Emily Dragon interviewed by Nerdwallet.com as expert on studying abroad
On February 21, 2014, Nerdwallet.com published “Expert Advice for Students Studying Abroad,” based on interviews with four study abroad experts, including UNE’s Emily Dragon, director of the Global Education Program.
The article advised students interested in foreign study to consider personal and academic needs; research expenses and academic credit transfers; combat homesickness by staying busy; and to keep an open mind.
Dragon makes several suggestions to students interested in a study-abroad experience and contributes to a discussion on the pros and cons of living with a host family, in a dormitory, or in an apartment. She points out that “in many programs students are responsible for finding their own apartment, often from afar. And once you’ve secured it you’ll have a local landlord, utilities, grocery shopping, and cooking to think about.”
She also encourages students who may find the study-abroad experience challenging at times not to “hide from these challenges…Try to explore and make local friends who will help you with the language, bring you to a concert, or show you a favorite local restaurant. Once you understand this new place and the people that live there, you’re more likely to feel at home where you are.”