Let the world be your classroom. Seeing the world is one thing I have always love to do. Traveling to me gives you the chance to experience life from another perspective, broadening your mind to see how someone else lives. I have been blessed in my life to travel to over nine countries and have learned something new every time. However, nothing can compare to the experiences I had during my study abroad. I can truly say I came back as a completely new person.

Mary Minns

This summer I did a short-term study abroad to Costa Rica and honestly, I did not want to come back. I participated in the Dynamics of Communities in Costa Rica Sociology program with Dr. Porter. Our travel group consisted of five women along with our professor and her children. Our assignment throughout the trip was to do ethnographic research on our own individual paper topics and write a research paper on it. So I had no choice other than to dive into the Costa Rican culture. Throughout this trip, I grew as a person, as a Christain, and as a student. I got to have fun, learn and grow all while gaining credits to further my future endeavors. There will be nothing else that will give you that chance.

Mary Minns

While I was away I got to experience what people out of the United States thought about us. I got to experience life without all the things we feel like we need. While I was away, I learned to calm down and slow down. While I was away, I learned to enjoy life. And I came back to the United States with relationships and experiences that I will carry with me my entire life. It is something that although it is scary, it is completely worth every moment of it.

Most students think about doing a study abroad but never take that leap of faith. Whether it be financial reasons or just not enough time, I want to encourage you to just go for it. Do not let all of life's struggles and roadblocks deter you from the experience of a lifetime. There is nothing more amazing then exploring the unknown and having it literally be your classroom. Take that chance to experience a holistic version of learning, instead of sitting and listening to endless lectures. It will push you to grow as a person, a student, a family member, and so much more. Take that chance that we have at here JMU, expanded your resume and your mind.

Here at JMU, we have access to tons of opportunities to access this amazing experience. Center for Global Engagement (CGE) offers tons of study abroad choices from short-term to semester long that travel all over the world. Check out JMU's Center for Global Engagement web page, and look through the many study abroad programs that are offered.

http://www.jmu.edu/global/abroad/