Can you picture yourself exploring the streets of Berlin or Mexico City or Tokyo? Or maybe you see yourself in the ancient city of Rome or Thessaloniki. Hundreds of University of Nebraska students have studied abroad and you can too!
Here is what some former study abroad participants have had to say about their experiences abroad:
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"South Africa is the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen, and the best decision of my life was to spend my spring semester there. It’s difficult to say how I’ve changed over that time, because we are all constantly changing, but I would say my confidence is at an all-time high and many of my views on the way we live life in America are different than before. I can’t begin to choose a favorite experience from the trip, but a few that affected me the most were my road trips with my new friends, hanging out with the locals, a number of interesting cab rides, and oddly enough, getting robbed several times. Let me explain that last one—I always felt safe in Africa, but after having my shorts and wallet stolen on the beach, losing my confirmation necklace, and having my phone pick pocketed several times, I care a lot less about personal possession—which I think is a good thing. My security guard Peter, who lives a hard life in the townships, summed it up well by saying, “You are alive…so losing your phone is not a problem.” He didn’t mean it like I was unsafe, but that I needed to realize what was important. Now I think I realize what’s most important is living life and having great friends." -Hans Christensen: University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa, spring 2011 |
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“During the summer of 2010, I studied European Union and International Law at Yeditepe University in Istanbul, Turkey. My three months in Turkey were packed with challenging academic work as I learned the Turkish language and international law while being immersed in the cultural and historical beauty of Turkey. My experience entailed everything from the fine tastes of Turkish cuisine, the sights of architectural wonders like the Haghia Sophia and the ruins of Ephesus, and the sounds of the daily Islamic call to prayer from the many minarets dotting the Istanbul skyline. I learned how to be diligent in practicing a new language with friends and shopkeepers as well as gain confidence in traveling to new places alone. My favorite experiences from Turkey derive from my willingness to be a part of Turkish society and explore. All in all, I was able to have a phenomenal time in Turkey because of creating a network and learning how to be a part of a community far from home.” -Cori W. Curtis: Yeditepe University in Istanbul, Turkey, summer 2010 |
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“While I was in Japan I lived off of the theology: I have never done this before so I have no excuse to not do it now. Because of that mantra I went to Japan for three months, knowing no Japanese. With that I went from being apprehensive about going to Japan in the first place to traveling alone across the country for six day with only one month's worth of Japanese. I tried various foods that where swimming only minutes before. In short: I just got out and lived. It was an experience that was worth 30 hours of travel to get there and back, it was worth the extra time I will spend at UNL. Because of it I have friends on different continents that I can talk to in a different language.” -Travis Stoneman: Senshu University in Tokyo, Japan, fall 2010
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“South Korea is a small country—it takes about 6 hours to get from one end to the other by bus—but it is bursting with places to explore. My husband and I lived and studied in Suwon, a city crammed with 22-story apartment buildings and surrounded by a stone wall that is part of the old royalty’s fortress. Such parallels of modern living and traditional history are everywhere in the country. Fish markets are tucked between coffee shops and boutique stores, while grandmothers sell fresh vegetables at the street corner. Get out of the city by a few miles, and you can climb the many mountains which shelter Buddhist temples. Of course, the greatest parallel is obvious when comparing the South to the North. All in all, our four months passed too quickly and we left already planning to return. The Koreans were gracious and generous hosts, and we also interacted with students from dozens of other countries. Studying in Korea is popular for those who want to practice English but can’t afford to go to the U.S.; this fact surprised us but made for a very culturally diverse experience.” -Rachel Ward: Ajou University in Suwon, South Korea, fall 2010 |
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| “Making the initial decision to study abroad did not come without difficulties for me, as it seemed like I'd be put so seemingly far outside my comfort zone I'd never truly adapt to the place where I was to live out my life for six months. However, my desire to learn and see new things trumped my worries, and as it turned out, the decision to study abroad has been perhaps the best decision I've made thus far. With a program set up by Marshall Olds, a French professor at UNL, I traveled to Besan?on, France, a quaint city (50,000 people less than Lincoln) in the East of France, near the Swiss-French border. I attended a school that taught students from all over the world French-with whom the only language I had in common was French. Despite our often stilted conversations, I feel as if I learned a lot about other cultures and made friends in the process. I loved the ease of traveling throughout Europe, as we had many opportunities to make use of the excellent European rail system and take cheap flights from city to city. Since my study abroad, my desire to explore new places has greatly compounded, and I know I am going to continue to be intrigued by other cultures, despite having since returned to the United States. My French language skills have grown quite a lot and my interest in other languages has prompted me to start taking German in addition to French, and hopefully, when coupled with my prime major (Art History) the two will bring me back to Europe again, allowing me to (somewhat) satisfy the 'traveling itch' gained by my study abroad experience.” -Erin Boyle: Université de Franche-comté: Centre de Linguistique Appliquée in Besan?on, France, spring 2011 |
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“What they say is true: studying abroad will change your life. Being deposited in a situation where almost no one’s first language is English, none of your friends or family are with you, a cell phone can only be used when utmost necessary, and a slew of new foods and country-specific laws are on your doorstep will do that to a person; it will also make you realize just how strong you can be when the situation calls for it. Living in a country as diverse and expansive as the US, it's easy to simply travel from state to state to see different and beautiful landscapes experience something 'different.' What this experience has really shown me though is that it's not just about seeing the sights and appreciating the landscapes, the immersion in a blend of cultures and different norms are what make everything more eye-opening on a deeper level. It’s interesting to find that the majority of the friends I made are from countries other than the one I was studying in (Norway). Looking back, I feel like I traveled to more countries than I physically did! One of the highlights of spending my semester up North was experiencing three days where I never saw the actual sun.” |
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“My study abroad experience not only showed me a new world I had never experienced before, but changed the way I live in Lincoln as well. How I think of diversity is not in strict terms of nationality or race any more, as much as it is about personality differences. I was exposed to Swiss, Swedish, Korean, and Nigerian culture while in Spain which showed me that you never know what to expect and to be ready for anything. Going on my trip alone increased my confidence in my ability to be independent, but also made me appreciate the people I am privileged to see on a daily basis. Study abroad was without a doubt the experience of my life.” -Derek Stieren: Estudio Sampere in Madrid, Spain, summer 2010 |
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“My stay in Santiago was without a doubt one of the best decisions I made in college, and probably in my life so far! I gained a completely new perspective on the world and developed a concern and passion for the Caribbean, sparking a deeper curiosity for other places in the world. I got to meet lifelong friends from across the U.S. and the D.R. and travel to beautiful forests and beaches. Living with a host family (now my second family) provided amazing opportunities to improve my Spanish-speaking skills, and to get to know a new country, people, and culture. I loved trying new foods and learning to dance the Meringue, Bachata, and Salsa with Dominicans as well as other Americans. By keeping an open mind, learning to love people different from me, and adapting to a new way of life, I now possess a broader understanding of a foreign culture, as well as my own.” |
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“Studying abroad gave me an opportunity to come out of my comfort zone and grow like I never had before. I spent a month in Sweden, a culture I was able to blend in with after even just a week-- even though I still couldn't speak the language very well. During the time I was there, I learned the language, visited museums with my school and on my own, and took day trips and weekend trips to neighboring cities and even Norway. I visited museums, rowed a Viking boat across a lake, had coffee with an archaeologist, went to a wedding reception for Crown Princess Victoria, climbed into the root cellar of my five-greats grandfather in Storåsen, celebrated Midsommar in Ockelbo, made many friends, and took about a thousand pictures. I gained confidence as I faced many of my fears of traveling alone, and had many adventures with late planes and cancelled trains and midnight buses across the countryside. Ever since I returned, I have been dreaming of how I might go back to visit someday.” -Kelsey Quandt: Uppsala International in Uppsala, Sweden, summer 2010 |
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“While studying abroad, I met many people from different countries who shared their opinions and views with me. The most surprising thing was how much I learned about my own country through talking with people from other countries. I gained so many valuable perspectives and insights that I can't wait to share with other people. Some of my best memories were sitting at the dinner table with my host mom and learning about German history from someone who had actually been there to witness some of it. I went on several trips to different cities and countries with my group where I learned so much while having the time of my life. Adjusting to life in a new country and being away from my loved ones was not as hard as I expected because I walked away with a second mom and friends that I will never forget. I recommend everyone to study abroad and broaden their horizons!” |
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“My study abroad experience in Sweden was beyond amazing! Even the most engaging history course could never replace this kind of first hand cultural and interactive learning experience. At the internationally renowned Luleå Technological Institute I was given the opportunity to engage with students hailing from all regions of the world. Outside of my studies there were abundant opportunities to make friends and go sightseeing. One of the highlights of my trip was the midnight sun viewing. While I had previously heard of the beauty of this natural phenomenon, actually witnessing it with my own eyes was an experience on a whole different level. Sitting on top of a mountain overlooking the sea at the midnight hour, I watched the sun fashion artwork in the sky and create a perfect mirrored reflection on the rippling water’s edge; a truly exquisite image. Oh, and did I mention how I crossed the Arctic Circle, frolicked around Santa Clause Village, and played with real reindeer? It was like being a kid all over again!!”
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“We talked until 4 AM. About the world, about our cultures, about our lives, and about how we would love to see the first rays of the morning sun light up our African paradise at least once before our time together was through. So we grabbed blankets and little South African wine, drove to the top of a hill, and did just that. Strangely enough, this little experience turned my world upside down. It taught me to never hesitate to seize a chance at adventure, and that with a little gusto, spontaneity, and willingness to go outside my comfort zone, my wishes could become reality. During my time studying abroad in South Africa, I learned about many different cultures, was immersed in a society completely different from my own, did things that I thought I would only ever see on a television screen, and made some of my very best friends. Most importantly, I came back knowing that I would never again pass up a chance to explore this incredible planet, and I can’t wait to see where my next journey takes me!” -Kristin Tobias: University of Stellenbosch in Stellenbosch, South Africa, summer 2010 |
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“Throughout my short time visiting the cozy country of Costa Rica, I learned more than I thought I ever could about a culture and history different than our own. Costa Rica, as a developing country, still has limits and faces many challenges when it comes to issues regarding education, crime, and politics. However, what I found charming was how dwellers of this small country made light of the situations. Here lives a relaxed people and I'm amazed and grateful at their ability to instill in me similar traits. Aside from witnessing much personal change (a mile-walk to school, 4 times a day, no biggie), another dynamic to this experience was how much I've come to truly appreciate my small hometown of Lincoln, NE. For me, home is where the heart is. Costa Rica welcomed my heart and let it take up residence there for a short time. Now, I return to my true home where I can gear up for another mind-altering adventure!” |
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“At first, I wasn't too thrilled about going and leaving my friends, family and life in Nebraska behind. Although I was happy to be studying in Japan, it was my fifth time over there, and I felt like I was lacking in some of the excitement that the other students had. About two weeks into the program I started to leave the dorms more and my experience of Japan completely changed. It was my first time living like an actual Japanese college student; it was extremely interesting to see how their college life differs from ours. The Japanese don't care if it's a school night, they still manage to find time to go out with friends. My favorite activity to do in Japan was to go karaoke, although I would be way too embarrassed to sing Kareoke here. In Japan, the experience is very different, you have your own private room and it's just you and your friends making fools of yourselves and having a great time. I would recommend going to Japan, and if you want to receive a lot of transfer credits then you should definitely do the Senshu study abroad program. My advice to anyone studying abroad would be to just lose yourself in the county's culture. Once you let go and embrace the culture and start living as the people of that country live, you are guaranteed to get the most out of your study abroad.” -Andrea Cizek: Senshu University in Tokyo, Japan, fall 2010 |
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“This was truly a coming of age experience for me. I learned so much about myself and how I interact with the world. I loved that I was surrounded by people who shared my curiosity and travelling passion. This study abroad experience taught me to appreciate different cultures. I was also taught how to learn and study from different teaching strategies which will greatly improve my study habits back at my home University.” |
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