"While studying in England, I gained greater independence and confidence in myself as a young adult."
A piece of advice I would give future travelers would be to book a taxi ahead of time.
A fun fact about my experience is I got to see the Eras tour in London while abroad.
Sydney Kleinert
Elementary Education Major with Social Science Teaching Concentration
Harlaxton College - Grantham, England
"This trip is one that I will remember forever. Being able to experience different cultures firsthand and learning about other healthcare systems was very important to me. I am also very grateful for the German students and professors who went above and beyond to make sure we had the best experience in their country."
A piece of advice I would give future travelers would be to keep an open mind, try everything at least once, and don’t be afraid to go somewhere new. The best memories come from unexpected moments.
A fun fact about my experience is I had never traveled that far before, and it ended up being one of the best decisions I ever made.
Eredia Obanor
Occupational Therapy and Health Services Double Major
USI KCNHP Block Week faculty-led program - Osnabruck, Germany
"Studying abroad was definitely one of the highlights of my time at USI. It really allowed me to broaden my horizons and gave me the experience of a lifetime. To this day, I am a better traveler, more independent, and more adaptable thanks to my time abroad!"
A piece of advice I would give future travelers would be to do as much as you can while you’re there and try to push yourself to get out of your comfort zone.
A fun fact about my experience was visiting Pompeii, Italy. I could not believe I was actually in the place where we learn so much about in history. Walking the same streets as people who were there hundreds of years ago.
Gracie Madison
Double Major in Marketing and Public Relations & Advertising with a Spanish Minor
CEA CAPA - Madrid, Spain
"It was the best four months of my life! Getting to explore new countries every weekend with a group of friends from all over the world is such a blessing that many don’t get to experience. I would do anything in the world to relive those four months!"
A piece of advice I would give future travelers would be to always have a portable charger on hand! Also, figure out your service plan back in the United States, for a way less stressful first week.
A fun fact about my experience is while abroad, I explored 14 different countries in Europe.
Audrea Haynes
Bachelor of Professional Studies Major and a Psychology Minor
ISEP Direct at the University of New York - Prague, Czech Republic
“Studying abroad has helped me become a more confident public speaker, build valuable connections, and expand my perspective on the world. Traveling to different countries and engaging with diverse cultures has strengthened my adaptability and problem-solving skills. I have learned how to navigate unfamiliar situations, communicate across cultural barriers, and approach challenges with an open mind.”
A piece of advice I would give future travelers would be to being open-minded to new experiences and try not to say no.
A fun fact about my experience is I shaved my head for Neptune Day (Semester at Sea/maritime tradition). Also, I did many activities I never thought I would do such as skydiving, shark cage diving, and snorkeling with seals.
Alex Perry
Finance and Accounting Double Major
Semester at Sea – Fall 2023 Voyage
“Studying abroad means the world to me. It has allowed me to become more independent and adaptable to new countries. Due to these experiences, I have made friends from all over the globe, which I would have never had the opportunity to do if it weren’t for these programs. It wasn’t always perfect or easy, but I can look back and appreciate where my journey has brought me, and I couldn’t be more grateful.”
A piece of advice I would give future travelers would be to enjoy the process and say yes to as many things as possible. It can be very scary and nerve-racking, especially if it is your first time going abroad, but the journey is always going to be worth it!
A fun fact that I have learned about New Lanark during my time there, is that New Lanark was the last place King Charles III visited as Prince Charles (he was there a day before his mother's passing).
Danna Schu
Double Major in Public Relations and Global Studies with a Spanish Minor
New Lanark World Heritage Site Internship – New Lanark, Scotland
"It was the best experience of my life. I got to meet so many new people, experience other cultures through travelling, and learned so much in just a couple of months. Most importantly, it gave me so much confidence in myself being able to navigate new countries, difficult situations, and different languages by myself."
A piece of advice I would give future travelers would be to pack at least a week’s worth of items in your carry-on because checked bags get lost more often than you think.
A fun fact about my experience is I love learning languages, and French is the 4th language I have studied.
Linh Nguyen
Business Administration Major with Finance and French Minors
ISEP Exchange - Aix-en-Provence, France