Aside from the popular notion, there is a whole world outside this campus, filled with culture, delicious food and great experiences. It is the world of study abroad, and students can use it as they see fit.

Ask anyone about their experiences studying abroad and their eyes brighten as they relive their trip. Things that are often taken for granted at home are now new and exciting. They talk about their favorite memories and obstacles they had to overcome for months after they return.

So why, with such great reviews, does such a small fraction of students study abroad?

On a campus of over 40,000 students, only 1,872, or about 5 percent, studied abroad in the 2004-2005 school year, according to the University’s study abroad Web site. There are many reasons that explain why the percent is so low.

Many students may fear they will not be able to afford it, or that their financial aid will not transfer. There is a quick fix to that: talk to someone. Sit down with an adviser, and discuss possible options. .

In fact, Monica Wedgewood, senior in LAS and one of the student advisers, boasts that students can find a study abroad program to fit their needs despite budgetary concerns.

“There are programs to meet any budget, in fact, sometimes you can even save money by studying abroad,” she said.

Think about that, think about particular goals and options, and then find a program that can work around individual needs and budget.

So now the money questions are answered, what is the first step to make the trip happen?

Coincidentally, the first step is to attend the “First Steps” meeting which is held in 116 Lincoln Hall, Monday through Friday, beginning at 4 p.m. This meeting is brief, yet informative, and is held by someone who has already studied abroad.

Ask questions, listen, take it all in and then the next step is to meet with an adviser.

The advisers are based out of the International Studies Building, 910 S. Fifth St. They are there to help, to answer all the questions, and to advise in the best way they know how.

When asked about the single most important piece of advice she would give to students, Erika D. Ryser, associate director of study abroad, said students need to stay on top of things.

“Start early,” she said. “Begin to arrange classes and credits, even if you are unsure you want to go. Often times, students put it off until the last minute, and it may not be possible.”

Don’t let this happen. Apply for a passport, get teacher recommendations, fill out the monotonous paperwork, because it has to get done. Stay on top of things and it will make the transition from the University to the country of choice so much easier.

The deadline for this spring has already passed. Now, it is a great time to begin the application process for the summer or even next fall. Think ahead, because before you know it, Feb. 15th will creep right past.

The process may seem long and grueling, but in the long run it will be worth it. Students come back to school different, because they saw the world.

David Mackinson, a junior in both LAS and ACES, states that studying abroad in Granada, Spain changed him.

“I grew up,” he said. “You become independent, and you mature a lot.”

The experience is what the student makes of it.

So just take a chance.

Mackinson thinks college is the chance of a lifetime to experience life in a new way.

“This is the time to see the world,” he said.