By Sonni Simmons

Community News Editor

CSUSM is working to provide students with opportunities that will push them towards self discovery and lead them to countries unknown.

CSUSM’s Study Abroad Sessions provide students with the information and resources necessary to begin a journey to a foreign country. These opportunities allow students to not only continue major-specific study, but to become more cultured and grow as individuals as well.

“[Studying abroad] will stretch you in wonderful ways… and is a key feature of growing up,” said Tiffany Gabbard, Study Abroad Coordinator. “You have to put yourself out there.”

Students are welcome to attend any of the Study Abroad Information Sessions held on campus during the Spring 2015 semester. Dates can be found under the Global Education’s Calendar of Events on the CSUSM website. At these information sessions, student questions are answered and the steps necessary to studying abroad will be discussed. Topics that are also explained include types of programs that are offered, length of time away from home, how to choose a country based on major, finances, financial aid and scholarships.

“Our Info Sessions…cover a lot of questions that prospective study abroad students have and give them a good idea of the many wonderful overseas options they can explore,” said Danielle Baldo, a Study Abroad Advisor and former study abroad student.

Baldo also emphasizes the reasons why study abroad programs are so important for students to take advantage of, and how they can ultimately benefit from them.

“From my personal study abroad experience, I’ve seen myself become more involved and more focused about my future,” Baldo said. “At times I think college students become so overwhelmed with their lives and future that they shut out new opportunities just because they want to graduate, doing anything to get by. Study Abroad helps you realize that there’s more out there for you, past the limits that you place on yourself.”

For students unable to attend an info session, the Study Abroad Advisors are located in Craven Hall 3200. Walk-in hours are from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays and from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.