Study Abroad Stories: 6 Students Share How Study Abroad Changed Their Lives
Studying abroad changes you and influences your life more than you’d expect. Being away from your familiar surrounding isn’t easy and is definitely a steep learning curve that brings about a burst in personal development and growth.
Six graduates share their Study Abroad stories and how studying abroad has influenced their lives, whether it was in their career choice, the desire to live abroad after graduation and by giving them the strength, passion and ambition to follow their dreams.
Also check out their Blogs and Social Media profiles and follow them there š
Study Abroad Stories: Kelsey K.
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From: United States
Study Abroad in: Ireland
I am a born planner. Iām a control freak. I donāt like the unknown. The Irish do not plan. They arrive late. They go with the flow.
I always thought I wanted to be a teacher, and a big part of that was because, as an education major, my future was very clear: graduate, find a teaching job, earn a respectable salary, retire. Thereās not much to leave up to fate. I had control. Then I studied abroad in Ireland as a sophomore in college, and my experience studying abroad in Ireland changed the course of my life forever.The Irish arenāt big planners, and theyāre some of the happiest people in the world. Experiencing the laid-back culture in Ireland taught me to be okay with not knowing. I was terrified to change my major to creative writing because it meant an unclear future. I didnāt know what my job would be out of college or even if Iād be able to find one. I didnāt know what kind of salary Iād be making or benefits I would get. It was scary. It was vulnerable. But after seeing the Irish way of life, I took the leap and changed my major, completely unsure of where I would land.
After I graduated, I went on to pursue my MFA in Creative Writing. After grad school I moved to Boston, and within days of moving into my new home, I had a job at a travel company. I planned cycling vacations for two years until a marketing position opened up. Today I write blogs for DuVine Cycling + Adventure Co. as well as my own blog, Hipstorical. I feel incredibly lucky to be writing and traveling for a living, and itās all because of Ireland.
Study Abroad Stories: Sarah J.
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From: United States
Study Abroad in: Italy, Turkey, Scotland
I studied abroad several times. In 2005, I did a summer semester in Italy with my University department. That fall, I spent a semester in Glasgow at the Glasgow School of Art. And the following summer, I did an intense summer term in Turkey, again with my department.
I studied Interior Design/Architecture, so all of my programs were focused on architecture and design – of Roman ruins, of ancient Greek cities, of modern train stations and hotels in Europe. In Italy and Turkey, I worked with teams to create something; in Glasgow, I was on my own.
Looking back on my study abroad, I would say that it had a negative impact on my career as a designer. It might not have, but I was never able to land an internship – because I was away each summer. And as a result, when I was looking for a job after graduation, I had no contacts, no experience in an office. It left me frustrated and depressed, to be honest. I went off to grad school overseas – for something completely different – and then returned to the States, still trying to get a job in the design field. Iād been out of school for 2 years, and still had no contacts and no experience.
When I applied for architecture grad school in 2010, I thought I had myself figured out. It turns out I didnāt. I panicked at the thought of it, deferred, went to Ireland, took my name off the waitlist, went to Alaska and Turkey, and then finally, I gave up – and began to focus more on my traveling career.ā
Study Abroad Stories: Molly G.
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From: United States
Study Abroad in: Argentina, Ecuador
I never exaggerate when I say that study abroad changed my life. My two trips abroad to South America, Ecuador and Argentina respectively, were by far the most influential experiences I had during college and they continue to have an affect on my career and my personal goals today. I had such an incredible experience that it really is my goal in life to share the gift of travel with other young people.
Before studying abroad, I was extremely undecided on a careerābut I soon realized that I was meant for the field of international education, and I landed internships at both my universityās learning abroad center and at World Endeavors, a study, intern, and volunteer abroad agency in Minneapolis. I soon got a job working as an international travel consultant with a startup adventure travel company geared towards students, and I headed the planning on their first international trips to South America!
Even more importantly though, I learned a language, made lifelong friends, discovered my true passions, saw so much of an incredible continent, and sparked a desire to travel that will never be extinguished. I found a way to combine my love of writing with my other passions while I was abroad, which is how Molly on the Road was born, and I have upcoming plans to revisit some of the amazing people and places I encountered in South America as well as explore new places. Studying abroad taught me how to travel and be a global citizen, and I have no doubt that I learned more in my seven months abroad than I did during the rest of my four years at university.
Study Abroad Stories: Nikoleta M.
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From: Slovakia
Study Abroad in: Austria
I have been studying abroad since I was 13 and I feel like I have developed in completely different way than I would have, staying in my homeland, Bratislava.
You see, being in a community where everyone comes from different country inevitably influences you. I have had so many experiences that by the time I was 17, I felt, talked and acted like a 30 year-old. Sure, sometimes I was fun to be around. But I am afraid I knew too much, I understood things that were supposed to stay hidden at least for few more years. Education is great, but as Ariel Dorfman would put it: “excess of truth can kill”. So I had to learn how to become a child again, how to become ordinary and forget about some of the awful things that are out in the world. That made me ignorant. I stopped caring about feelings of my peers and friends and soon lost some of them. You see, it’s all about balance.
Through going to an international school abroad, I most definitely became another person. And now, that I actually found the balance, I think that studying abroad was one of the greatest gifts I could have ever been given. The key is balance. Whatever you do
Study Abroad Stories: Joe B.
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From: United States
Study Abroad: India, Costa Rica
Studying abroad in India taught me to see the world with a bit more nuance. I feel like many U.S. Americans are raised with this “we’re the world’s superpower and awesome and the best and that’s it” mentality. So, traveling to India broadened my horizons simply by being in a foreign country and interacting with different people. I’d say it made me a more independent, curious person, as well.
Costa Rica, on the other hand, forced me to improve my Spanish, which was one of the reasons for moving down there in the first place. It ultimately taught me the importance of language learning, so not only do I have conversational Spanish down, but now I make an attempt to learn as much of a foreign language as possible before traveling to a new country — even if it’s just basic pleasantries.
India gave me the travel bug and made me interested in telling stories that crossed national borders. Costa Rica solidified my interest in telling stories that people aren’t already talking about, especially from places people think are inherently too dangerous to visit.
Study Abroad Stories: Menorca C.
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From: India
Study Abroad in: Germany
For as long as I can remember, right back to my early teen years, going abroad and carrying out research in life sciences had always been on my mind. The fact that I had family and a lot of acquaintances in USA made it a seemingly natural choice for me. I wasn’t encouraged to go abroad for my Bachelor studies, and so was determined to make it for my Master degree.
However, after years of preparation, exams and lots of detailed applications, I could not secure any financial aid in the US. Luckily, I had also decided to apply for a few European universities towards the end of my Bachelor degree, and I was extremely glad to be accepted in a German university with a full scholarship. It’s been 4 years since that happened, and I have said this a hundred times perhaps, though will say it again, studying in Germany was one of the best decisions I could have taken and am so very happy with how everything turned out to be! It was one of those things that wasn’t very planned, but moving to this country gave me numerous opportunities to learn a lot, work at some of the best institutes in my field, explore a new culture, make friends and travel.
One of the most important experiences for me though, was understanding myself better: my passions, interests, capabilities and what I would really enjoy doing further on. I feel that before moving abroad, I was aware of only limited options and possibilities in my field of work. I knew what I was interested in and other things that I was passionate about. However, after moving around and working at different places, living in different cities, I discovered that there was so much more that I could do! People are involved in so many different types of work and projects, and it would be possible for me to combine my passion and profession too! And so I began my journey of getting to know myself better and exploring my potential. I’ve had the opportunity to try out several new things, get to know many people, understand different cultures, learn to adjust better and be more aware of my surroundings. I won’t say that I am there yet, but everyday is a learning experience for sure.
What is your Study Abroad Story?
Do you have Study Abroad Stories you want to share? How did studying abroad change you and what influence did it have on your life?
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I think this is a fantastic way to experience the world! Great inspiration to many families.
I am one of them, who studied abroad. I studied abroad (in UK) and got married, started my travel blog and ….. Studying abroad is the best way to have real adventure.
Mansoureh, how funny, it sounds almost like my life. Except that I met my husband while studying in the US and I had already started my travel blog before we met š
Studying abroad definitely turned me into the wanderer that I am today. It opened my eyes to different people and different cultures. I highly recommend it as well!
Thanks for you comment Kelly. I absolutely agree, studying abroad makes you more open to all things different. Becoming the foreigner, even if it is just for a few weeks or months, puts you in “their” shoes and makes you one of them.
Really wonderful stories – I am also someone who studied abroad and had the experience change my life. I think the biggest thing I loved about learning in an overseas setting was the chance to take field trips to places relevant to our stuides which we didn’t have access to back home. I did a course on international human rights in the Netherlands and one of the most amazing weekends we spent at the Hague. It was very hands on and it really reignited my passion with my studies and with wanting to learn. I loved my experience and glad that everyone here did too š
Wow, that sounds really cool Meg. I can see how visiting a place like the ICC in The Hague can inspire someone to take their studies to the next level. Visiting a place first hand will make it relevant and more approachable than reading about it in a book. I used to find history soooo boring, but when I started traveling, I also started to soak up the history of the places I was visiting and all of a sudden, it was the most interesting thing in the world!
Some great experiences here. I didn’t study overseas but did travel and move around quite a bit during my school years which I think fed my love for it and contributed to my ongoing need to see new places.
I think so too, Toni. Traveling and moving can be such an inspiration to explore the world. Glad you were able to have this experience.
Really great stories..Staying abroad has changes my life too. Although, I was staying abroad for some work and not studies but that really does not matter. It was great life changing experience for me which changed my entire perspective of life….
Yes, I agree Sumti. Spending time abroad will have an impact on your life. You will become more open and all of a sudden you see options, that you wouldn’t have been able to see without your experience abroad.
Great insights, I too studied abroad but was too late handing in my preferences and so was landed with Leeds, UK although I loved my time there I kind of regret not having the opportunity to go somewhere more ‘exotic’.
Aimee, I hear you. I “only” studied abroad in the US (I’m from Germany), but it prepared me to do an internship in China later on. I think, if I had headed straight to China, it would have been too much of a culture shock for me. Studying abroad is a great experience and who knows, where you will end up in the future. It is never too late to explore the world š
Reading all of these stories is so inspiring! How wonderful that all of the international experience has helped shape the future of these individuals. Till this day, one of my biggest regrets while studying in college was not taking advantage of a study abroad program!
Hi Heather, don’t regret not studying abroad. It is a great opportunity, but not the last opportunity to spend time abroad. Have you considered finding a job abroad or taking an extended time off to travel? Any time you spend abroad is a great adventure and a wonderful opportunity.
I loved hearing all of these stories, and I can totally relate! I studied abroad as well, and it definitely changed my life. I had never been outside of the US, and that trip abroad inspired me to see the rest of the word, pursuing a career that would allow me to do so. I love that many of these students got to know themselves better through their various programs. Funny how getting outside of your comfort zone, experiencing new people and other cultures can help you better understand yourself! Great post!
I absolutely agree, Andrea. Pushing yourself outside your comfort zone makes you grow and also gives you the confidence to pursue your dreams. So happy for you that studying abroad also had such a great impact on your life!
Such a great way to experience the world! I think this should be mandatory in universities-even if its just a nearby country, to gain more insight!
Tarah, I absolutely agree that Study Abroad should be mandatory. In Germany for many degrees, it already is, as well as a mandatory 4-6 month internship. I love this and think it is a great way to prepare the students for the “real” world!
I can’t imagine how studying abroad wouldn’t change a person’s life for the better. There is something beautiful in learning in a different environment, different culture, and just being open to a whole new life that other people enjoy. I wouldn’t dismiss the option of studying abroad, even if I am no longer schooling!
Very true, Mar. Studying abroad is a great way to learn about other perspectives and you’ll get to see a different point of view. It will change the way you look at the world.
Although I was born in the Philippines, having grown up in the US and going back to study is such a big culture shock that I consider it studying abroad nonetheless. That said, I could definitely agree with everyone here. It is a life changing experience and it’s such a great opportunity to thrive.
I can see that, Erica. You grew up in the US culture and while you were probably familiar with the customs and traditions of the Philippines because of your family and friends, it is still a big step to move and live there. Sometimes it can be even harder, when you share the same racial features, because they expect you to fit in.
Some interesting stories, I particularly like Kelsy’s and Molly’s stories very inspirational as to what traveling and living in another culture can do the change your mindset. I thought it was great to see that you selected students that were originally from different countries with different points of view.
I never had a chance to study abroad when I was young, but I am determined to show my son the world so that he has a better understand of life in different cultures.
Rob, thanks for commenting and high five for making it a priority to show your son the world and introducing him to new cultures all. The more you learn about other countries and cultures, the more open you become and the more you discover about your own cultural identity.
Interesting stories, thanks for sharing! I think almost everyone who went to study abroad was changed one way or the other. I sure was. I learned so many things in the short 5 months, it was actually hard to go back to my “own” reality of a life.
Love this! I studied abroad in Rome back in college and it is one of the best things I’ve done. Love hearing about how study abroad has changed others lives as well. Thanks for putting together this round up, such a fun read.
I agree with the post and people those who have shared their stories here. The live example is my cousin brother, who went to study in canada and how his career is geared up now.
Been away from a usual environment is always a nice thing to experience the world. I love reading this experience and its wonderful.
Maria, thanks for sharing this.
It’s inspiring!
I can’t say that studying abroad changed my life, but it definitely gave me unforgettable emotions and also made me more independent and self-confident in some sense. I received not only unique knowledge but also life skills that will be useful for me in my future life!