If you talk to a student who’s participated in education abroad, they’ll tell you what a life-changing experience it is. Whether the program lasts two weeks or two semesters, it will leave a lasting impression on you and your view of the world.
To get an in-depth look at the education abroad experience, we talked to eight current students who’ve been there. Follow along as they share photos, stories, and advice.
Rebecca | New Zealand
Lincoln University
Major
Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism
Program length
One semester
What was your biggest takeaway?
Always say yes to more opportunities. You never know what great adventure it will lead to, and it’ll always be worth it.
Any tips for students who are considering going abroad?
Going abroad will be one of the best experiences of your college career, so if you want adventure and to learn more about yourself and new culture, go for it.
Zach | Thailand
USAC: Southeast Asian Economics, Politics, and Culture Studies in Chiang Mai
Major
Double major: Business Administration and Communication Studies
Program length
One semester
What was your biggest takeaway?
How educational traveling can be. Experiencing new cultures and meeting new people can be one of the best things you can do.
Any tips for students who are considering going abroad?
I would encourage all CSU freshmen to consider going abroad and really dive into the culture of the particular area.
Gabriela | Dominican Republic
CIEE Liberal Arts Program in Santo Domingo
Major
Double major: International Studies with a concentration in Latin America and Ethnic Studies
Program length
One Semester
What was your biggest takeaway?
My biggest takeaway from going abroad is that there is more than one way to live your life.
Any tips for students who are considering going abroad?
Trust your gut, but always go out and venture. I also found that when I was by myself, I learned the most about me and the country.
Demi | Ghana
Learn and Serve
Major
Biology
Program length
Three weeks over winter break
What was your biggest takeaway?
“Love” and “humanity” by definition, will heal the world.
Any tips for students who are considering going abroad?
Do everything in your power to study abroad. Resources for you exist.
As a first-generation Latina from a low-income family, I was able to see the world through a critical lens specific to what I wanted and needed in order to redefine myself, my future, and the world around me.
Josh | Chile
USAC: Spanish Language, Latin American, Anthropological, and International Studies in Santiago
Major
Double major: International Studies and Political Science
Program length
One semester
What was your biggest takeaway?
This semester abroad was the longest amount of time I have spent outside the US, and these several months were critical in helping me learn about myself and develop as a person.
This semester took me out of my comfort zone and in to a world where English was rarely spoken, where my diet was dramatically different, and where culture was in stark contrast to the States. Learning how to navigate this new environment helped me become more flexible, more of a critical thinker and a problem solver, and it also helped me learn to enjoy life in the moment more.
Any tips for students who are considering going abroad?
Don’t let anything stop you from going abroad. If you have any concerns about going abroad – whether that be safety, finances, academics, or anything else – everyone in the Education Abroad office would love to work through these concerns with you.
When you come into the office, you will be surprised by how many resources it has to help students overcome any concerns or roadblocks that might have prevented going abroad.
This experience is absolutely worth it, and they can help you make it a reality.
Hannah | Mexico
Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology Winter Break in Todos Santos
Major
Human Dimensions of Natural Resources
Minors in English and International Development
Program length
Three weeks over winter break.
What was your biggest takeaway?
Making connections with so many wonderful people! It really opened my eyes to so many different cultures and ways of life, and I was able to become friends with individuals from all over the world.
Any tips for students who are considering going abroad?
Don’t be intimidated to come into the education abroad office and ask questions! Getting the process started may seem daunting at first, but all of the staff are here to help you find your perfect program.
It’s never too early to start the process and search for programs that are of interest to you.
Anna | Peru
School for International Training: Indigenous Peoples and Globalization
Major
Double major: Languages, Literatures and Cultures – Spanish and Ethnic Studies
Program length
One semester
What was your biggest takeaway?
Becoming a part of the community and creating meaningful relationships.
Any tips for students who are considering going abroad?
Bring a journal! Even if you don’t write much each day, it’s a good idea to always have it with you to jot down observations, names and numbers, words in foreign languages (for me it was Quechua), and is a cool place to keep other little keepsakes like friendship bracelets, business cards, and flora taped inside.
Jasmine | Spain
LGBTQ Policy and Advocacy
Major
Social Work
Program length
Summer
What was your biggest takeaway?
I learned a lot about what other countries are doing in regards to LGBT policy and advocacy. Both the United States and Spain are progressive in their approach to LGBT rights and policies. Both countries still have room for improvement, and could learn from each other.
I was happy to know that there are several places around the world that are very accepting of the LGBT community. It was also great to see how culture and location influence what the LGBT community looks like.
Zoe | Tanzania
The School for Field Studies: Wildlife Management Studies
Major
Zoology
Program length
One semester
What was your biggest takeaway?
Going to a non-traditional country for my semester abroad broke the stereotypes created by these first-world countries like America. How things are perceived in the media are not the reality of every single individual living in third-world countries.
International travel is the only true way to see how things really are in a different place. Do not believe everything you see or hear.
Any tips for students who are considering going abroad?
If you have a strong urge to study abroad during your undergraduate college career, then do it. Do not let anything hold you back because I assure you there is a way around it. You’ll regret the amazing opportunity passing you by if you constantly think there’s no way your dream can be your reality.
