages/Semester-Yearlong-Programs.aspx

Find out about how to apply to NON-QC Programs here:
https://www.qc.cuny.edu/Academics/GlobalEd/StudyAbroad/Pages/Studying-Abroad-through-a-NON-QC-Program.aspx

Our website: www.qc.cuny.edu/studyabroad
Instagram: @QCTravels

One of the most common questions that students ask is “Can I take major classes abroad?” In this episode, I will discuss the different factors that contribute to answering this question, and let you know why we strongly suggest that you take electives abroad.
 

Find out Summer, Winter, Semester/Yearlong & NSE Programs here:
www.qc.cuny.edu/studyabroad
 
National Student Exchange: www.nse.org
 
Instagram: @QCTravels