My name is Gulshad and I graduated from University of
Arkansas with my Bachelors of Science in Public Health and am now working
towards my Masters Degree in Operations Management.
Are you questioning if studying aboard is worth it? Or if it
is as amazing as everyone says it is?
The answer is YES to both questions. My story might be little different than others, but it’s
relateable in every aspect. I moved to the United States from Uzbekistan when I
was 18. I consider my life here as my “study abroad” experience.
At the beginning, it was not easy. I knew little to no
English at all. I didn’t know anyone. I didn’t know the culture. I didn’t know
how the schooling system worked. It was a huge culture shock but with little
baby steps I took, I am grateful that I had the chance and the opportunity to
be studying in the United States.
For me, studying abroad here at the University of Arkansas
has been the fulfillment of a dream. The chance to study in a foreign country
as well as traveling to the places I have never been to before has introduced
me to new ideas, places, experiences and people I otherwise probably would not
have encountered in my life.
One of the biggest benefits of studying abroad is the
opportunity to meet new lifelong friends from different backgrounds. I got
involved in many different student organizations. I was the founder and the
president of a new International Exchange Students organization. Later on, I
was one of the officers for Student Government Association and even joined a
sorority, where later, I was elected and served as the president. All of these
experiences gave me the chance to really get to know and create long lasting
friendship.
Studying abroad has helped me grow personally and discover
myself while gaining an understanding of a different culture. Being in a new
place can be overwhelming at time and it tests your ability to adapt to diverse
situations while being able to problem solve. You will have a new perspective
on culture, acquire new language skills, receive a great education, and
qualities that are very attractive to future employers.
I mean, look at this…I grew up watching Disney movies while
I was in Uzbekistan. Who would have thought that one day I would actually work
for one of the biggest companies, along side with one of the coolest bosses,
Mickey?!
So if you are still asking, “Why study abroad?” I say, “why
not? Why not take the chance to learn more, to see more and to travel more?” It
might be a once in a lifetime opportunity. Studying abroad is an experience
unlike any other.
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Don't miss out on your chance to study abroad!
To Do List:
Attend a HogsAbroad 101 session
Get all the study abroad basics through these peer-led information sessions, held Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the fall and spring from 4pm-5pm in the Center for World Languages (JBHT 207).
Meet with your academic advisor
Your academic advisor can help you look at your overall degree plan and see when it would make the most sense to study abroad and what degree requirements might be best met while abroad.
Your academic advisor can help you look at your overall degree plan and see when it would make the most sense to study abroad and what degree requirements might be best met while abroad.
Meet with the study abroad office
Our office staff can help you narrow down your program options, provide an application process overview, show you how to navigate the website and answer your study abroad questions.
Our office staff can help you narrow down your program options, provide an application process overview, show you how to navigate the website and answer your study abroad questions.
Have questions?
Check out our FAQs for answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about study abroad.
Check out our FAQs for answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about study abroad.
