Student Stories

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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!"

"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."