As deadlines approach for students who wish to study abroad, professors and advisors are stressing to students why they should take advantage of study abroad opportunities.

On the ECU Blackboard 'Pirates Abroad!' page (https://piratesabroad.ecu.edu), students can learn about the different study abroad programs hosted by ECU. Go check it out! Students who meet the requirements for their desired program are open to the amazing learning experience of studying in another country.

So why study abroad?

After all, it is a big endeavor to leave the country and get situated in a place you've never seen before. Maybe you're thinking "What if I get homesick?" or "What if I run out of money?"

Unless these are big problems for you, then you should put those thoughts past you and chase the journey. This could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity where you can affordably leave the country for a short period of time – also, everyone who goes wishes they could stay abroad!

If you are someone who's been considering an abroad opportunity, you will find that Financial Aid is applicable to specific programs. Abroad programs are extremely affordable considering all of the accommodations provided for students while out of the country.

Studying abroad is also a great way to experience life and culture in another region of the world. Everyone who's studied abroad, from my experience, has had no regret of doing so and encourage others to take it upon themselves to get out of the country.

For students studying other cultures or languages, it provides them with a learning environment that they would not be able to find at ECU. For example, being a level III French student – I plan to study abroad for my final semester. My francophone is weak because I don't get much practice here in Greenville – but, if I participate in ECU's La Rochelle abroad program, I'd be challenged to communicate with people who cannot speak English and will enhance my French tenfold.

So, if you're someone interested in an international learning experience, look into ECU's study abroad programs! Amazing adventures and foreign friends await you!