When it comes to study abroad stories and advice, there’s no one better to hear from than our students who have “been there, done that.” That’s why we’re excited to have 41 IES Abroad Correspondents sharing their writing, photography, video, and other creative projects with us in Spring 2018.
All semester long, you can keep up with the study abroad adventures of our Correspondents in 29 different locations around the world through the IES Abroad Blogs. From Shanghai, China, to Santiago, Chile, we can’t wait to hear how study abroad redefines their worlds.
Check out some of our favorite Correspondent quotes (so far!) below:
| “It’s perfectly normal and expected to have doubts, fears, and concerns when packing your entire life into a suitcase and trekking halfway across the world. It is not okay, however, to allow fearful hesitations restrain you from experiencing all the world has to offer. You owe it to yourself not to allow fear to hold you back.” From the Editor’s Choice post The Beginning of a New Adventure by Kiana Molitor | Madrid – Language & Area Studies | University of Redlands |
| “Studying abroad is an amazing experience, and if you have the chance to study abroad, you should take it! And honestly, any country or program you go on will only effect your life positively and allow for growth. That being said, you can’t just pick a random study abroad program. It's important to do research in order to find the best program/country that is related to either your academic or professional goals in order to get the best out of it.” Watch Destiny's video post about her decision to study abroad in Germany. From Why I Chose the European Union Program by Destiny Green | European Union | University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill |
| “The comforts of home that I'm leaving by studying abroad are part of the reason I'm going in the first place. Living in such an unfamiliar place will, whether I like it or not, leave me with a broader global perspective, new friends, and new, beautiful memories, in addition to improved language and communication skills.” From Some Last Minute U.S. Trips Before Going Abroad by Ryan Dondalski | Shanghai - Engineering | University of Tulsa |
“For the past few weeks, I have been bursting with excitement about the semester ahead of me. I literally can’t stop talking about it—with my family, with my friends, with employees at the Apple store. I can’t wait to live in the fascinating neighborhood of Camden. I can’t wait to start my classes, which I feel were tailor-made for me...I even can’t wait to get my Oyster card.” From Why London? by Tori Lyons | London – Study London | Johns Hopkins University | |
 | "Before I leave, I wonder whether I will meet any Native students or students of color like myself. I often am asked if I am of Mexican or Spanish descent. Will I get questions like that? I will be curious to see how I will be perceived by locals in terms of my heritage. I wonder if anyone will know any history regarding American Indian heritage and culture. I know that I am going in with an open mind, and I hope that Italy will accept me with open arms." From Midwestern College Boy from Southwest does Northern Italy by Bo Shimmin | Milan - Music: Tradition & Innovation | DePauw University |
“The experiences you have abroad, the friendships you make, are real and precious. The happy moments are profound. The heartbreaks are devastating. Your triumphs are as numerous as your failures. At times you feel frustrated, excited, bored, and intensely lonely. At other times, you want nothing more than to be alone. You will change, and your friends and family will be different when you return home.” From Setting Goals – My Second Semester in Granada by Emily Churchill | Granada – Study in Granada | University of Richmond |
Thinking about studying abroad? Check out our program finder to explore our study abroad locations, and keep up with our Spring 2018 Correspondents all semester long on IES Abroad Blogs.
