UW-Stout student Rachel Grausam stepped out of her comfort zone in fall 2017. She had never been out of the U.S. but went to England to study at the University of Hertfordshire, and she did it alone.
“At first I was really nervous because I didn’t know anyone, but I think in the end I was happy that I went alone. I was able to be more open to meeting people and making new friends,” Grausam said.
Grausam, of Chanhassen, Minn., is one of nearly 1,800 UW-Stout students in the past five years who has taken advantage of study abroad options through the university’s Office of International Education. The office is hosting its annual Study Abroad Fair from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31, in the ballrooms of the Memorial Student Center.
“I wanted to experience different cultures and meet people from across the world,” said Grausam, who hasn’t declared a major. “Academically, I found that it was more of an independent learning style. As a tourist, I loved to be able to travel to so many amazing places.”
The experience “has allowed me to be more open with trying new things,” Grausam said.
Andria Morse, education abroad director, said about 350 UW-Stout students each academic year study in another country. Along with the education, they benefit personally and eventually professionally, she said.
“Studying abroad is beneficial in a variety of ways, especially when preparing students to work in a global society. Students are learning the soft skills that employers are looking for such as adaptability, independence, flexibility, problem-solving and intercultural communication skills,” Morse said, citing a recent study that said students gain critical workplace skills and a broader understanding of career options.
The university’s education abroad or National Student Exchange experiences — for a semester or academic year — include internships, co-ops and research opportunities for varying lengths of time. Programs also exist for faculty and staff.
Grausam, in the exchange program, paid the same tuition at Hertfordshire, in Hatfield, England, that she pays at UW-Stout. The program allows UW-Stout students to study in seven countries, including 12 cities in Germany.
At the Study Abroad Fair, students, faculty and staff can talk with study abroad faculty leaders, program representatives, study abroad alumni, current exchange students, the Financial Aid Office and the education abroad team.
“UW-Stout students are very career-focused. It is our hope that students will be able to learn more about the benefits of study abroad beyond the initial exciting travel experience and learn how study abroad will have a lasting positive impact on their future career,” Morse said.
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Rachel Grausam, front left, visits London.
