Gustavus Adolphus College has a nearly 50-year history of helping students study away in their time on campus. Studying abroad is a unique experience that allows students the opportunity to immerse themselves into a new culture while continuing their studies. The Center for International and Culture Education (CICE) serves as a resource to students hoping to study away.

“Help was there whenever I needed it. The Peer Advisors and Study Abroad Director are easy to contact and very knowledgeable,” Senior Elijah Sciammas said.

Study away programs are widely diverse and allow students to experience many types of culture, language and society.

“I chose Malaysia because I wanted to go somewhere totally different- I didn’t know much about the country, which made it attractive to me,” Senior Jenna Arvidson said.

Non-English speaking countries allow students to practice languages they are studying.

“I have always been interested in Asia but after taking Mandarin Chinese my freshman year, I was dedicated to the idea of studying abroad in Beijing to further my language skills,” Sciammas said.

There are many programs, however, that place students in English speaking countries.

“I realized how much common ground people have, despite how different we all may seem.” –  Jenna Arvidson ‘17

“I chose Ireland because I’ve always thought it looked like a beautiful country with a neat history. I also looked for a country where the primary language was English, just to make it an easier transition,” Senior Olivia Gori said.

Whilst abroad, students embrace a variety of different experiences.

“My biggest takeaway was learning how to adapt to foreign and new things. I had to walk everywhere or ride one of the transportation systems to get somewhere, which is something I hadn’t experienced before going abroad,” Senior Samantha Block said.

Many students return from studying abroad with greater insight and perspective to apply to their studies.

“While studying abroad, I realized how much is happening in the world that we, as Americans, are oblivious to due to our own concern for ourselves. Traveling to a country where you are the minority is such an eye-opening experience and you gain a lot of compassion for others,” Gori said.

It is common for students to study in countries with completely different cultures and customs.

“It wasn’t always easy, but I cherished all the moments I had abroad and I learned many valuable things about different cultures and new places..” –  Samantha Block ‘17

“In Malaysia, I realized how much common ground people have, despite how different we all may seem. The culture of Malaysia has a lot of ethnic and religious divides, which was initially very intimidating. However, as I got to know people that seemed so different from me I came to see the common ground that we all share,” Arvidson said.

Quite a few of the study away programs include students from other universities around the country and allow participants to build new relationships.

“I still talk to all the people I met while abroad. I was the only Gustavus student enrolled in that program, which essentially forced to make friends. I enjoyed meeting new people from all over the world and learn about their countries as well,” Gori said.

Challenges while studying abroad are equally prevalent, however, and allow students to experience personal growth and development.

“The most challenging part of study abroad was the stress of travel. Even before I arrived in Beijing I missed my connecting flight to China and the airline lost all my luggage, which was just a great way to spend my first few days in China,” Sciammas said.

In some cases, obstacles become some of the best memories.

“I always thought monkeys were super cute and friendly. But the monkeys I encountered in Malaysia were scary. They would climb on people’s backs and steal stuff. I got scratched once when a macaque climbed up my chest and I thought that I was going to die of rabies!” Arvidson said.

Besides transportation, language barriers are often regarded as one the largest challenges in studying away.

“Since Italian is primarily spoken in Rome, I had to sometimes figure out another way to communicate with the locals if they didn’t know much English. It wasn’t always easy, but I cherished all the moments I had abroad and I learned many valuable things about different cultures and new places,” Block said.

Students return with a variety of different experiences but one thing remains constant among all participants.

“Going abroad is an unforgettable and life-changing experience. Don’t let the fear of missing out keep you on campus because I promise you, it is not worth it,” Sciammas said.

Each program is unique in its requirements and expectations, but the memories and opportunities are invaluable.

“Going abroad is an unforgettable and life changing experience. Don’t let the fear of missing out keep you on campus because I promise you, it is not worth it.” –  Elijah Sciammas ‘17

“Just go for it. I know everyone says this, but college is the time to go abroad. You are surrounded by amazing people and create memories and relationships that are unforgettable. Find a program abroad that fits what you need to accomplish for classes and apply!” Block said.

Students that are interested can speak to a Peer Advisor in the Study Abroad Office or a staffed employee in the CICE.

Name: Jenna Arvidson
Year: 2017
Major: Environmental Studies
Location: Malaysia, Spring 2016

Name: Samantha Block
Year: 2017
Major: Political Science
Location: Italy, Fall 2015

Name: Olivia Gori
Year: 2017
Major: International Management
Location: Ireland, Spring 2016

Name: Elijah Sciammas
Year: 2017
Major: Communication Studies
Location: China, Spring 2016