Temple’s study abroad programs offer students the chance to have a unique academic experience both on Temple’s main campus and abroad. External study abroad programs allow students to go to countries of their choice and participate in various types of programs run by study abroad companies and international universities. Students who choose to do external study abroad programs take the time to research program options to take classes that fulfill their degree requirements. The following is paraphrased from an interview with Connor, a junior MIS major here at Temple University who studied abroad in Iceland summer 2023 as a part of the SIT Study Abroad. Here are his thoughts about the program and experience.
How did you decide that this was the program you wanted to pursue?
Connor stated that he always knew he wanted to study abroad. After attending the foundation sessions and fully learning about all the various programs which Temple had to offer, he had decided to study abroad in Iceland as an exchange student. He wanted to immerse himself in a study abroad experience which was surrounded by brand new experiences, nature, and unique memories. A Lot of the programs offered at Temple he said he knew he would probably go to one day on his own, and decided that Iceland would be somewhere that he may never get the opportunity to go to school again.
He said that the external programs offered a much more flexible schedule and area of study which was a once in a lifetime experience.
He was able to study the environment and renewable energy which also fulfilled his engineering requirements, and described the classes as a way to explore the culture and community even further. Connor really appreciated the academic advisor’s ideology that to learn there they needed to really immerse themselves in the country and not just stay in a classroom indoors. Additionally, the assignments which they did complete were projects relating to the study abroad program experience in every way and he said they really made the work feel like an immersive learning journey.
Did you have initial concerns, and how were they addressed?
An initial concern or feeling that Connor did share was how one must take a “leap of faith” when participating in an external program. A lot of the Temple-specific programs had a lot more information, while these programs needed more research. He said, however, that he wanted to go somewhere where he did not know what to expect, and something different than the usual, which is what excited him the most to make the decision to study abroad there.
Who did you contact, how did you find out more about this program?
Overall Connor said that SIT really had a great support system. Just emailing the program advisors on the website got him all the information he needed, and he really recommends that students reach out to them to get any support necessary. His favorite advisor was Andy Coburn, so if you need a point of contact, he would be a great tool.
How did you feel this program impacted your educational career, and who would you advise to do this program as well?
“Broadened my perspective and was probably the most interesting way to get our Gened global requirements done and other requirements” Connor states, he advocated that studying abroad completely beats the classroom experience as you are learning about various cultures while integrated in it as well, rather than studying it off of a powerpoint. He really believes that this experience widens his perspective on different types of people and all their livelihoods.
What was the best part of the program?
He says that the best part was actually when they were able to live in a school that was out of session during a trip. It was located in a 3 mile radius of just farmland, so most of the time all the students were just hiking in the Icelandic remote wilderness. He said that he planned a trip which had no trail or path and they just climbed till they saw the most amazing views.
Additionally, he said he loved living there as well. It was like a huge camping trip but all the basic necessities were taken care of and it was just a blast.
Any Advice?
The most important piece of advice he says is to listen to the packing list. Some kids did not bring rain pants; they were cold for weeks, he stated. Prepare as much as you can but do not bring everything, it is still nice to be mobile. Go in with an open mind and really enjoy the experience. He said all 19 of the kids he went with all agreed that it was a spectacular experience and that it is something you should do if you really want to.
Learn more about Temple’s external program offerings.
