Education Abroad Launches New Workshop Series

Going abroad as a UNC Charlotte student is an exciting opportunity, and there are lots of practical items to consider before departure – getting a passport, figuring out which classes to take, and more. But there are other considerations too, ones which may not show up on many students’ packing lists! For example:

• How can you make responsible financial decisions while planning your experience abroad?
• How will you interact effectively and appropriately with locals in your host country?
• How can you understand the social issues and dynamics in your host country, and make connections to your own community?
• How can you practice sustainable travel during and after your time abroad, and make ethical choices for the benefit of society?
• How will you leverage your study abroad experience to benefit your future career?

If you are interested in exploring these questions and more, the Office of Education Abroad is excited to invite you to take part in our new workshop series, Know Before You Go: Success in Study Abroad & Beyond. The series will consist of five interactive workshops and a final presentation event. The five workshop topics are Financial Literacy, Social Justice, Sustainability, Intercultural Competence, and Career Development. Each workshop will explore the designated topic in a study abroad/global context, as well as how the concepts can in turn be applied at home. You will come away from each workshop with a better understanding of the importance of the topic in relation to the interconnectedness of our global society and to yourself.

The first ten students who attend all five workshops and deliver a final presentation reflecting on what they learned from the experience and how they will apply it in the future will receive a digital badge and an award.

This program is made possible by a grant from the 49er Family Fund.

How to take part

• Complete the registration form by Friday, September 10
• Attend all five workshops during the 2021-22 Academic Year
• Complete the final presentation in spring 2022

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can take part in the workshop series?

This program is open to UNC Charlotte students of all levels and majors. Students who are specifically interested in studying abroad, as well as those who have a general interest in international or intercultural perspectives are invited to take part. Do I have to attend all five workshops? Yes, if you want to be eligible for the program awards. You are able to attend the workshops individually without registering for the program overall, but you will not be eligible for the digital badge or award.
What are the awards for completing the series? The first five students who attend all five workshops and complete a final presentation will receive a digital badge and reimbursement for U.S. passport fees (approx. $140) The next five students who attend all five workshops and complete a final presentation will receive a digital badge and a $100 discount on their study abroad application administrative fee. I have already studied abroad – can I take part? Yes! Although you have already studied abroad, you can use these workshops as a way to reflect upon your experience, or perhaps to find inspiration for future experiences abroad. I am not able to travel internationally – can I take part? Yes! Even if you are not able to study abroad as a UNC Charlotte student or are not able to travel internationally for specific reasons (e.g. immigration status), you should still take part in this workshop series. You can gain global perspectives on topics which may impact your personal, academic, and professional development both during and after your time at UNC Charlotte.