As a student at UW-La Crosse, I feel very fortunate to have such a successful study abroad program that encourages students to partake in furthering their education in a foreign country.  Although many individuals may have the stereotypical idea that when choosing to study abroad, one has to dedicate either a semester or an entire year to the program, it is not entirely true.  UW-L offers many different programs to best fit on an individualistic level.  

Now, we all hear our parents, teachers, mentors and peers say it: "if given the option to study abroad, do it."  Jason Kouba, an advisor for the study abroad program at UW-L, was considerably moved by his time abroad.  In fact, it swayed him to further a career in a field that offered him the ability to work with the program each day.  Kouba, however, has difficulty picking the most beneficial attribute about the program and opportunity abroad.  

"The one that I feel is the most important though, is that in today's extremely competitive job market, anything that can set you apart is invaluable. Having studied abroad demonstrates to potential employers that you are open to new ideas and experiences. It also shows that you are willing to put yourself out there and face challenges head on." Said Kouba.  Not only will studying abroad positively effect individuals career wise, but also academically.  Kouba said, "also, many students have a renewed commitment to their academics; and often times they discover a clarity in their goals that wasn't there before."  

Though personal experiences abroad, according to Kouba, vary from person to person,  there are similarities, too.  The United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Argentina, and Costa Rica are a few "student favorites" at UW-L.  He also notices that (most) students typically come back having thoroughly enjoyed their experience abroad.

"Without a doubt the overwhelming majority of students return wishing that they had stayed longer, and with glowing recommendations for future students," said Kouba, though he does recognize their are exceptions to this generalization.  Though studying abroad can benefit all individuals, it is exceptionally best for those majoring/minoring in a foreign language.

 It grants an individual the ability to work around the language on a daily basis and live in their culture for a significant period of time.  But, according to Kouba, the common misconception with the study abroad program is that individuals must be a foreign language student in order to pursue studying abroad.  This, however, is not true.  With so many options in the program, there truly is something for everyone.  

If interested in studying abroad, I encourage you to seek advising from UW-L.  Individuals like Jason Kouba have the ability to lead you to your best option.  Once you decide that studying abroad is something you are considerably interested in, apply!  According to student, Alina Piotrowski, a sophomore at UW-L who will be studying for a semester in Brazil next fall, "the application process, in my opinion, is pretty simple. In my case, since I am studying abroad through a program apart from UW-L, I had to first apply through UW-L and then through the individual program (CIEE).

The majority of what the UW-L form includes is your basic personal information, what program you will be applying for, when you want to study abroad, your major/minor, your GPA, etc. When applying for a specific program, there are many steps, but it is all very easy if you know what you want to do, so there is no need to get discouraged."  

As an avid traveler myself, I am very interested in studying abroad- at least for a j-term, sometime throughout my college career.  College is short,  limiting the opportunity to spend time in a foreign country.  Piotrowski couldn't have finished our interview any better  saying: "now, I know that some people have their reasons for not studying abroad, but I fully encourage doing it if you have the opportunity. Some say that they can always travel later on in life, but why not do it now? Who knows if you will even have the opportunity again? Go for it. Traveling will change your life and most likely open your eyes to things you never expected."  I couldn't have said it better myself.