Kansas State University

This article highlights the value of studying abroad at Kansas State University. Earlier this month I met with the Director of Education Abroad and Office of International Programs, Mrs. Katelin Christianer-Donkers, to talk about the value that K-State students get from studying abroad. I asked Mrs. Christianer-Donkers several relevant questions, which she answered thoughtfully and thoroughly. The interview was truly insightful and helped me gain a great understanding of the study abroad programs offered here at K-State and now I can share with you! Throughout this article, I will be answering the eight questions I asked Mrs.Christianer-Donkers with her answers and the information I gained during the interview. In the article, I will present a question, and then an answer of why I asked that question alongside Mrs. Chritianer-Donker’s answer. This blog intends to educate and inspire K-State students about the value of studying abroad. I hope this article will give anyone who has an interest in the study abroad program the push they need to get started today.

1. How does studying abroad align with the academic goals and mission of the University?
The reason I asked my first question was to highlight ways in which studying abroad aligns with K-State. Mrs.Christianer-Donkers mentioned the recent announcement of the Next-Gen K-State Strategic and some specific ways it aligns with study abroad. She stated three imperatives, each of which she selected specifically because they aligned with her programs. Below, I cited Mrs. Christianer-Donker’s response to my question.

“The recent announcement of the Next-Gen K-State Strategic Plan shows distinct ways that Education Abroad is aligned with the University. The mission of Kansas State University is to foster excellent teaching, research, and service that develop a highly skilled and educated citizenry necessary to advancing the well-being of Kansas, the nation, and the international community. The University embraces diversity, encourages engagement, is committed to the discovery of knowledge, the education of undergraduate and graduate students, and the improvement in the quality of life and standard of living of those we serve.”

Imperative 2 is related to retention and graduation rates. Education Abroad participation is proven to positively affect these outcomes.

Imperative 3 is related to high-impact applied learning experience. Education Abroad has been singled out as one of the many opportunities available to students.

Imperative 5 is related to meeting the needs of learners, employers, and society which I believe has a global component, creating global citizens.” (K.C. Katelin. Personal Communication. October 5th, 2023)

2. What are the key advantages of studying abroad for students in terms of personal and academic growth?
The reason I asked this question is because I wanted to highlight the advantages a student can gain from studying abroad. For this question, Mrs. Christianer-Donkers focused on transferable skills students get from studying abroad. She mentioned that there are several value-adds a student gets from studying abroad. She also mentioned that studying abroad creates a more well-rounded and better-performing college student. After listening to what Mrs. Christianer-Donkers had to say, I couldn’t disagree with her response. The cause and effect of studying abroad seems very evident in students’ lives.

“When a student studies abroad, even for a short-term program, they gain several transferable, real-world skills. Students gain independence, adaptability, resilience, communication, flexibility, problem-solving, confidence, language acquisition, creativity, cultural awareness, and more. These skills will benefit students throughout their lives both personally, academically, and professionally. Anecdotal, I have heard many students say that education abroad reinvigorates their desire to learn and helps them complete their degree. The data backs this sentiment up by showing that participation in an education abroad program positively impacts retention and graduation rates in higher education.” (K.C. Katelin. Personal Communication. October 5th, 2023)

3. Are there specific programs or initiatives aimed at making study abroad more accessible to a diverse range of students?
The reason I asked this question is because I wanted to show that studying abroad could be a great way to diversify one’s experience in their respective programs. For this question, Mrs. Christianer-Donkers talked about two different initiatives for study abroad. The first was the creation of The First- Generation International Experience. This program is specifically for first-generation students here at K-State and is still in its early stages. The second initiative Mrs. Christianer-Donkers mentioned is the Benjamin A Gilman Scholarship for students who are eligible for Pell Grants. The scholarship is listed as a national one but is one K-State Education Abroad that takes great pride in helping students achieve. There are many sessions and workshops offered through the K-State study abroad to help students achieve this scholarship on their merit.

“Along with others, I want to touch on two specific initiatives that our office is working on. First, our Assistant Director, Brent Holliday, has been working closely with the First-generation Student Center to create the First-generation International Experience faculty-led program. The First-Generation International Experience is a collaboration between several KSU student services and academic units invested in the success of first-generation students at K-State. The project aims to provide financial support, pre-departure preparation, and academic relevance for KSU first-generation students who aspire to gain international experience while at K-State.  Student-Centered Tuition Enhancement funds were used to support this program.” (K.C. Katelin. Personal Communication. October 5th, 2023)

“Another initiative is our work with the Benjamin A Gilman scholarship for students who receive the Federal Pell Grant. Sarah Hassle, Education Abroad Advisor, and Beth Powers, Director of Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research have worked together to develop a multi-step preparation process for students who are applying for this scholarship. The national scholarship application requires three essays and K-state offers multiple information sessions and writing workshops that can help students complete the application and receive feedback on their essays from knowledgeable staff at KSU.” (K.C. Katelin. Personal Communication. October 5th, 2023)

4. What resources and support does your office provide to help students choose the right study abroad program and navigate the application process?
The reason I asked this question is because I wanted to show that there is a great deal of support provided to K-State students. In answering this question, Mrs. Christianer-Donkers mentioned several different areas of support K-State offers. The University offers support through the faculty and staff, specifically Education Abroad Advisors which every student has access to. With the collaboration and help of the University’s employees, the K-state study abroad program thrives and strives to help students achieve their study abroad goals.

“Education Abroad advising structure is based on division by colleges, not location, which allows Education Abroad Advisors to form relationships with the Staff and Faculty in each college. Education Abroad Advisors therefore work closely with colleges related to curriculum equivalencies, understanding which programs are academically beneficial to students in that specific degree. Students can meet with their Education Abroad Advisor as many times as necessary and email them for assistance throughout the process from first interest to returning to campus to credit transfer after a program ends. Our website allows students to review the process in more detail. Students can search programs based on their priorities, whether classes are available for their major, location, extracurricular activities, traveling with other students, level of support abroad, and more. Their Education Abroad Advisor is there to help navigate the systems in place, knowing that each college and even some departments within a college work differently. The K-State Education Abroad Application provides information related to health and safety, course enrollment, funding, eligibility requirements, pre-departure considerations, identity abroad, and more.” (K.C. Katelin. Personal Communication. October 5th, 2023)

5. Do study-abroad countries have strong industries that apply to K-state majors?
In this question, I wanted to show the value that studying abroad could bring to the student’s professional career and chosen major. To showcase this Mrs. Christianer-Donkers provided specific examples of programs at the University College of Dublin, Ireland.  The program in Ireland specifically is for Animal Science majors here at K-State and is a direct exchange between our University and Dublin.

“I think the better way to approach this question is to show a few examples of where the study abroad programs are directly tying the industry or academic content to something available in the location. University College Dublin is great for Animal Science majors, but anyone from the College of Agriculture can attend.

Another example of this direct tie to industry is faculty-led programs, which are KSU classes taught by KSU faculty in locations abroad.  The faculty typically chooses their location specifically for the academic content.  Faculty-led programs make up the largest portion of participation in education abroad at KSU currently, representing around 70% of the student experiences during the AY 22/23” (K.C. Katelin. Personal Communication. October 5th, 2023)

6. How does studying abroad enhance a student’s resume and job prospects, and do employers value this experience?
In this question, I wanted to highlight the benefits an employer sees from studying abroad. Mrs. Christianer-Donkers used research and facts to back her answer. She mentioned the skills that students attain from studying abroad are quite a value add for employers, but they won’t mean much if the student doesn’t understand how to utilize them. She then talked about students who can use their study abroad experience to their advantage. She mentioned that students who can communicate the impact and skills they gained from their study abroad experiences, would be able to show that extra value to employers, especially global employers.

“Research shows that applied learning activities, like Education Abroad, result in skill acquisition that is valuable to employers after graduation. Studying abroad does not automatically increase your chances of job placement, but how you include your experience abroad in your application materials and interview can have an impact. Students need to be able to speak professionally and thoughtfully about the skills they learned during their time abroad, showing the skills as transferable to the workplace. If a student can discuss the professional development of their time abroad, this high-impact experience becomes valuable to employers. This is especially true for companies that engage in global activities or business.” (K.C. Katelin. Personal Communication. October 5th, 2023)

7. Is the cost worth the experience, and is there financial aid to cover the gap?
In this question, I was straightforward and asked if the cost was worth the experience. Her response was simple; “Yes.” Mrs. Christian-Donkers mentions that studying abroad is something students feel strongly about when it comes to adding value to their education. She also mentioned that part of her office’s job is to help students find a way to achieve this and still graduate on time. During our conversation, she also mentioned that there are tons of scholarships to help students afford to study abroad, some of which are already underutilized.

“Anecdotally, yes, the cost is well worth the experience, the memories, the skills, and the relationships gained through education abroad. We regularly hear from graduates that one of their biggest regrets from their time at KSU was not studying abroad during college. Regardless of the length or location of your program, education abroad is a hugely impactful experience that students cherish and utilize in their life post-college, even if it’s not obvious. For students who are concerned about the funding aspect, we have resources on our website to assist with planning, budget building, and information about financial and scholarship opportunities.” (K.C. Katelin. Personal Communication. October 5th, 2023)

8. Will I still be able to graduate on time and study abroad?
My last and perhaps most important question was if students can still graduate on time and receive the experience of studying abroad. The reason I saved this one for last is because of its importance. As we all know college is expensive and is already a financial strain for many students. Mrs. Christianer-Donkers mentioned that this question varies for everyone, but it could just depend on how much you want it. What I mean by that is the earlier one plans, looks for scholarships, and schedules the better the chance the student can have the experience without adding extra school time. Lastly, she mentioned that her office is always ready to help students in any way they can.

“Yes, the Education Abroad Advisors work with students to understand the available course work abroad and assist students in navigating the Academic Approval Form that allows students to pre-approve classes with their KSU Academic Advisor before they ever commit to the program opportunity.” (K.C. Katelin. Personal Communication. October 5th, 2023)

In conclusion, with the collaboration of Mrs. Christainer-Donkers and I, we show Kansas State University students the value of studying abroad by answering eight questions: How does studying abroad align with the academic goals and mission of the University?  What are the key advantages of studying abroad for students in terms of personal and academic growth?  Are there specific programs or initiatives aimed at making study abroad more accessible to a diverse range of students?  What resources and support do The Education Abroad and Office of International Programs provide to help students choose the right study abroad program and navigate the application process?  Do study-abroad countries have strong industries that apply to K-state majors? How does studying abroad enhance a student’s resume and job prospects?  Do employers value this experience/ Is the cost worth the experience? Is there financial aid to cover the gap, and will I still be able to graduate on time and study abroad? I hope this blog has informed you, the students of KSU, and has encouraged anyone who is thinking of studying abroad.

Jonathan Oury
Peer Financial Counselor I
Powercat Financial
www.k-state.edu/powercatfinancial

Traveling home is an experience that one always looks forward to. Counting down the days till they can be back with friends, family and momentarily break from the stress that accompanies school life. There are many costs associated with traveling home and also ways to save money in the process. To explore this further I interviewed Jon Oury, a student at Kansas State University about his experiences traveling home.

[Chipo]

Where is home for you and how long does that journey take?

[Jon]

Home for me is Milwaukee, Wisconsin. If I’m driving it takes about 9 hrs. and then the flights vary depending on how many planes, I take but I’d say about 4 hrs.

[Chipo]

And what determines whether you fly or drive?

[Jon]

Well, I normally drive to school at the beginning of the semester. I drive back for the summer, spring break and Christmas break then fly back for Thanksgiving break.

[Chipo]

 So, what would you say are the main costs that you incur like when you’re driving back home?

[Jon]

Gas for sure. If I’m driving, gas is very expensive. I try my best to spend as little money as I can on gas. The amount I end up spending really comes down to how fast I’m going. So, if I’m driving at relatively slow speed it takes me two and a half tanks of gas to get home and if I’m going a little faster, I’m taking three full tanks. Driving faster normally means I’m skimming an hour off my trip, so once I factor in the time I’ve left and what time I’d like to be home I have a rough idea of how much I’m going to be spending on gas.

I’m always on the look for Advantage Pricing opportunities to get me cheap gas.

[Chipo]

Tell me more about that?

[Jon]

Well one thing that I observed is that on one level gas prices differ from state to state and then on a deeper level they vary from city to city. So, Manhattan gas will be more expensive than gas you would find on the outskirts of Manhattan. So, considering that (within reason) while planning your trip can really save you money. What looks like a few cents difference probably adds up to about seven or eight bucks by the end of your trip.

[Chipo]

Are there any other costs you usually incur other than gas?

[Jon]

Yes, I’d say there are two other things I usually spend on. The first is snacks.  Candy and or beef jerky and maybe an energy drink depending on how I’m feeling. Snacks just keep me energized and focused throughout the long trip. I think another cost that people often don’t factor in is maintenance. I feel like most people don’t factor that in but for me it is a big deal because the fact is I’m putting thousands of miles on my car and that depreciates the car’s value but also means my car is in the shop more often.

[Chipo]

So, in the instances when travel home by air, what are your main costs? 

[Jon]

Well, the first thing that comes to mind is of course the air ticket. But after that I would say my biggest cost is parking. I never park at the airport because there are other options that can save you money. I park at a commercial parking garage right next to the Kansas City Airport – it’s called the parking spot. It’s right next to the airport and there’s a shuttle that will take you from the parking spot to the Airport. The nice thing about it is the consistent pricing. Oftentimes the pricing at the Kansas City Airport varies depending on the demand but I don’t have that issue at the parking spot.

I haven’t found a similar arrangement in Manhattan or Salina and that is one of the many reasons I try not to fly out of those airports. In the unlikely event that I have to fly out of the Manhattan and Salina airports I leave my car at my apartment and have a friend give me a ride.

One thing I wish we had was a school shuttle that would take students from school to the MHK airport. Maybe have it run for a certain number of hours in the few days after the last day of school when everybody is trying to get out of Manhattan.

[Chipo]

So, what’s the cost difference when you’re traveling during peak and non-peak seasons? 

[Jon]

I’d say it’s a lot cheaper during off peak seasons. And during the holidays, it’s almost criminal how much they can charge you.

Normally, I would never consider a plane ticket over $700 but during peak season like Christmas time anything below $ 1, 000 for a flight is a good deal which is ridiculous. So, to deal with that I find myself taking a lot of connecting flights because you pay a lot for direct. At times it gets to the point where my plane travel takes just as long as it would if I was driving but I think it’s worth it because I get to save money.

[Chipo]

How do you deal with emergencies during travel?

[Jon]

It depends on the size of the emergency. I do have a bit of money in my savings that I could direct to smaller emergencies if they arise but with bigger things, like if the car breaks down, I get support from my parents.

[Chipo]

Any last-minute tips to save money that come to mind before we finish here?

[Jon]

Definitely carpooling. I think that would help save a lot of money and of course take turns driving home because the mileage can rack up if you keep using the same person’s car.

[Chipo]

Alright thanks for your time, Jon, enjoy the rest of your day.

[Jon]

You too

Chipo Sekabanja

Peer Financial Counselor l

Powercat Financial

www.k-state.edu/powercatfinancial

Christmas is coming but money is tight

I want to buy gifts, but they’re all out of sight.

During a time of cheer, the holiday season draws near

Although my budget is tight, my spirit shines bright.

How can I show my love and compassion

Without spending more than I can ration?

Embrace a craft with homemade delight

With paper and scissors, create something bright.

A heartfelt card, A DIY treasure

Brings warmth and love with ample measure.

Try doing a secret Santa, a tradition so fine

It is a great way to keep your budget in line.

Gifts exchanged, a moment so dear

In the spirit of giving, love is clear.

Thrift stores and markets, a hidden gold mine

Discover unique finds that brightly shine.

One person’s discard, another’s delight

Give a second life to treasures so bright.

Experiences over possessions, a gift so rare

Create memories beyond compare.

A day in nature, a concert, a show

Moments cherished, forever to grow.

Shop early, the sales will unfold

Discounts and bargains, a shopper’s gold.

Plan ahead with a list in hand

Avoid last minute splurges, you’ll understand.

So, in the dance of budgets and heartfelt desire

Gift giving becomes a creative fire.

Pockets are light but hearts shine bright

A budgeted present can ignite.

Rylie May

Peer Counselor I

Powercat Financial

www.k-state.edu/powercatfinancial

Recently at Powercat Financial I had a student make an appointment with me and they were trying to save money, specifically on food. The issue was, they didn’t know how. They came to me and said that they were barely able to afford a trip to the grocery store every 2 weeks and could rarely go out with friends. The student wondered if there was any way to still grocery shop and go out to eat but do it in a way that would save more money.  So, we sat down, made a spending plan, and talked through some solutions and options to help save money, here are the main solutions:

Saving Money on Groceries:

1. Know When to Shop

This is a great way to save money on food when grocery shopping. According to Yahoo Finance, Wednesday is considered the best time to shop for groceries. This is because food is going on sale due to mid-week restocks. Grocery stores are trying to get rid of their older products and replace them with newer products, so they’ll do deals and promotions to sell those older products. This can help you save money each trip to the store and overall improve your grocery budget.

2. Make a Plan and Stick to It

Planning before going in the grocery store can help you save money big time. If you have a list of your needs, and only plan to get those things, you’ll tend to not spend more on things you don’t need. You’ll also be less susceptible to discounts and deals on food you don’t need. You know what you’re there for, and that’s what you’re getting.

Credit: Sodanie Chea, https://www.flickr.com/photos/41942551@N02/7259669024

Saving Money on Eating Out:

1. Don’t Be Afraid of Coupons

Sometimes there’s this stigma about using coupons and being considered a cheapskate, but I disagree with that. It shouldn’t be looked down upon for trying to save money and coupons are a great way to save money while eating out. Most food places will have a coupon or deal of some kind available for students to use, and even encouraged to use sometimes. Think twice before immediately throwing away the coupons you receive in the mail next time.

2. Drink Water

Drinking water at a restaurant can be a game changer in terms of saving money. Often beverages other than water cost $2-$3 extra. If you go out to eat and get at least 1 beverage every time, that can cost you close to $10-$15 a week at the minimum. Multiply that by 52 weeks and you’ve spent about $500-$700. Instead, with that money you could have saved it and put it towards your financial goals. So next time you go out, think about drinking water.

After going through some of these solutions, I encouraged this student to track their next months expenses to see the difference these strategies of saving money can have on their budget. If you’re wanting to find ways to save money and track what you are spending, at Powercat Financial we can help. We can go over you’re spending and can come up with solutions to help support healthy spending habits that can save you money and benefit you in the long run. Make an appointment today!

Daniel Hensarling

Peer Counselor II

Powercat Financial

www.k-state.edu/powercatfinancial

Studying abroad is a fun opportunity to pursue college courses in a foreign country. The thought of living in another country can also cause genuine curiosity. Most students will wonder things like, where they will live, what they will eat, and all the other things that can be thought of when getting ready for a foreign experience. To give you some insight, I interviewed Adrian Kaus, a Student at Kansas State University who studied abroad in Orvieto, Italy.

[Aidan Little]

How far in advance should students plan to study abroad?

[Adrian Kaus]

I would say you need to start planning for it almost a year in advance because it is a big commitment, and I only went for a month. You need to make sure you have plenty of finances because there are so many cool places out there and you want to experience it all. When I studied abroad, I tried to just let loose and not really think about the money but the experiences I was having.

[Aidan Little]

What support is available to students once they arrive? (Tour Guide, Translator, etc.)

[Adrian Kaus]

When I went to Italy, we did not really need a translator or tour guide for the place we were living. Most of the people there spoke English and when we arrived, they gave us multiple tours around the town throughout the first week experiencing all of the history and cool things. The people in charge are super helpful and if you need anything they will drop everything to help. I had to interview a local for one of my classes and I asked the local in charge of our program if she could be my translator, in which she was happy to help!

[Aidan Little]

Where can students expect to live while studying abroad? Is Food Provided?

[Adrian Kaus]

We were given housing for the month in a little apartment, it was four of us.  It had a full kitchen so we could cook food for ourselves which saved a lot of money. Food is mostly on your own, but Italy is a lot less expensive than the U.S. They also had farmers markets every week and you could barter with them to save money. There were a couple of big meals that were provided and other small things as well.

[Aidan Little]

What budgeting advice would you give a student who is planning to study abroad? (Any changes or expenses that they should expect?)

[Adrian Kaus]

I would say have a max amount of money that you want to spend when traveling on the weekends and for when you are there for a couple days. That is where I spent the most money, it is very easy to say yes to excursions because it is all about the experience. I don’t regret anything, but I know some people that went with us spent a lot more than they should have because they did not plan ahead enough.

If you are interested in learning more about studying abroad, and different funding opportunities visit the Kansas State Education Abroad website, and request an appointment to meet with an Education Abroad Advisor. For help with budgeting, and other financial questions you may have for studying abroad, schedule an appointment with us at Powercat Financial!

Upcoming Events:

Financial Well-being Ambassadors – November 6th, 4:00-5:00pm at the Union in the Big 12 Room. Want to be part of Powercat Financial and learn about personal finance? Come join us at our monthly meeting.

Aidan Little

Peer Counselor II

Powercat Financial

www.k-state.edu/powercatfinancial

Looking back to my undergraduate studies many years ago, I had the opportunity to pursue two very different internships. The first was an intern zookeeper at the Houston Zoo in my hometown after my Freshman year of studying Biology. The second was as an apprentice to a furniture maker in Chicago where I had never been before after my Senior year to explore career options related to my second major of Studio Art. Both of these particular opportunities were unpaid, however as we learned in our other recent blog post, these experiences can still provide a lot of value in helping you to progress along your career path which I found to be true. Many internships these days may provide some form of compensation depending on the field, but regardless both require proper planning when it comes to saving and budgeting to make them feasible to pursue.

Housing is likely to be your largest consideration and budget item. If you are able to find a position near family or close friends that you can stay with as I did in my first position this certainly helps. On the other hand, you may find yourself working in a new to you location as I did in my second position with the challenge of acquiring housing when you don’t know the area. The fact that you may only be there for a few months can limit your options on finding a place. Often times the company you work for may be able to provide resources to help in your search or connect you with other interns to coordinate shared housing. You will ideally be looking for short-term rentals that are furnished with full utilities included. Also, proximity of housing options to your place of work should be a factor, though you may end up choosing somewhere further away in a more affordable area. Sites like Airbnb.com and Vrbo.com can be places to look and will typically give discounts for longer stays.

Transportation is also important both in getting to the city you will be working in as well as for your daily commute. You may already own a vehicle or be able to borrow one from family. It’s possible that increased mileage as opposed to being on campus during the school year can add to additional costs in gas and maintenance. It may also make sense to fly or travel by bus/train to your internship location if you don’t have a vehicle and rely on other modes of transportation to get around. Public transportation may be a good solution if the location has viable options or ride sharing with fellow interns/employees can allow you to share costs.

Your food budget can vary depending on whether you may be eating at home with family or friends versus being on your own. It can certainly be an adjustment if you are accustomed to being on a meal plan at the dining hall to having to buy groceries and cook when you are in new surroundings. Add to this the potential workload and learning curve of your position and you may find yourself lacking in time or energy which can lead to more ready to eat meals or dining out which comes at a premium.

You also can find yourself needing to shop for a new wardrobe depending on the position. While the dress code is typically more relaxed for interns you still want to present yourself professionally to make a good impression. This could include dressing up at an office or having appropriate protective wear for outdoor work in the field.

There are then all the other smaller miscellaneous items to consider which can add up and that you may already be accustomed to paying for throughout the year. Social and entertainment expenses should not be forgotten either as it’s important to balance fun with work. You will meet new people to get acquainted with and possibly have new places to explore and will want to be sure to include that in your budget as a valuable part of the overall experience.

Once you have done your research into these various areas and have some educated estimates of the total costs, then you can start looking at the resources you have available. Any income or stipends offered by the internship can go a long way towards meeting your needs, especially if living with family. It never hurts to ask your employer if there is any assistance they could provide even if they haven’t explicitly offered it and one could be creative with the request. Once you have all the facts its good to develop a list of income and expenses which you can do using our available Spending Plan Worksheet or other apps/methods of your choosing. This will help you to identify potential excesses in funding or shortfalls. You will also want to consider whether you are dependent on summer income not only to support yourself but also to go towards next year’s education costs. Additional work during the semester or pursuing new scholarships may be required to save up for a budget deficit resulting from the internship, whereas a budget surplus can be used to help fund other goals.

The Peer Counselors at Powercat Financial are here to help you navigate these decisions and create a plan to enable you to pursue the internship opportunities you desire in a financially sustainable way. Please feel free to schedule an appointment to start the conversation.

Michael Pumphrey, AFC®
Peer Counselor II
Powercat Financial
https://www.k-state.edu/powercatfinancial/