Peer Advisors
Who better to ask about studying abroad than a fellow student who's been there, done that? Visit the Study Abroad Office in Young Hall, room 105 to meet our Peer Advisors. Call 494-2383 for their specific work hours.
Major: Ph.D. Student in Learning Design & Technology
Program: Undergraduate Semester abroad in Japan at Chukyo University, Visiting Scholar at Peking University
Location: Japan, China
What impact did study abroad have on you??
My first experience of study abroad greatly affected my career path. During my time in Japan, I watched and saw how my colleagues were learning Japanese not just from their classes and textbooks, but with the technology that they had. This lead me down to seeking what technology was being utilized, and realizing that more technology can be brought in to improve the language and cultural learning that students embark in. Because of study abroad I focused my career in research and on developing virtual reality environments for language and cultural development.
Major: Animation
Program: Dublin Institute of Technology/Technological University Dublin
Location: Dublin, Ireland
What was your favorite part about studying abroad? ?
While it’s extremely difficult for me to pick the best part, I have to say that the most impactful aspect was the ability to meet so many people from all over the world. Being enrolled in an Irish university, I was fully immersed in their culture and became friends with my Irish peers. I was lucky enough to form meaningful relationships with many of them while learning about the country and its norms. Additionally, I became extremely close with other foreign exchange students from various countries — Germany, France, Cyprus, etc. They are still some of my best friends, and I never would have been able to meet them if I hadn’t studied abroad. However, some of the most life-changing experiences were the trips I took throughout the semester and the people I met at each destination. In Europe, everything is so close together, and traveling is much more affordable. Before I had left for Ireland, I had never been to Europe before; I returned home having visited 12 European countries and over 20 cities. And yes, the culture and architecture and charms of each town were absolutely beautiful, but I stand by my belief that the most influential parts of each trip were the people I met there. Just from talking to locals at cafes, concerts, or pubs, I learned so much about each country and am so grateful to have met them.
Major: Electronic and Computer Engineering
Program: National University of Ireland, Galway (incoming exchange student)
Location: Galway, Ireland
What benefits can you get from study abroad?
Studying for a year abroad is a great opportunity to expand your network internationally and to experience a great, approved university on new terrain. Experiencing university abroad allows you to grow as a person by integrating with students from different backgrounds and cultures and helps open your eyes to new things and ways of life. In my personal time studying abroad I have met a plethora of new people for all around the globe many with common interests, and there are many different communities and clubs in universities abroad that you can seamlessly fit into. Studying abroad is a chance to step outside your comfort zone and try things that you wouldn’t usually try and be the person that you want to be, while focusing on making an impression that would benefit your career and maybe even opening the possibility of working in your chosen destination in the future. I would encourage anyone that is considering it to give it a chance.
Major: Psychological Sciences
Program: CAPA-Florence: Global Cities
Location: Florence, Italy
What was your favorite part about studying abroad?
My favorite part about studying abroad was being able to explore Italy along with other countries with my friends. Going abroad is an amazing opportunity to travel to numerous countries, and it was so easy to do so. Travelling this much allowed me to meet all kinds of different people from all over the world, as well as experience a completely different way of living. Exposing myself to a new culture was another favorite part of mine. Attending school in the heart of Florence along with living in a local apartment allowed me to fully immerse myself in the Italian culture. I also had the opportunity to meet and interact with a local family each week, where they introduced me to different Italian cuisines as well as helped me learn the language. Living in an unfamiliar country was out of my comfort zone, but it allowed me to gain perspective and expand my knowledge about how to live in another culture and meet new and amazing friends.