Final answer:
College students in International Studies gain invaluable international experiences by studying abroad, taking interdisciplinary courses, and gaining practical experiences that develop employability skills and broaden their cultural perspectives.
Step-by-step explanation:
An academic program that offers students an opportunity for international experiences is typically found in the field of International Studies. Students like Derrek Wilson become enamored with the global aspect of their studies through experiences such as studying abroad in Europe, where they can visit historic sites and immerse themselves in different cultures.
By majoring in international studies, students gain an interdisciplinary education with courses in history, geography, religion, archaeology, and world literature, often complemented by learning a foreign language like Spanish.
Further, the practical experience gained through international exposure is invaluable; it enhances employability skills and provides opportunities for students to work with professionals in their fields of interest. This international focus is not only about gaining knowledge of other cultures but also about understanding one's own culture from a comparative perspective.
Universities like the University of West Florida encourage such career exploration and offer various activities to develop students' competencies in their chosen career path.
Ultimately, international experiences within college programs are instrumental in helping students to understand the interdependence of nations and to apply a comparative perspective to cross-cultural social, economic, and political experiences.