IMC Hawks Blog

Exploring The World Through Communication Studies

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Now more than ever, it is important for us as future employees to set ourselves apart from the competition. What better way then to study and live in another country? UNCW encourages travel abroad and specifically our very own Communication Studies Department, offers a multitude of opportunities.

The Office of International Programs and our department offer a variety of programs tailed to fit any student seeking to gain insight into life across the pond or even across the world.  Programs can range in a length from about 10 days all the way up to one year. A variety of university’s in a number of counties are already approved for study, specifically to the Communication Department, Swansea University. During the Spring 09 semester we even had one of our own faculty members serve as a leader for students.

While abroad there are many opportunities one can engage in to enrich their cultural experiences.  Students can take classes at accredited universities, which count toward their degree from UNCW.  Communication classes can be taken in marketing as well as public relations and advertising. Taking classes in a different environment helps to put a fresh outlook on concepts we have learned. Various internships are also available through certain programs and in certain countries. Imagine gaining work experience internationally! Traveling is encouraged during school breaks and weekends to other countries via train or air.  This is a great way to see parts of the world you might not otherwise have such easy access to.

Studying abroad not only allows you go places you’ve never been, it is also helpful in giving a fresh prospective to your academic studies and sets you apart to future employers. Experiencing things you may not have the opportunity to on a traditional vacation makes you more aware of the world we live in. Take advantage of any opportunity available to you and I promise you won’t regret it!

-Jess Smith

Comments

5 responses to “Exploring The World Through Communication Studies”

  1. Dr. Patricia Comeaux Avatar
    Dr. Patricia Comeaux

    Jess,
    you are right on target; there are multiple benefits for studying abroad and you have highlighted them. It is an experience of a lifetime which provides personal as well as academic growth. Students always talk about the friends they make and that is important to make those connections with people in other countries. And, as you say, it is a definite eye-catcher on the resume. thanks, Dr. Comeaux

    Reply
    1. imcclass Avatar
      imcclass

      Dr. Comeaux,
      I think that students don’t realize how much it can benefit you academically as well as socially. I went on a 10 day trip to Ireland and London and learned somethings about myself and the plans I have for the future. I feel that life will only get busier in the future and students may not realize they may not have another opportunity like this till maybe quite a few years down the road, if all. Past traveling and hopefully future traveling will definitely be some talking points I’d like to hit in my interviews. Thanks, Jess

      Reply
      1. imcclass Avatar
        imcclass

        And thanks for checking out our blog!

  2. Kara Pike Avatar
    Kara Pike

    Hi Jess,

    Thanks for posting this blog! We would love for more Communication Studies students, and UNCW students in general, to take advantage of these opportunities. Hopefully your blog will encourage some students to come over to Westside Hall to begin their own international adventure!

    Kind regards,
    Kara Pike

    Reply
  3. Kacy Cox Avatar
    Kacy Cox

    I think International Studies is an integral part of the college experience. It allows you to spend a week, a summer, 6 months, or even a year in a foreign country while simultaneously working towards a degree. While some programs are specifically tailored, many allow students to explore a new culture as well as their academic interests. After studying abroad in Greece my senior year of high school, I immediately caught the travel bug. Now, I cannot wait to go abroad and embark on a new scholarly adventure, (hopefully in Europe). Not only is it an exciting opportunity, but it will be great to add to any resume. As students of UNCW, its hugely important for us to broaden our horizons and become global scholars. Expanding our knowledge of ourselves as well as other cultures is a great way to become more socially aware of our actions and how the world works. The office of international programs is a great resource for us as students, and something that should be looked into by every student at UNCW.

    Reply

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