Dyer shares study abroad experience

Charleston Southern students have the opportunity to study abroad for summers, semesters and yearlong programs. The university partners with well-known study abroad organizations.

David Dyer, senior Christian studies major, spent the fall 2018 semester studying abroad with Best Semester in Jordan.

“For years I have always wanted to spend life in another country. My hope was to understand what it would be to live in another country over an extended period of time and see what ministry would work within a Muslim context. I chose this program because it taught Arabic and Islamic thought and practice through a Christian perspective,” said Dyer. 

During the course of his semester, Dyer lived in Amman, Jordan, but got to visit Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Galilee and even Morocco and Egypt. The students in the program took part in adventures such as snorkeling in the Red Sea, visiting the Dead Sea, spending the night in a desert, and traveling through bigger cities such as Casablanca and Cairo. 

Dyer discussed the need to be prepared to leave your comfort zone during a semester abroad.

“You will be stretched out of your comfort zones whether it be the experiences, new foods, new people, language or just merely the sense of something that is unfamiliar. Be ready to be willing to do anything and everything new, as well as being content with constantly being uncomfortable,” said Dyer.

To students considering studying abroad, Dyer says, “Be prepared to be impacted for the rest of your life. It also gives you an opportunity to see more of God’s creation and therefore be able to worship Him all the more. Be ready to be challenged but also eternally invested.”

The adventures of studying abroad are unique and attractive, but spending time overseas equips students with much more than just travel experiences. It provides students with a broader worldview, the ability to interact with people different from themselves and the skill of adaptability in other cultures.

“It provides a first-hand experience to learn directly from the source. It brings a widened perspective that others wouldn’t have. Therefore, if it pertains to your career, it would place you a step ahead,” said Dyer.

Any interested CSU students can contact Director of International Programs Stephanie LeVan at slevan@csuniv.edufor more information and opportunities.

Related Stories