Peer adviser promotes internationalism, opportunities
In order to increase the involvement of Hispanic students in USC's study abroad program, fourth-year journalism student Trevor Gilchrist presented "Reconocimiento," a study abroad information session geared toward USC's Hispanic students during Hispanic Heritage month.
"I want students to be aware of more cultures," Gilchrist said, "I also want students to be more conscience of the Hispanic culture, because I feel like that's not represented a lot, especially throughout USC."
Students had the opportunity to learn more about studying abroad, including the topics that may prevent students, especially those from different cultures, from wanting to go out of the country.
In his presentation, Gilchrist addressed some common worries for students considering studying abroad, such as homesickness. For students with particularly strong family ties, communication is key while studying abroad.
Gilchrist noted that Skype is a great way to communicate with family back home, and that if students are really home sick, there are options for a shorter study abroad experience.
"If you can find a way to either take two weeks or a month out of your time to go on that international experience, then that's better than nothing, and you'll benefit a lot more with just a small experience than not even going abroad," Gilchrist said.
Gilchrist noted that racial barriers, family, and financial barriers often cause a setback in the study abroad process for students.
"Americans not being wanted in many places is pretty much an overall stereotype. Our website has many different blogs that showcase the study abroad experience from other students. It allows prospective students to see firsthand how those students were perceived in their countries," Gilchrist said.
Students were able to also have some fun by playing a Spanish-language speed dating game. Students sat across from one another and had a minute to discuss a random topic was presented to them on a sheet of paper in Spanish only.
The presentation showcased the many benefits of studying abroad, especially for Hispanic students on campus.
"Going abroad brings you out of your shell", Gilchrist said. "You learn so much about yourself and you get to see that there's different people out there that are unique and it's actually cool to learn from them."
Gilchrist plans to design similar presentations geared toward students of other minority cultures and ethnicities at USC, as it provides for better learning and understanding between students, as well as a passion to go abroad, he said.
"I want every single student to study abroad. I graduate next May, so my goal is to get every single student in our study abroad office."