If you have ever felt the pull of travel or have wanted to jump outside of your comfort zone to a different country, studying abroad can be that opportunity without having to pause on your education. UND works with a variety of groups to offer experiences abroad with different times, niches, and locations, having a little something for everybody. But why go and how? Where do you even start? I was able to talk with Allison Johansen, a study abroad specialist here at UND, to help answer some of those inquiries you might have.
As needed, this interview was edited for clarity and brevity.
So, why? What is the benefit of it? Well, there are many, but to keep it simple and not just in the realm of it being fun, there are academic and professional benefits to having an abroad experience under your belt. “Professionally, students are entering increasingly competitive fields where many applicants share similar academic backgrounds. Studying abroad is a powerful way to stand out. Not many people can say they completed a marketing internship in Florence—but our students can!” There is also opportunity to study things that may not be available here or in a way that offers more nuance to the subject.
For those that have gone abroad, there has been a noticeable difference as well. “They come back with such confidence and sometimes even a bit of a swagger.” Even if there were worries before going, fears that made the trip feel daunting, students often return having overcome those and now have funny, meaningful stories to look back on. “When they return, it is like they have shed an old layer of themselves. They tell me about all the friends they made in their program’s cohort, the funny mishaps they experienced, and how they learned to navigate challenges (like missing a train to a city they were visiting) and turned them into stories of adventure. They talk about the people they met, the places they explored, and how capable they felt. Beyond all the professional and academic benefits, the personal growth students experience abroad is truly impossible to overlook.”
As exciting as going abroad can be, there are also logistics that come into play that can make going difficult. There are financial restraints, responsibilities, timing conflicts, and many more. Thankfully, this is not an unacknowledged issue at UND. “Our goal is to reduce these barriers as much as possible. Many colleges at UND offer their own study abroad scholarships, and our office highlights national opportunities, such as the Gilman Scholarship, to help ease the financial burden. Last year, I collaborated with Yee Han Chu to offer workshops for Gilman applicants, which ultimately supported around eight students in becoming recipients of this national award. Additionally, there are many affordable program locations around the world. For example, our USAC programs in Thailand and China often cost an amount comparable to a semester at UND. Shorter-term options, such as University Directed Programs during Spring Break, also provide accessible pathways for students who want to experience study abroad without committing to a full semester.”
So, where to start? “All students are welcome to make an appointment with our office to talk about studying abroad—even if they are not sure whether it will work for them.” Even if someone is not certain about going yet or just has questions, the Study Abroad office is more than willing to sit down and work with them. Regardless of someone’s traveler level, there are tools and resources available, even if that level is at a zero. “In addition, we host optional workshops throughout the semester. These include a forms workshop to help students complete materials for their host university, and a travel logistics workshop where we walk through buying plane tickets and choosing an international phone plan. One of my favorite traditions is our Target Run each semester. Any study abroad student can join us for a trip to Target where we help them find practical items they will need, like suitcases, converters, or travel‑size toiletries.” No one is expected to figure everything out on their own. The Study Abroad office is meant to help students and be there throughout the whole process, even after traveling. You do not have to do it alone.
As someone who has gone abroad, I can personally vouch for how great an experience it was. Those are memories that I would not trade for anything. I saw some of the most amazing things, ate the best food, and walked away with my closest friends. If going abroad is something you can do, I could not recommend it more. It might be nerve-wracking, but the best things in life usually are. Take that leap.
Be sure to book an appointment with the Study Abroad office at UND through Hawk Central if you would like to learn more and start planning your own trip.
Ed Tortorelli is a Dakota Student General Reporter. He can be reached at [email protected].
