Dear readers,

    Every year, I dedicate some time to talking about the process of course registration since this is an important step in my academic career. This time, course registration seemed a lot more straightforward, and having many electives to choose from definitely made scheduling more flexible. I couldn’t wait to register for one of my courses — a core course that includes a weeklong international trip with my fellow classmates.

    The course, titled the international studies program, is a four-credit class that prepares us for first-hand interactions with an international firm. We will explore the background of a country located on one of three different continents. During the spring, we will also spend a week overseas in the country of study, where we will speak with companies and immerse ourselves in the foreign culture. The trip is not only an eye-opening business experience, but also a precious bonding opportunity for the classmates. Finally, the completion of the course is marked by a capstone competition among the entire class. This is an experience we are sure to remember, and now you must see why I was so enthusiastic about it in the first place.

    In addition to ISP, the university offers several other traveling opportunities each semester. A course called alternative breaks consists of domestic and international traveling. As opposed to understanding business dynamics, this program is oriented toward creating social and community impact. Students often collaborate with local businesses to fundraise for the trips throughout the year. A popular method is to partner with restaurants and attract student customers for them for a share of the profits in return.

    While the aforementioned trips are usually organized during the spring or winter, we can’t forget about classes over the summer either. The three summer months are a prime time to explore. The university offers summer travel classes to countries such as Italy, France and Spain. Another notable location is the exotic island of Hawaii, where students learn about geology, oceanography, astronomy, etc. through visits to sites such as mesmerizing tropical rain forests and live volcanoes.

    In addition to traditional study abroad programs, there are quite a few options open to those seeking adventure beyond the New York campus. Although such trips could prove to be burdensome financially, schools may be able to provide financial aid, and students can utilize fundraising for the trips, as mentioned before.

    Sincerely,

    Bingyin