Study abroad can change lives. As international educators, we all know that. But how can study abroad change the world? I've got a study abroad success story for you - Andrew Dunkle, one of the founders of Go Overseas, one of the most important resources for international education that international educators can share with our students.
We've shared the story of Go Overseas - and I can't recommend this site enough to our Wandering Educators. They encompass teaching, studying, and volunteering abroad - and you can see why, when you learn Andrew's background. It's a study abroad success story - one that I am elated to share.
WE: Please introduce yourself to our Wandering Educators...
AD: Hello, Wandering Educators! My name is Andrew Dunkle and currently I am the Senior Content Editor of GoOverseas.com. I’ve been working on this site for about two years now, and it’s been exciting to watch our community grow.
For those of you who have not visited our site yet, GoOverseas.com is an information directory of teach, study, and volunteer abroad opportunities. We also regularly post article content to help inform our users about long-term travel.
Taiwan
WE: Study abroad has been an important part of your life - can you share what attracted you to studying abroad? How did you fit it into your academic program?
AD: When I entered college I knew I wanted to study abroad and experience living in another culture. I studied Chinese language and Art History, which almost demand that you study abroad at some point. You can’t learn Chinese without immersion, and you can’t study art without taking in the Mona Lisa with your own eyes.
WE: Where have you studied abroad? What led you to choose those locations?
AD: You could say I first studied abroad in Australia when I was 10 years old. My parents moved our family from Fort Collins, Colorado to Brisbane, Australia, where we happily lived for the next six years. I attended school there, and still keep in touch with many of my Australian friends. The experience definitely installed in me a love of travel and experiencing new cultures.
My first ‘official’ study abroad experience was the summer after my freshman year in college. I was accepted into a Chinese Language and Culture program, and over the course of six weeks we visited Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Beijing. I had an amazing time and knew I wanted to come back.
Which I did the following summer. This time I was awarded a small grant to study in Taiwan for five weeks, focusing on indigenous art. Taiwan is not usually on the popular travel path in Asia, which is a shame, because the people here are so friendly and I learned a lot. I eventually came back to Taiwan again, this time to teach English.
My final study abroad experience was in Italy. This time the focus was definitely on being abroad rather than ‘study,’ which is a nice way of saying I had a good time! =)
Italy
WE: What were the most surprising things you learned, while studying abroad? How did you incorporate that into your life back at home?
AD: I’ve learned that when you just travel to another country it’s easy to romanticize living there as being blissfully wonderful. After I lived abroad, though, I came to appreciate how lucky we as Americans have it. The infrastructure and the endless possibilities to do something amazing here is awesome.
WE: How can students on study abroad programs truly interact with locals? Do you have suggestions as to how they can give back to local communities?
AD: Bring a soccer ball. Seriously! You start playing around with a ball and in no time you’ll be slapping hands and making friends.
WE: Do you have tips for students who have studied abroad, to both reintegrate back into their home culture, and utilize their global experiences in both their studies and careers?
AD: Coming back from studying abroad can be difficult. It’s surprising, but the reverse culture shock you can feel coming home can be harder to overcome than the original culture shock of traveling abroad. It also never gets easier. Three times I’ve now had to re-adjust to life back home. I will say that returning study abroad students should, a) continue the adventurous spirit by exploring their hometown in a new way, and b) Don’t dismiss your old friends because suddenly you’re a ‘better person.’ Remember your experience fondly, but don’t let it define you.
Careers related to international studies and study abroad programs all require good communication skills. You can improve your writing by keeping a journal/blog during your study abroad experience.
Paris
WE: Where are you now? How have your study abroad experiences impacted your career?
AD: For the past year I’ve been living in Berkeley, California while my business partner, Mitch Gordon, earns his MBA at Cal. I’ll probably stick around for another year until travel itch becomes too much to bear. =)
Had I not studied abroad in Taiwan, I know I never would have had the opportunity to start GoOverseas.com. I never would have met Mitch and together formed the genesis of our site. Admittedly, had I stayed home there is a chance I would have come up with an equally awesome idea, but I rolled the dice and so far I’ve been happy with the results!
WE: If you were giving advice to a college student thinking about study abroad, what are the most important things you would tell them?
AD:
A) Study abroad somewhere you’ll likely never have the opportunity to travel to again.
B) Also, study somewhere with awesome food and great beer. An exception to this rule is Australia.
C) Learn the language. I failed as an Italian language student, which is something I still regret.
WE: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?
AD: Eat, drink, and be merry!
WE: Thanks so much, Andrew! What I love about study abroad is that it Changes Lives. You're the epitome of this - and helping others to change theirs, as well.
For more information on facilitating your own or your students' journeys, please see:
All photos courtesy and copyright Andrew Dunkle