My name is May Segovia; I am a junior international Business and Marketing major at the University of Oklahoma. I am very excited to let you all know that I will spend next semester studying abroad in Paris! I had the chance to see some of Paris & lots of France this past summer because I spent a month abroad with OU Price College of Business in Vichy, France (my first study abroad experience). I am lucky to have the support of my family and friends, who are excited to vicariously live through my photos as I am abroad. I am specially thankful and lucky to have obtained this opportunity through the OU Study Abroad department. My study abroad advisor has been so patient and has been able to help me through any (visa, housing, scholarship) issue that has occurred.

Studying abroad is one of the best things I have done so far in my college career, and I would encourage everyone to follow along. First of all, let me just say that OU has many study abroad opportunities. Whether through your specific college or through the study abroad department, they will find a perfect fit for you! Here are just a few things why I would encourage you, as a future Sooner, to plan on studying abroad (whether a whole semester or a summer) while at OU:

1.     Grow:

Study abroad has given me a change to grow in my personal life. I now feel better able to handle situations independently and have learned to not be so reliant on others to help. While abroad, you will be put through many situations you otherwise would not be, the obvious being the language barrier. You have to find creative ways to solve any issue you encounter and every step is a learning experience. After being exposed to a new language, culture, and way of thinking I definitely feel that I have learned not only about myself but also others and am better able to resolve any issues that come up. Overall, I feel more confident in myself and better able to succeed through any problem.

2.     Adapt:

The biggest thing to get used to while abroad is… well EVERYTHING! You are in a new place with new people speaking a new language. It can be a lot for any student, but eventually you adapt and begin to appreciate both your host country and your home country more. This goes hand in hand with personal growth as it allows you to gain a different perspective on life. You will become more aware of international issues, social issues and economic issues that pertain to your host country and/or surrounding countries. Once you adapt to the people and the new culture, you will feel like a global citizen and better understand others.

3.     Experience:

The best thing about studying abroad is the adventure that comes with it. You truly never know, no matter how much you plan, exactly how everything will turn out. It’s all part of the experience. Travel as much as possible, take as many pictures as you can, and be curious about everything. As a fellow student abroad, I would recommended for you to keep an open mind throughout your time abroad and never say no to the opportunities that present themselves because only then can you truly make the best memories!

It is difficult to write down all the things I learned or the reasons I would recommend everyone to study abroad if they get the chance, mainly because there are so many! It is a life changing experience to have and as a Sooner (future or current). I encourage you to at least look into it and you will see for yourself the many reasons you should study abroad. If that doesn’t convince you then I encourage you to read this article from the Huffington Post on employer’s perspective of study abroad:

May Segovia

International Business and Marketing

OU Class of 2015