One of the most unique opportunities a college student can have is studying abroad. PRISMites have traveled around the world gathering stories, pieces of wisdom, and some amazing pictures along the way. From Switzerland to Africa to Ireland, here are some of PRISM’s best pieces of advice for students that plan to study abroad:
“My biggest piece of advice to those going abroad would be to travel outside of the box. The places I fell in love with were the ones I didn’t expect like Budapest, Hungary, Kandersteg, Switzerland, and Slovakia. Do your research to find cities you don’t know about because those may end up being the ones you talk the most about.” - Meredith Hoopes
"Studying abroad was truly the greatest four months of my life--there isn't any experience that can compare to it. My favorite places had to be The Cliffs of Mohr in Ireland or Athens and Santorini, Greece--they had such an inviting and fun culture and were the most picturesque places I've ever seen. What’s more important than where you go though, is who you go with. You become so close to the people you study abroad with because you live and travel with them. They become your family, experiencing these whole new places and cultures with you. If you've ever considered studying abroad, or like traveling, take that leap and apply, you'll never forget the memories you make or the experiences you have." - Nick Czerwonka
“Study abroad is absolutely amazing and I recommend everyone do it! I went to Italy this past winter break with ten other students and Milan was by far my favorite place. Some advice I would give to anyone who is thinking about studying abroad is to choose the program you feel will benefit you the most, whether that’s the actual cost, the places you’ll visit, or the classes you’ll take. Also buy a survival guide for whatever country you’re going to so you won’t look like too much of a tourist.” - Darius Boles
“The scenery undoubtedly takes the cake as my most memorable aspect of studying abroad. One day I’m boating through a city set on water, and the next I’m climbing up an alpine ridge. Glad I got to see so many different parts of the earth. Bring walking shoes!” -Amanda Robinson
"My favorite place I visited was Santorini in Greece. It's quite possibly the most beautiful place I've ever seen. There is so much rich history and culture -- plus the people are incredibly friendly! My advice to anyone studying abroad is to not waste time and enjoy every moment. If you have the choice to nap, don't. Explore and embrace the culture of every place you visit. You won't regret it!" - Kinzie Trompak
“My study abroad was a little different than the typical semester or summer/winter programs. I was able to go on a spring break study abroad with Pamplin to Belize. While there, it was so amazing to learn about a different culture from another English speaking country while sharing our knowledge in computer literacy with the educators and helping to repaint one of the Mayan schools. I cannot vouch enough for the importance in traveling to another country and experiencing another culture --it helps broaden the lens that you see the world in and helps you to appreciate the differences and similarities that can be found!” - Lea Koehler
“If you talk to anyone who has graduated college usually their biggest regret is not being able to study abroad. After studying abroad for a full semester, traveling to 12 different countries with people who became like family, and immersing myself in so many different cultures, I can understand their regret. It's not very often you can hop on a train and lay on the beach of the Amalfi coast while smelling the lemon trees; wander along the canals of Amsterdam with some delicious Dutch pancakes or get lost in a city frozen in time like Dubrovnik, Croatia.” -Katie Richardson
“It’s so important to reach outside your comfort zone! There are so many new places you're going to see, and most of the time it involves a lot of figuring things out while you're there so it’s important to go just with the flow. I highly suggest studying abroad to anyone who's considering it, it’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I couldn’t imagine not being a part of it this semester” - Karlee Parker