Study Abroad Student Stories & Experiences

Africa & The Middle East

Kenya

Candace Hemenger

"It was amazing. I learned to apply the skills I have learned at UM-Flint in new and fascinating ways. I would highly recommend studying abroad. "

Rwanda & Uganda

"I studied Peace and Conflict in Northern Uganda and in Kigali, Rwanda. While there, I lived with two host families, one in Uganda and one in Rwanda. I traveled with SIT which turned out to be amazing. Not only did I learn a lot, but they put me in purposefully uncomfortable situations to provide me with the greatest learning opportunities. "

Asia & Oceania

Japan

Connor Tinnin

"I expected to learn a lot of Japanese and explore Japan. My experiences were different from what I expected, but they were still exceeded. I learned a lot of Japanese."

China

Dolores Porte

"We moved from city to city, using different forms of transportation (planes, trains, buses), with different quality of accommodations, visited local families and saw that some cities were richer and others were poorer. We visited numerous educational facilities from elementary school to colleges to monasteries. "

Juanita Johnson

"I am much more understanding and humble. My eyes have been opened to several new things and ideas. It was truly a life changing experience. I really feel that I am a better person because of my experience in Asia."

Taiwan

Dion Boose

"The trip was very rewarding and insightful! I learned a great deal about other cultures, which I'm sure will further add to my business experience for the future...The lectures were very helpful in how they illustrated the importance of keeping a wide scope in business."

Edward Joss

Patricia Harrold

"If at all possible, I think the Study Abroad experience is one program every student should participate in."

The Americas

Canada

Jennifer Ross

"I liked meeting new people. It was interesting to turn the mirror on myself and see how other people viewed Americans."

Europe

Croatia

Ann Averill

"My fellow classmates were from all over the world. I shared classes taught in English with people from France, Mexico, Germany, Finland, Spain, Bulgaria and Croatia. While I was taking courses, I maintained an internship at the Embassy of Belgium nearby. If it wasn't for this program, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to work abroad in an embassy."

Spain

Elizabeth Houbeck

"The program leaders were extremely approachable and helpful. They had experience dealing with international students and gave us advice on many issues. They taught at a high level of difficulty, but also encouraged students in a positive way."

Elizabeth LeBlanc

"My study abroad experience was one I will never forget! I took classes at the University of Salamanca five days a week in Spanish language, literature and history. On the weekends, I traveled to different parts of Spain. AIFS is really one of the most incredible programs out there. "

London

Jessica Barnes

"I honestly thought that the trip would be more "touristy" but after a while, London felt like home. We had planned tours and outings with the group but also had the freedom to explore on our own or just sit and relax at a cafe."

Stephen Carpenter

"I expected to see inspiring pieces of art and architecture. I was blown away by the quality, variety, AND quantity of things I found that inspired me to do new things with my scenic designs."

University of Michigan-Flint