Study Abroad – The CSEA Student Voice

Jordan Montejano headshot

Jordan Montejano

Creative Writing MFA

In 2018, I went on a study abroad trip to Tijuana, Mexico. Here is what I gained from the experience and why I recommend study abroad programs.

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Why Should You Consider Study Abroad?

Study abroad allows for you to bond with your fellow students, learn about history, practice a new language, and experience the richness of a culture through firsthand experience. It’s also a lot of fun.

Cultural Interaction and Learning

The 2018 National University Scholars Program study abroad trip to Tijuana, Mexico allowed me to learn about the people, history, language and culture of the area. I was able to admire the beauty of the natural landscape and the handmade crafts. At the Cultural Center, I viewed an extensive collection of artifacts and read up on centuries of history. I engaged in conversation with locals and enjoyed cuisine in areas of cultural interest such as Mercado Hidalgo, a large market with fresh produce and crafts, and La Calle Revolucion, a bustling street packed with various stores, restaurants, and iconic places like Caesars. Through my research, I discovered that many of the popular tourist locations in Tijuana today were first made famous during Prohibition, when there was a huge influx of people crossing the border from the US.

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A Group that Studies Together…

What I enjoyed most about Study Abroad was bonding with my fellow Scholars through a shared and collaborative experience. The trip helped to bolster a sense of comradery and allowed for us to see things from different perspectives, so we could reflect and gain a better understanding of what we learned and how to apply it.

Brent Harris headshot

Brent Harris

https://portfolium.com/baharris123

Creative Writing MFA

29 Palms Region

“Freeeedddooooommm!”

Shout that in your best Braveheart voice, for that’s the euphoria I felt as I stepped onto the curb, kissed the wife and kids goodbye, and sauntered into the Palm Springs departure terminal.

In January, my Navy wife went away on deployment – for seven months – leaving me at home with two kids, a Master’s program, community volunteer projects, and a perpetually empty cup of coffee. Those months were challenging. My daughter had ballet twice a week and a residency in Anaheim, my son had Toddler Tumbling and was not yet in school. I was teaching on Tuesdays, in between two back-to-back scripts for school.

A break loomed.

The NU Scholar’s program offered a study abroad opportunity to Tijuana. A weekend away from the kids, a break when there was none, to go down South of the Border? Sign me up! I dutifully did the repeat photography assignments, finding pictures of the past to compare with pictures from today. I was all set. And then my son got pink-eye.

I couldn’t go.

The joys of parenthood.

Flash forward several months, and I was afforded an opportunity to visit Vancouver to study abroad. And I’m so very glad I did. Vancouver is a beautiful place with beautiful people. It’s not an old city, but it is rich with culture and vibrant nature. Had I gone to the city by myself, as a tourist, I would have failed to see the splendor beyond the tourist traps. Going as part of the NU study abroad program, travelling with others, allowed me to see parts of the city most would have passed. An amazing coastline, foggy bridges, strange statues, a shower of autumn-red maple leaves, and buildings with a history all their own. The food was great, the people better, and at the end of each day, our phone cameras were full, and our feet were worn.

While there, my first feelings of Freedom! slipped away as the greatness of the experience enveloped me. It was no longer a trip to escape, but the forging of a new friendship. Vancouver will be with me forever.