Why I Want to Study Abroad as a Public Relations Student

By Valerie Perez, Director of Membership

Studying abroad has always been a dream of mine. To go to another county for a semester while advancing your degree sounds like such an incredible experience. For many, it’s out of reach due to factors such as citizenship or finances. For some, it may feel like their major wouldn’t translate to credits overseas. That tends to be the biggest issue that comes to mind for public relations students. But is that really the reality? 

Public Relations as a major is already pretty uncommon across college campuses. In the California State University system alone, only four out of 23 CSU universities offer a true bachelor's degree in public relations, with CSULB being one of them. This low number reflects the scarcity amongst PR degrees across the nation, but not necessarily abroad. In fact, having seriously looked into studying abroad at universities with compatible journalism and public relations programs, the possibilities are actually exciting.

While CSULB offers a wide variety of study abroad options such as winter, summer and special faculty-led semesters, these options rarely contribute to upper-division credits needed for your major. While these are incredible opportunities, these options are better suited for underclassmen students still completing their general education requirements. For upperclassmen or transfer students who need to focus on advancing their major-specific units, or for students who simply want the traditional exchange student experience, a semester or academic year exchange program would be your best choice.

Where can you can study abroad as a pr major at CSULB?

While PR students won’t have as many options as a marketing student for example, the options we do have are actually very exciting. With partner universities in both Asia and Europe that have compatible programs, here are some countries you could study abroad in while majoring in public relations:

• Denmark

• England

• Scotland

• Ireland

• Thailand

• Spain

• Singapore

Even within some of these countries such as Thailand and England, there are actually multiple universities where you could choose to do your exchange program at. It comes down to seeing what courses you have left and their compatible swaps, cost and of course where you feel a connection. 

Why should you study abroad?

If you’ve gotten this far and still feel uncertain about studying abroad, that’s understandable. Not only is it a life-altering commitment, there’s multiple factors that can impede it. Regarding cost, of course there’s study abroad specific scholarships, but did you know you may be eligible to use your financial aid to study abroad? I had no idea my specific type of financial aid covered it! (I use the Calvet fee waiver–meant for dependents of disabled veterans). 

When it comes to compatible units and class swaps, really take a look at the universities you're interested in course catalog to see how feasible class swaps are. Talk to both a study abroad advisor and your department counselor (the JPR department loves when their students go abroad! So they’re more than willing to work with you on class swaps).

Above all else, to go abroad is to immerse yourself in a culture and environment you’re most likely unfamiliar with. It enhances your life by opening your eyes to a new part of the world and their higher education experience. Moving on from higher education, it can open so many doors for you. Whether you intern abroad or even find a permanent job after graduation abroad, your experience will become invaluable. More than anything, it not only enhances your resume, it enhances your outlook on life.