Traveling to another county is usually one of the top goals on many people’s bucket lists. However, the high cost of airfare is a major obstacle, especially for college students who still struggle to balance classes and jobs while aiming towards a degree. Now there is a new student organization on campus that aims to help cut down the costs for student explorers. It is called the Study Abroad Club.
The club was started in fall of 2014 after a student’s suggestion to make a club to help raise funds towards study abroad trips. Since then, the group has been working to raise awareness about the study abroad programs offered at AUM as well as hosting events to help make trips more affordable for students.
Current president Hannah Merren was able to answer a few questions about the club.
LaTara Holloway: What is Study Abroad Club?
Hannah Merren: The Study Abroad Club is an organization designed to bring together students with similar study abroad interests to share experiences, raise money for scholarships and encourage others to study abroad. This club offers opportunities for learning more about other cultures and chances to study abroad at AUM.
Holloway: What is the club’s goal?
Merren: The goal of the Study Abroad Club is to bring together students with interests in study abroad to raise money for study abroad scholarships, participate in multicultural education and encourage study abroad across campus. We are reaching this goal by holding events like the Cultural Food Fair, Indian Holi Festival celebration and the Study Abroad Fair.
Holloway: Why did you join?
Merren: I joined this club because I love to learn about other cultures and experience them first hand through studying abroad.
Holloway: This is a new club. What setbacks have you experienced since starting?
Merren: During the first year of this club we have mainly had trouble with leadership. It is hard for many students to find the time to commit to the start up of a club.
Holloway: What have you learned so far?
Merren: I have learned that it takes teamwork, organization and planning to smoothly operate a club. I also have learned that a strong leader goes a long way to help a new club get on its feet.
Holloway: What are your goals for next year?
Merren: Next year we hope to host more events and provide more students scholarships for study abroad.
Holloway: Why should people join study abroad club?
Merren: You should join the Study Abroad Club because it is more important than ever to have an understanding of other cultures and the very best way to do that is to visit other countries. The Study Abroad Club can help you to do just that, and you can make some great friends with the same interests along the way. This club is a perfect opportunity for anyone who is interested in other cultures. If you think you cannot afford to study abroad, or you do not want to go to another country for a whole semester, we offer scholarships for up to $1,500 and tons of programs for under two weeks!
Students interested in learning more about the Study Abroad Club, or any study abroad programs offered at AUM, can get more information by emailing studyabroad@aum.edu and keeping up with the club on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/AUMstudyabroad.
By Latara Holloway
Photo courtesy of AUM website.
Grear work Latara