Patrick Swain is a graduate student at the University of Pittsburgh studying quantitative economics. While pursuing a minor in Hispanic language and culture, he studied abroad at the Universidad de Sevilla in Spain during the spring of 2023. Here is his story... 

Castelo de São Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal

Studying abroad is an enriching experience that offers students the opportunity to broaden their horizons, gain international exposure, and enhance their academic and personal growth. Choosing the right destination can be both exciting and overwhelming. You need to think about academic quality, cultural experiences, and career opportunities.

During my undergraduate studies in Ecosystem Science and Sustainability at Colorado State University, I was presented with a transformative opportunity to participate in a study abroad program titled "Communities and Conservation" in South Africa.

A gap year abroad is an interlude of exploration and growth far beyond the conventional classroom experience. This article delves into the multifaceted benefits and experiences of a gap year abroad, highlighting how it can be a transformative journey for young adults.

Although it can be among the toughest things to do, learning a language can give individuals a sense of achievement like none other. A lot of work, patience, effort, and dedication goes into getting to grips with a new dialect, but it can be gratifying once it has been achieved.

While many would prefer building a career after finishing college, the option of undergoing continuing education in a foreign land is within your reach. For one, applying for a Masters program in another country helps you unlock numerous opportunities for personal and professional development. Studying abroad also widens your intellectual and cultural horizons by exposing you to a diverse range of perspectives. 

Studying abroad can be an inspirational, transformational, and incredible experience. It’s a chance to tap into resources and classes you may not be able to find close to home, experiment with your independence, and even learn from new cultures and people. However, if you choose to study away from the comfort of your hometown, there’s a good chance you’ll have extra expenses to consider too. 

There's no experience quite like studying abroad. It can literally be life changing, setting you on a different career path entirely or introducing you to friends who will be significant to you for the rest of your life. Living and going to school in a different country and culture is so different from going there as a tourist, and what you learn in the semester or year that you spend abroad will inform the rest of your life. However, there are things you can do to improve this experience, starting with the tips below.

We’re so excited for you to study abroad! Whether you’re going for a semester or year through your institution or with an external program, or direct enrolling at a university overseas, chances are that you will need to write an essay to get in. This essay could be for admission or for scholarship opportunities.