Study Abroad: What to Expect

Interview with Dr. Stephanie Shine and Mrs. Mitzi Ziegner after their Study Abroad program, summer 2019. 

What courses are available through HDFS Study Abroad?

Summer I 2020, London: HDFS/EC 3301 and HDFS 3322
Summer II 2019: London: HDFS/EC 3301 and HDFS/EC 3306

HDFS faculty are developing additional courses to be offered in new locations on future dates.

Why did HDFS decide that a Study Abroad course would be beneficial to their students?

We would like to bring the benefits of Study Abroad to our students! Across the world, studying in other countries brings immeasurable benefits to students - increasing their worldview, personal growth, and career development. Students become more independent, flexible, and open-minded; they increase their knowledge of transnational issues, and many improve upon their ability to formulate career goals.

Why would you recommend studying abroad for HDFS and EC majors?

For so many reasons! HDFS seeks to provide unique, deep and complex learning opportunities in our Study Abroad programs by offering two interconnected courses and designing related learning activities in the local community.

The opportunities for growth and personal discovery are so rich in this process. Students transform from unsure and guarded to bold and confident in countless ways. They learn to navigate a new city, live with roommates and a host family and balance the challenges of taking fast-paced summer session courses away from home while also managing a busy schedule of planned cultural and class-related activities (not to mention, squeezing in some personal time to explore on their own).

What are the biggest takeaways that you have from the experience?

• We are capable of more than we believe we are, and challenging ourselves is a great way to learn and grow continually.
• A group of students and faculty can form close bonds and connections to treasure for years to come.
• Other countries have both similar and different challenges and strengths compared to those we are familiar with.
• Studying abroad sheds light on other nations but also opens our eyes to our own culture.

What can students expect?

• To be challenged and stretched both academically and personally.
• To extend and expand their learning beyond the classroom and to apply course content immediately in various contexts.
• To discover their strengths and skills as they adapt and problem solves with their peers.
• To form bonds, memories and friendships that will last long after the trip ends.
• To walk more than usual while exploring the city!

What skills and/or knowledge do students get out of the experience?

Study Aboard is classified by Texas Tech as a transformative undergraduate educational experience, and that is a very fitting description in our view. Transformative experiences impact students' learning through active engagement. Our students synthesize information from their courses, visits to schools and museums, and exchanges with local teachers, parents, and children to achieve a deeper understanding of course concepts.

Students gain awareness of how other countries approach challenges in human development and family studies and appreciation for the variety of solutions.

Students develop confidence, adaptability, flexibility, both independence and interdependence, and self-awareness.

After an intense emersion in another culture that involves new habits, patterns, perspectives, and viewpoints, students return with a strong sense of self and increased awareness of their own community and culture.

Students get a look at the ways people in other places eat, work, relax, and spend time and return with new ideas for their own choices.

 

HDFS Study Abroad

• HDFS Study Abroad Home
• Faculty-Led Programs
• Student Testimonials
• What to Expect
• Photo Gallery
• Resources

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Human Development and Family Sciences
College of Human Sciences
Texas Tech University,
P.O. Box 41230,
Lubbock, TX 79409-1230

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