Study Abroad Team
Behind every great journey is a great guide
About
Mission
The Study Abroad & Global Engagement (SAGE) Office strives to connect the diverse community of students, faculty, and staff at CSUF with global opportunities that enrich their academic and professional lives by driving personal development and transformation. Through globally focused, accessible, and high-quality learning opportunities and activities, the SAGE team seeks to foster the concept of “possibility” among all CSUF students. Our dedication to global learning in all forms – virtual, study abroad, or study away – reflects our commitment to the evolving needs of our campus community while assuring our Titans possess competencies that lead to success in our increasingly small global community.
Our Team
Shari Merrill
Study Abroad & global engagement Associate Director
Advises current CSUF students and alumni about Fulbright and Boren U.S. Student Program Opportunities. Provides advising support for the Gilman Scholarship and Critical Language Scholarship (CSL). Collaborates with and supports faculty and staff on various program and engagement opportunities, including department-led programs (both travel and virtual mobility) and collaborative online international learning projects or COIL. Supports institutional relations management with educational partners and institutions.
Countries visited: Belgium, China and Hong Kong, Cuba, Cyprus, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden.
What are the most important factors to consider when choosing a program?
A: Think about how this experience will fit in with the future "you" that is being developed — personally and professionally. Geographic and academic diversity will make your study abroad experience stand out.
How can I get the most out of my study abroad experience?
A: Find a program that allows you to connect with the location and local folks of your host country as much as possible. Once you've found that program, disconnect as much as possible from "home" and allow yourself to be transformed. Make friends abroad; you'll have them for the rest of your life.
How has the experience of studying abroad helped in your education and career?
A: It has been everything to my career. I cannot imagine what path my life would have taken had I not had the opportunity to study abroad. Instead of thinking of it as a once-in-a-lifetime chance, I realized it was the first of hundreds of opportunities to see the world and travel.
Can you share a memorable experience from your studies abroad?
A: The moment I arrived in Istanbul, Turkey, I found a city so rich in history, sound and sight that it would forever captivate me. The mixture of European and Islamic architecture is woven together in a mix that's also represented in Turkish culture, music, art and cuisine. So much of human history has passed through the city, and I found myself connecting my own history to this location. It is one of the grand cities of the world.
Abigail Segura
Study Abroad Programs Lead
Collaborates with and supports faculty, staff, and students on department led programs (both travel and virtual mobility).
Countries visited: Mexico, Thailand, China and Hong Kong, New Zealand, Germany, Greece, France, Spain, Italy, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic
What are the most important factors to consider when choosing a program?
A: Look for programs that focus on your professional and personal interests. Do not get stuck on a certain location! Be open to visiting countries you had never considered. Time is an important factor as well. The sooner you begin to plan, the better prepared you will be for handling the application process, finances, academics, amongst personal life commitments.
How can I get the most out of my study abroad experience?
A: Be flexible! Take every challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow. Bring your experiences back home! Whether it’s to your family and friends, share your knowledge with others on campus via Peer Mentor programs, or just casually amongst classmates. This will help you reflect on your experiences abroad and how they have contributed to your development.
How has the experience of studying abroad helped in your education and career?
A: Studying abroad has been key in my development as a person and professional. It prepared me to always be ready for the unexpected and taught me the importance of being flexible. I would not be in my current role if it had not been for my experiences abroad. My first study abroad program led me to a leadership opportunity as an undergraduate student, it gave me the chance to participate in research, which sparked my interest in grad school, this eventually led me to a Masters Program, and now here as part of the Study Abroad Team. It gave me the confidence I needed in order to get involved in opportunities that I would have never seen myself participate in.
Can you share a memorable experience from your studies abroad?
A: It was my first year at CSUF as a transfer student, I learned about the opportunity to go to Thailand and I clearly remember being so proud of myself for going through with the application process. Then feeling very nervous when it came time to explain to my parents what this experience meant to me. This was my first time over seas so every single thing was a treasured experience. In Thailand I took photos of everything! I woke up every day feeling super energized! I was so excited to learn about their rich culture and I never expected that so many things would remind me of my Mexican heritage. I returned home much more aware of my personal identity and values. At the end of the program I recall feeling very satisfied, full, and motivated to not only continue exploring the world but also to further develop myself as a person, professional, and student.
