The study abroad experience is as diverse as the students who undertake it. Like the question, "What are 2 types of bingo cards?" there are numerous ways to approach studying abroad. This article explores two primary types of study abroad experiences, likening them to 75-ball and 90-ball bingo cards, represented through the journeys of students Emily and Peter.
A 75-ball bingo card consists of 25 squares arranged in a 5x5 grid with the center square typically marked as a 'free' spot. The 90-ball bingo card, on the other hand, has 15 numbers spread across 9 columns in 3 rows. Just like these distinct cards provide different ways to play the game, Emily and Peter chose different paths for their study abroad programs.
Emily, a language enthusiast from Toronto, decided to spend a year in France. She likened her experience to a 75-ball bingo card. The 'free' spot in the middle of the card represented her main goal of achieving fluency in French. The other squares were the cultural, culinary, and historical aspects of France she wanted to explore. Each row of her "bingo card" represented a different area of French life that she aimed to immerse herself in. By the end of her year abroad, she had filled in every square of her card, creating a comprehensive, rich tapestry of French culture.
In contrast, Peter, a global studies major from Johannesburg, embarked on a multi-country study program in Asia, spending a semester each in Japan, South Korea, and China. His experience resembled a 90-ball bingo card, with each number representing a new city or cultural experience.Binggo plus. The rows represented the countries he lived in, and each column symbolized different facets of his experience - language learning, cultural immersion, academic study, and more. Peter's "bingo card" was more spread out, reflecting his wide-ranging study abroad experience across several countries.
Emily and Peter's experiences illustrate the variety of paths one can take when studying abroad. Just as bingo players choose between a 75-ball or 90-ball card based on their preferences, study abroad students choose their programs based on their academic goals and personal interests.
In conclusion, studying abroad can take many forms, just as there are different types of bingo cards. Whether you choose an immersive program in a single country like Emily, or a multi-country itinerary like Peter, it's about finding the right "bingo card" that aligns with your goals. These unique journeys reinforce the notion that there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to studying abroad. Instead, each student can carve out their own unique and enriching experience.