Aggies give advice on studying abroad
Students looking for a unique and immersive learning experience can consider over 80 locations across Utah State University’s study abroad programs. The structure and curriculum of each program varies, but each one is meant to provide meaningful academic, professional and cultural connections.
Utah State students can apply to three different types of programs through the Office of Global Engagement. College-specific programs provide global learning experiences through their college, such as study abroad through the John M. Huntsman School of Business.
Kaitlyn Fish, a senior studying equine science and management, studied abroad through two faculty-led trips to countries across Europe. There, the students attended classes throughout the week, followed by excursions to historical sites and cultural hubs.
“I have been inspired to volunteer globally thanks to my study abroad experiences,” Fish said. “I plan to take a few gap years to learn about agriculture outside of the United States.”
While she was on the Crete island to learn more about the Mediterranean diet, Fish said she and 18 students visited local farms, watched cooking demonstrations and were able to explore the land by hiking.
Study abroad experiences can often be paired with a major, minor, concentration or program. They can be an addition or supplement to learning in the classroom while exposing students to vital aspects of global operations, history, culture and language.
“I was incredibly fortunate to have study abroad experiences outside of my major,” Fish said. “Studying abroad gave me the opportunity to learn and feel from the people that make these topics so special to me.”
Seeing and interacting with the source material for classes can make for a much more impactful learning experience, according to Fish.
“I love experiential learning because it’s easier to enjoy content that might usually be boring,” Fish said. “In my first program, one of the classes was learning about interior architecture. Topics like crown molding, chair construction and bedroom layouts were the things that had historical explanations that we got to see firsthand.”
Emma Adams, a pre-dental sophomore dual majoring in Spanish traveled to Logrono, Spain. The program lasted one month, and students applied to host families around the country to stay with while they studied and explored the region.
“This experience advanced my Spanish speaking and comprehension, as well as my knowledge in Spanish culture,” Adams said. “I became more motivated to work harder to eventually be able to volunteer in Spanish speaking countries in the medical field.”
The students said after integrating into a new country, the experiences and insights gained were worth the adjustment.
“It was a lot to adjust to, but I was so overwhelmed with curiosity and excitement that it made it easy to love it rather than fear it,” Adams said.
For Fish, experiences abroad opened her eyes to the differences and similarities in contrast to her hometown.
“It was interesting to observe and adapt to the style of socialization in each of the countries I visited,” Fish said. “In Utah particularly, people tend to be outwardly friendly and talkative. In my European experience, some countries are far more reserved.”
At a pivotal time for many students railing towards their goals, a study abroad experience can catapult someone into growth and expansion.
“On these study abroad excursions, the faculty from the university offer such a vibrant perspective enriched by their global experiences,” Fish said. “Their passion is contagious, and I always return home with a new sense of pride in my education.”