By Sullivan McGee\/\/<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Hood student studying this semester in Sydney, Australia, encouraged all students to explore study-abroad opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The student, Rachel Shaw, a junior majoring in communication arts, is studying business and marketing with the Centers for Academic Programs Abroad (CAPA).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s the most hands-on learning experience you\u2019ve ever had,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
CAPA: The Global Education Network is a program that has education centers in cities across the world, including London, Barcelona and Paris.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
CAPA works with different institutions to send students to the global cities they offer. They have different focuses depending on which location a student travels to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sydney, for example, has a business and marketing focus. Shaw is taking courses such as an Australian film class, an Australian art class, and a class on international marketing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While studying abroad may seem intimidating to some students and the process to register may be stressful, Shaw encouraged all Hood students to try it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She said that studying abroad offers many opportunities for growth such as gaining new perspectives, learning about different cultures, and discovering different school and work settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Studying abroad can also teach students important life skills like independence, she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt makes you grow in a way you don’t really expect,\u201d Shaw said. \u201cIt\u2019s a new level of independence that I never really thought I would have.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to classes, Shaw has an internship working for an Australian film company called Filmotion, where she mostly edits video and audio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shaw said she strongly recommended researching prospective countries before studying abroad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou have to be very cognizant of the culture,\u201d Shaw said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shaw also said students should get an international credit card to make transactions overseas easier. In addition, she recommended getting some affordable room decorations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m definitely more homesick than I thought I would be,\u201d Shaw said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Decorating a room overseas can help to make it feel more like home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shaw also said that bringing some foods that students can cook easily is important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf you\u2019re not used to cooking for yourself, learn some recipes you can cook fast and cook comfortably,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Students should also familiarize themselves with airports, as traveling overseas can be hectic and confusing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally, Shaw gave a special tip for bookworms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf you\u2019re a person who reads, get a Kindle,\u201d she said. \u201cYou do not want to be carrying all your books and stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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