Studying abroad seems like an impossible feat for most students. Whether it's the distance or expenses, most students don't even consider it, but four students from Southeast Missouri State University took the risk and did not regret it.

"The World Beyond the Classroom," the first Kent Library Athenaeum event of the semester, featured Katy Armstrong, Demarcus Patterson, Emily Waters and Josh Reel, four students who studied abroad either last semester or over the winter break. The students discussed their experiences while traveling.

Studying abroad features many positives as well as some negatives, and all of the students experienced both in their travels.

Armstrong, a French major, traveled to France for the semester. While in France, Armstrong got to enjoy the culture and is now considering going to graduate school in France. As Armstrong said, "I caught the travel bug."

While in France, she was able to make many new friends from places all over the world. Other than learning to cook for herself, Armstrong noted one major negative about her trip was the terrorist attacks in Paris. Though she wasn't located in Paris, she had friends who were. The experience definitely frightened her.

Patterson, a Spanish major, studied in Ecuador for the semester. Throughout his stay there he was able to speak Spanish and refine his skills.

While there, Patterson had to deal with a large amount of racism toward him. Day-to-day people would judge him until they found out he was American. Patterson said the reason is there were a large number of thefts by black Ecuadorians, so he was treated negatively. Patterson added, "It made the trip a dread sometimes."

In Germany, Waters, a double major in anthropology and German, explored Munich and tried different kinds of food. Much of her travel, food and class activities revolved around the Central Station. On New Year's Eve, there was a terrorist threat on the station, where she had been three hours before. The threat created fear and confusion on what was next.

Despite the setback, she enjoyed her trip and, most notably, enjoyed bonding with German high schoolers. They shared many interests in movies and television shows. Waters put it best, "Even when an ocean separates us, we can still bond over 'The Avengers.'"

Reel traveled to Ireland. Being an archaeology major, he was able to help on an archaeological expedition. Despite initially arriving in Dublin and getting lost, he enjoyed his time in Ireland.

He recommended interacting with the locals in whatever way possible while traveling. One of his favorite memories was being able to sit down one night and just take in the conversations the locals were having.

Each student, despite any negativity they may have encountered on their trip, enjoyed it. The most difficult part was finances. When in the right situation, a trip can be covered by scholarships. In other cases, students have to cover the expenses on their own, which can get in the $3,000 to $4,000 range.

They all agreed, though, that the experience is worth every penny. Not only did they learn from their classes, they got to learn from other cultures. They encouraged other students to visit places many people won't ever see and to make many new friends they otherwise never would have met.

There is a trip to Taiwan, led by Dr. Shu-Chaun Wang-McGrath, planned for May. It is a two-week program where students will immerse themselves in Chinese culture, visit universities in Taiwan and visit museums.