By Jessica Coke —
I had just finished processing my (NJCU) study abroad application when Mr. Craig Katz, Edm, Director of the International programs said to me, “Study abroad is a life changing experience and journey. Every student who has gone overseas to the University of Worcester had a wonderful time. You will definitely enjoy the experience.”
Sometime in the beginning of last semester (Fall 2012), I attended club day. I was a new transfer student, and I was eager to get involved. Amongst various other clubs and programs, the International programs table caught my attention.
Now the rest is History!
The office of International programs here at NJCU offers a variety of universities in different countries where a student can study abroad. Ranging from countries such as Japan, Australia, Spain, and Chile’.
I chose the study abroad program in England, because I’m a History major- and I love to study the history of Great Britain. Choosing to study abroad at the University of Worcester in England was a very easy decision to me.
University of Worcester is just as inexpensive as NJCU when considering other colleges and universities. I will be participating in a direct exchange program, so it’ll be just like paying tuition and room and board here at NJCU. The University of Worcester also offers a variety of interesting courses that are not offered here at NJCU. The University is located centrally in a small historical town, with numerous cafes, shopping centers, and even night clubs. The University of Worcester is also renowned for their sports programs and teams. I don’t actually play sports, but I am aware that the university does offer scholarships to international student athletes.
Not to mention, study abroad applicants (including me) who receive Federal Pell Grant funding are also able to receive a Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship. The Gilman Scholarship is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. A student recipient of the Gilman Scholarship can be awarded up to $5,000 and even more if they are studying a language. A Gilman Scholarship can be awarded to any undergraduate student who displays financial need, and meets all of the Scholarship requirements which are listed here — http://www.iie.org/GILMAN.
I plan on studying abroad this upcoming fall. The path towards studying abroad is essentially easy, if you are clear on where you want to go. Although I am not even half way finished with completing everything necessary for my study abroad journey, I am very optimistic that this opportunity at hand will be an awesome one. The University of Worcester is one of NJCU’s more popular exchange partners. It is probably because of the inexpensiveness, and that the university has a small and quiet campus – just like NJCU.
I can just picture it now, the museums, the scenery, the cold, and the lifetime friendships to come. While studying abroad in England, I’ll also be able to visit other neighboring countries too.
I am more excited than ever to embark on this journey abroad. Wish me luck!
I advise anyone who is interested in studying abroad to make way to Grossnickle Hall room 303, or visit the International Programs website at http://www.njcu.edu/internationalprograms. Mr. Katz and his assistant are very friendly and I am sure that they will happily assist anyone who is interested in any of the study abroad programs.