Friends with Benefits: Getting to Know Your Study Abroad Coordinator
October 14, 2009 | Laura Carroll
In most cases, landing a semester abroad requires a lot of planning and subsequently a large amount of time in your university’s study abroad office.
While I was never one to get particularly close to my professors (something about my timidness and the fact that I was always late for class), I did form a lovely friendship with one university superior: James (Jim) Pulos, Executive Administrator of the International Affairs Center at the University of South Florida.
Memories of this friendship came flooding back to me yesterday, when I trekked back to my Alma mater for an interview with Pulos concerning requirements for studying abroad, the most popular destination and programs, etc. Though we hadn’t seen each other for nearly two years, I was greeted with a smile and a warm hug, realizing immediately that this meeting would be one of many. Lo and behold, it took us half an hour to get to the first question!
There is something very trustworthy about a person who guides you on a life-changing journey out of the country, and for that reason I highly recommend getting to know your study abroad coordinator the minute you decide to go overeas. Though Pulos and I spent less time talking about Europe then we did making jokes and faking accents, I knew when I left that if I needed anything whatsoever I could call him for help. I wasn’t just another name on a roster – I was someone for whoom he looked out.
Sitting in his tiny office overflowing with student files, colorful postcards and travel trinkets made me remember the anticipation I felt during the months, weeks and days before my departure. It was on irreplaceable feeling followed by an irreplaceable experience, and I’m glad I had a mentor’s help in making it happen.
Stay tuned for my interview with Pulos on fully preparing yourself to head abroad.
[...] Having dreams of studying or traveling abroad is great. Doing something about it and taking action is what separates dreamers from doers. This week while you are focused on studying for final exams, make an effort to go and visit the international programs office. Your mission this week is to become BF with the international programs office. [...]