Study abroad draws interest

September 2013

Students come from all over the world to attend SUNYIT, but on September 3 the campus helped interested students explore the possibility of studying in other parts of the world. There is a high-level of interest in study abroad programs; and in the past, Dave Garrett, the director of international student services, has often been the conduit, putting students in touch with other SUNY campuses that offered what they were looking for. As that interest grew, it was clear that more needed to be done.

David Garrett“A decision was made to formalize this, to encourage students to study abroad,” Garrett said.

That decision led to the first-ever study abroad fair at SUNYIT, presented by SUNY and the Council on International Educational Exchange. With dozens of SUNY campuses taking part in study abroad, students have more than 600 options before them when it comes to taking their education overseas. SUNYIT has had some very successful programs overseas in recent years, Garrett said, including to Brazil, Turkey or Greece, with SUNYIT faculty leading the programs and guiding students through these countries.

“There are so many options in global education,” said Garrett, adding that these opportunities for students also present an opportunity for SUNYIT’s reputation to spread. “It becomes a marketing thing because our students could be studying just about anywhere.”

Raj Patel, 18, a sophomore from India said he came to SUNYIT because it had so much he was looking for. “A small campus, nice to meet everybody, get to know everyone. Classes are small,” he said. It was the opportunity to see a longtime goal fulfilled that brought him to the study abroad fair; a goal he’s now one step closer to making a reality. “I came here (to the fair) specifically to look at options for England,” Patel said. “Ever since childhood, I’ve wanted to go to England. It’s been a dream.”

Luis Nolasco, a freshman from Brooklyn, was on his way to lunch when he stumbled across the Study Abroad Fair; it was a pleasant surprise that he walked away from with some interesting possibilities to consider. “I want to do a semester in Latin America, London, or France,” Nolasco said. “I wanted to try something new, be open-minded about a new country. It’ll be my first time going outside of the U.S.”

These days, the world has gotten to be a much smaller place, and most careers are becoming more global, something Garrett said he, SUNYIT, and the students clearly recognize. “Any kind of global experience is going to be an asset to them,” said Garrett. “I think this is something we’re just going to see grow.” Even if a student hasn’t mapped out their entire future, the adventure of time spent in another country, absorbing and experiencing a new culture, is one that will be remembered for a lifetime.

“I haven’t talked to a student yet who hasn’t had a great experience in the study abroad program,” Garrett said.