Study Abroad Student Association formed

Marshall University's study abroad efforts are being revived this semester with the emergence of the Study Abroad Student Association.The president of the club, Cherie Davis, a junior public relations major, said the main purpose of the club is to raise awareness for study abroad opportunities on campus. Davis said the club is trying to raise scholarships for outgoing study abroad students. The money raised for scholarships will be entirely derived from fundraising.
The club is not only focused on outgoing American students, but Davis said the club aims to help incoming study abroad students as well.For incoming exchange students, we are doing a mentorship program,Davis said.Students who have have previously studied abroad are being matched up with a few outgoing people, and we are going to hopefully answer the questions they wouldn't feel comfortable asking their study abroad adviser.Davis said it is important for students to take advantage of the study abroad opportunities on Marshall's campus.It's important because we are going out into the real world soon, and it's important to experience different cultures,Davis said.You learn a lot about yourself and about people in general when you are put into a completely new environment.

Davis has studied abroad in Denmark and said she was fortunate enough to travel through most of Europe.Kylie Gallagher, a study abroad adviser, said students at Marshall University benefit from study abroad programs.Having something like an international experience on their resume really helps to enhance anything that they're studying here,Gallagher said.It's going to give you a little bit more of a competitive edge.A study abroad experience expresses to employers that the student is independent and capable of taking advantage of opportunities, Gallagher said.
Employers really notice that,she said.In regard to incoming international exchange students, Gallagher said it is beneficial for both American students as well as the exchange students to take advantage of study abroad opportunities.I think it's good to have a mix of people that you're involved with on a regular basis,Gallagher said.Having those students here on campus opens your mind to some different ways of thinking about things.

The club will set up a booth on Oct. 6 in the Memorial Student Center to raise awareness of the study abroad opportunities and how to become involved in the club.The club's first meeting is at 6 p.m. on Oct. 11 in the Memorial Student Center. The club plans to meet on a weekly basis 6 p.m. every Monday, Davis said. The club currently consists of approximately 15 students.Davis said the main focus of the club at this time is raising money for scholarships. She said the club might host an international bake sale, but as of now nothing has been confirmed.The club originally began in 2004, but participation declined shortly after its inception. Gallagher said one of the main reasons the club should be more successful now is because there is a full-time study abroad adviser.Davis said she hopes the group will attract more students who have previously traveled abroad and students interested in studying abroad.People who go abroad and have these amazing experiences tend to keep it to themselves because previously there has been no outlet or anyone to share it with once you get back to campus,Gallagher said.Having some kind of organization like this is a good way to share your experience and get more people excited about going.