Study abroad transforms college experience

Braeden Scheifele has always been captivated by history, but his passion was confined to the pages of textbooks and classroom discussions. When he learned that he could take a study abroad trip to Japan at College of Lake County (CLC), he had a chance to learn in action.

Studying abroad wasn’t something that Scheifele, a Grayslake resident, even considered when he came to CLC. He didn’t even know it was an option.

“I only planned to worry about classes and didn't pay attention to other stuff,” Scheifele said. “I applied for the study abroad trip the same day I learned about.”

Talking with his mentor opened Scheifele’s eyes to the benefits this type of opportunity could bring to his career goals. He wants to eventually participate in fieldwork in a foreign country, and the trip gave him an opportunity to learn how to integrate and immerse himself in another culture.

Scheifele had an interest in visiting Japan, being fascinated by the culture and seeing the influence it had in the United States. With both long- and short-term study abroad trips available, Scheifele wanted to try something shorter for his first international trip.

“Study abroad can be an incredibly positive and transformative experience for many reasons, including academic growth, cultural immersion, personal development, global perspective and much more,” said Director of Global Engagement Dr. Voytek Wloch. “It also gives great advantage when seeking employment as companies are more likely to hire individuals who have experienced different cultures and places first-hand.”

Scheifele became a recipient of the prestigious U.S Department of State Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. This scholarship provided financial assistance, taking away his concern about paying for a studying abroad experience.

Scheifele's three-week trip to Japan included taking a linguistics class for two weeks. Part of this class was the optional opportunity to teach English in a Japanese classroom.

“Having a new environment adds some extra excitement to the day,” Scheifele said. “Waking up and walking to class and immersing yourself in everything, that excitement goes into the classroom too.”

While the classroom part is important, study abroad trips are also made for exploring a new culture. Scheifele’s class ended at lunchtime each day, allowing the afternoon for exploration. Some days everyone could go off on their own, while other days they traveled as a group.

Scheifele enjoyed that they visited more than typical tourist sites. From big cities to rural towns, Scheifele got to experience many things Japan has to offer.

“The instructors who came with us knew a lot about the country,” he said. “It helped me experience things I might not have if I went on my own. There was more free time for us to explore than I would’ve imagined.”

Scheifele not only enjoyed getting to try new food three meals a day, but also a chance to communicate with locals. Knowing gift giving is a big part of Japanese culture, he created his own CLC and Chicago themed goodie bags to give away to those he connected with.

Other sights and places he enjoyed visiting included shrines and temples, castles and a hot spring that has been used for over 1,000 years.

“I was nervous to go at first, but I’m so glad I did,” he said. “This was one of the greatest experiences I've ever had in my life. You’re only in college for so long, so you should take advantage of the opportunities available.”

For more information about study abroad, visit https://www.clcillinois.edu/why-clc/how-will-clc-help-me-to-be-successful/enhance-your-education/study-abroad