By Rachel Fradette

rfradette@statenews.com

Studying abroad can appear to be a luxury out of reach for most students, but some students said the experience is well worth it.

Despite the financial woes, a good portion of students find ways to participate. Financial aid and scholarships make the trip more reachable.

“Some people are intimidated by the price,” said English senior Hannah Schulte.

Schulte said studying abroad is expensive but justifiable because of the experience and credits acquired. She studied last summer in Ireland through a program in the English department.

The variety of programs give students room to find the right fit.

“For my program, I would have never even thought to go where I went,” Schulte said.

Understanding and exploring different cultures has become a major talking point in the modern job field, and some MSU students have taken notice.

“I think it’s important to have an understanding of outside countries,” said advertising senior Koraima Guillen.

Guillen was able to pay for her trip to Costa Rica this spring with financial aid and one scholarship.

Guillen has participated in two study abroad trips, one in Costa Rica and the other in Mexico. She’s planning to go abroad once again during her senior year.

Taking a leap of faith tends to be a pattern for students who choose to go on a study abroad trip.

One student, political science and communication senior Max Harder, said he changed his mind last second about a program in Paris and opted for one in Australia and New Zealand instead.

Harder said the trip was reasonably priced compared to most other schools bills.

“(Studying abroad) has an impact on the world and the student,” Harder said.

Harder said the trip has made him consider the possibility of working and living his life, abroad in Australia.

The students also give back to the communities they visit and bring a part of that back home.

“We really liked seeing everything, we appreciated it, so obviously we brought that home and we’re spreading everything we learned,” said Harder.

Guillen said studying abroad is essential to the MSU experience.

“Until you really get to experience what MSU is doing outside of the classroom you’ll never have the full understanding of the college you attend,” Guillen said.