Cal State Fullerton junior Kristen Wilcox has some simple advice for fellow Titans who are considering a study abroad program as part of their college education path.

“If the idea or thought of it scares you a little, it means you’re supposed to go,” Wilcox said.

Wilcox recently returned from Ghana, where she spent the last academic year immersing herself in West African culture, all while earning credits toward her bachelor’s degree in journalism.

Always an avid traveler, specifically internationally, Wilcox took a deep dive into all of CSUF’s networking opportunities once she was accepted. That’s when she came across the university’s Study Abroad & Global Engagement program and immediately applied.

Wilcox admitted there are many assumed barriers when it comes to the costs associated with studying abroad. But once she learned more about the opportunities available to her, the more she believed her vision of global travel paired with education could become a reality.

“What really made it possible – and I wish everybody knew this – financial aid covers study abroad,” Wilcox said.

For those students who choose to participate in a CSU or CSUF study abroad program, the tuition costs are the same as if they were attending classes at the campus. Additionally, students who receive financial aid can apply those funds toward the program costs. In many cases, additional scholarships and tuition waivers are available as well.

With most of her costs covered through financial aid, Wilcox’s two semesters at the University of Ghana in the country’s metropolitan city of Accra required little in the way of out-of-pocket funds. She was able to complete a number of elective credits through some fascinating coursework such as African myth & lore, African dance and two semesters of study in Ghana’s local language of Twi.

Wilcox also made the most of her time in Ghana by connecting with the people, culture and traditions. Paragliding on Easter, Christmas dinner with a West African family, exploring waterfalls and visiting Mole National Park were just of few of the local experiences she took in during her stay. She also developed a group of lifelong friends.

For students who may be interested in a study abroad program, CSUF’s Study Abroad & Global Engagement department is ready to provide options and answer questions. SAGE adviser Aileen Vickory assures there is a program for everyone.

“Come in and get the facts, because there are a lot of perceived notions that if you just knew the information, it might help dispel some of those personal fears,” Vickory said.

Beyond traditional study abroad, in which a student travels internationally to study for a period of time, SAGE connects students with a number of opportunities for global engagement — some that don’t require leaving the country. These include volunteer programs abroad, virtual internships and the Global Titans Buddy Program, for which a Titan student is paired with incoming international students.

As a SAGE adviser, Vickory meets with students to discuss their goals, perceptions and fears, and then looks at their degree path, reviews financial aid and tailors a program that will be the right fit.

“Sometimes a student thinks studying abroad isn’t for them until they know someone who just came back, and they see themselves doing it too,” Vickory said. “Learning the information is the most important part.”

While traveling out of the U.S. was not a concern for Wilcox, studying abroad while managing a disability did become top of mind. The month prior to leaving for Ghana last August, she was diagnosed with compartment syndrome, a condition that causes extreme pain in the leg muscles, making it difficult to walk. With classes a mile or more away from her dorm residence, she had to balance her health with taking in all the university and country had to offer.

“It took a lot of picking and choosing what was important for me to do,” Wilcox said. “I tried to not let it dampen my experience. I tried to really look for opportunities.”

Wilcox came into her SAGE journey with two objectives — to study outside of the U.S. and build her journalism career, all with the future goal of working for Al Jazeera. Coming out of it, she feels she gained much more.

“I would say my eyes fully became open … with priorities, morals and values,” Wilcox said. “It reinforced the kind of person I want to be and the things that I want to care about. It gave me a lot more options on how I want to live life.”

Even with her disability, Wilcox feels that studying abroad provided unparalleled access to an international destination that she otherwise may never have experienced. With support and guidance available from SAGE, there is no better time for Titans to explore the world than the present, she said.

“I say dive right in,” Wilcox said. “Jump in, fill out the application and think about it later. There’s nothing to lose.”

For more information about CSUF’s Study Abroad & Global Engagement (SAGE) opportunities, visit extension.fullerton.edu/studyabroad.

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