Semoa De Sousa-Brown has no problem encouraging students to study abroad because she personally knows the problems facing students who want to study abroad.
An international student herself once, Brown, a study abroad advisor at West Virginia University, came to the United States after graduating high school to study at Colorado State University.
When discussing concerns such as homesickness, language and culture barriers with potential study abroad students, Brown always uses herself as an example.
"You’ll be fine. Look at me, I’m alive," she tells them.
WVU’s chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority hosted a study abroad seminar, and Brown told students of the travel opportunities available to WVU students.
The seminar was open to the public, but less than 10 students including five members of Alpha Kappa Alpha attended.
Brown discussed several study abroad programs, including the international exchange program, which allows students to switch places with students from a university of their choice. WVU has more than 150 ISEP partner universities around the world.
The faculty led study abroad programs allow students to travel abroad with fellow WVU students while earning college credit. Travel destinations include Brazil, China, Switzerland, Hungary and Taiwan.
The Amizade Global Service-Learning and Volunteer Programs also provide students with study abroad experiences integrating both WVU coursework and community service. Students work with nonprofit organzations, varying from building schools to tutoring children, through their service projects.
Brown warned the students not to let money affect their decision to study abroad and said most study abroad programs accept financial aid toward a semester abroad.
"Studying abroad used to be more restricted, open only to people with money and connections," she said. "Now we’re making it possible for more people to go."
Students were highly encouraged to study abroad before graduating, and Brown cited the life experience and the advantages of studying abroad on a job resume.
"It allows you to experience the world out there, and it puts you in the elite for job market opportunities," Brown said.
Tenesna Hill, a senior international studies major and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, was in charge of the event.
"Our sorority has certain platforms that we have to fulfill and I felt that studying abroad would be a good way to fulfill one of the platforms," she said.
Hill studied in South Korea last summer and recommends the opportunity to everyone.
"I was put in a culture that was completely different from my own. It was a good experience overall and I came out of it a better person," she said.
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