An idea forged by a group of students who have “been there” was the beginning of a organization for those who have or want to study abroad. The UNL Globetrotters had their second meeting on Oct. 23 to discuss their past experiences and future plans for trips overseas.
“When someone studies abroad, all they want to talk about is study abroad,” said Morgan Quijano, president of the new student organization UNL Globetrotters. The senior Spanish education and Latin American studies major traveled to Costa Rica in fall 2011. He said he wishes there would’ve been someone to offer advice along the way who had been through the experience of applying and preparing for a program.
This is the purpose of UNL Globetrotters.
“The education abroad process can be really, really intimidating,” he said. “We want to make it less intimidating.”
Grant Isaacson, a junior international business major and treasurer of UNL Globetrotters, said he hopes the club will become a greater source for students who are beginning their path to studying in other countries. He said studying in Costa Rica changed him.
“You are required to get out of your bubble,” Isaacson said.
UNL Globetrotters allows students like Isaacson to share these life-changing experiences with other students who are searching for opportunities overseas -- students like Kevin Thor.
Thor, a sophomore business administration and finance major, is exploring the possibility of spending a semester at sea, or participating in a program in Paderno del Grappa, Italy.
“I have a passion for traveling,” he said.
He first became a part of UNL Globetrotters to learn more about education abroad programs directly from students who have experienced it. But by attending meetings, he said he’s picked up on other things, like scholarships and other opportunities available for students who are also intrigued by the thought of packing up and shipping overseas.
UNL Globetrotters is also intended to link students looking at certain programs with another student from that program -- or who lived in the same place.
Isaacson said he believes students will be able to use it as a networking resource to connect with someone who knows the small details about education abroad and can work between the student and the UNL Education Abroad Office to provide insight about applying and traveling.
“I think Globetrotters has the potential to be the…liaison group,” Isaacson said.
UNL Globetrotters meets every two weeks. Their next meeting will be 6 p.m. Nov. 6 in the Nebraska Union. Questions about Globetrotters and Education Abroad can be directed to adviser Jennifer Mostek, or visit the Education Abroad Office at 420 University Terrace.
- Julia Peterson, International Engagement