Student Experiences: Tiana

Photo: Here Tiana is visiting the famous Stonehenge monuments.

Why did you want to study abroad, and where did you choose to go? 
In high school, I studied French and enjoyed learning the language as well as learning about a new culture. I made a deal with myself at sixteen years old that I would study abroad in college. To be honest, I never took into consideration how much it would cost to study abroad. I will never forget the day I walked into the financial aid office in Culkin Hall, and the women told me it would cost over $10,000 for me to study abroad in Paris. I immediately started crying because something I dreamed of happening since I was a teenager would not happen for me. As the woman is watching me cry, she tries to calm me down and tells me to inquire about a fully-funded scholarship opportunity. In spring 2015, I was awarded the José Ramon Pérez International Scholarship to study and intern in London, United Kingdom through the CAPA Program. I also participated in the third SUNY Oswego- Shanghai Normal University Business Research Forum in Shanghai, China where I presented my research on Global Advertising to Children. After the conference, I was able to stay an additional two weeks in China. Oswego partnered with Zhejiang Gonshang University in Hangzhou, where I participated in a language and culture exchange program.

Describe your campus and what student life was like.
The CAPA building where classes were held was just one building. In China, both campuses were huge. There were restaurants, leisure activities like bowling, and a mini-mall directly on-campus. Each campus had lots of open space and land.

Photo: Here is a snapshot of Shanghai at night that Tiana captured.

Was there a language barrier? And if so, how were you able to get through it?
The official language in the United Kingdom is English, so no language barrier. In China, they speak Mandarin, and I could not understand much of what was going on. Lucky enough, the programs in China were more hands-on, so there was rarely a time I wasn’t with someone that spoke the language.

What did you find most challenging throughout your experience?

I did not have many challenges while abroad. I always felt supported by peers and staff from both programs. In China, it did take some time to get used to the amount of attention I attracted. People would constantly stare and take photos/ videos of me.

Photo: Tiana in Paris, France by the Eiffel Tower.

What did you do in your free time?

In London, I would love to explore new neighborhoods and try to go to less touristy areas. When I travel, I like to be around the locals as much as possible to get an authentic experience. I love to try new foods, so going out to eat is my favorite thing to do.

Photo: Tiana next to a large statue in China. 

How did you manage your money abroad?
I did set a budget for myself before I left to go abroad. Since both my study abroad experiences were fully funded, money was not a major concern for me. I was able to fully enjoy myself without worrying about money.

Photo: The London Eye ferris wheel is a signature part of the skyline.

Overall, how was your experience? And do you have any tips for future students who may be interested in traveling to the same place as you?
I loved all of my study abroad experiences. I learned so much about myself and will forever be grateful for the opportunity to immerse myself in two very different cultures. My biggest tip when traveling to a new place is to do your research on the country. You need to be familiar with their cultural norms, what's considered disrespectful, and try to learn basic phrases like please, thank you, where is, hello, and bathroom. And of course, always be respectful.