Inside Education Abroad

Students looking at a world map

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

Hannah holding a baby sea turtles

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.

Turn your dream into reality.

Here are five steps you can take to make education abroad happen.

5 Education Abroad Steps