Studying abroad in Querétaro, Mexico, was an unforgettable experience. I lived with a warm and welcoming host mom who prepared incredible food and always made me feel at home. The small class sizes fostered a relaxed and supportive learning environment, and I still keep in touch with a few friends I made there. My Spanish improved significantly through daily immersion, both in and out of the classroom.
Studying abroad was an amazing experience, one I will never forget. The chance to try new things and have new experiences was such an amazing opportunity. What I loved most was making so many international friends from my classes. The chance to learn French and other student's cultures at the same time was incredible.
Hope Williams
IE3: Lyon Exchange, Winter 2024 & Spring 2025
My study abroad experience was everything I was hoping for, but at the same time almost nothing like I first envisioned it. As a Japanese major, I was hoping to be dropped in the deep end and hone in on my language skills to reach a level beyond what I was at, and I hoped to make many friends and to explore as much of Tokyo, and outside of it, as I could. I felt that my Japanese really progressed not just because of the environment but because of the classes offered by Japan Women's University and their amazing professors.
I had an amazing experience studying abroad, and would recommend it to anyone! It was amazing to practice my Spanish in Oviedo, especially with my host family and in my classes. I loved exploring Oviedo and traveling around Spain with the other students on my program, exploring new cities and meeting new people. Studying abroad is a great way to improve your language skills, but it's also a great way to get out of your shell and try new things. Before participating in the Spanish Immersion Program in Oviedo, I went to England through the London in a Global Context program.
While I was abroad, I made it my goal to take advantage of where I was in any way I could. One of my favorite discoveries was finding a balance between exploring the city where I was living and attending school, as well as using public transportation to make other destinations accessible too. I loved taking time during the school week to do cultural activities, especially with my museum pass, which allowed me to visit almost every major museum in the city for free (and multiple times!).
Study abroad has been all about trying new things! It’s hard to know exactly what to expect so it’s all about being flexible! One of my favorite parts of being in France has been meeting all the international students I go to school with! It has been so educational to meet and go to school with people from all over the world!
Makenna Kinkead
IE3: Lyon Exchange, Winter & Spring 2025
It is hard to put into words just how impactful my experience studying abroad with CET in Brazil was. As an American, being fully immersed in a different culture for four months was both eye-opening and deeply transformative. Aside from experiencing the vibrant and beautiful beaches of Rio we were able to travel to Bahia to learn about the origins of Carnival as well as learn about Afro-Brazilian history, culture, spirituality and food.
My time here in Vicenza has been partially what I expected. Nonetheless, it's also been a little more strenuous than I thought it would be, but that's actually been a great thing. The amount I've learned in such a short time has made me much more confident in my architectural knowledge. It's also helped me realize that my architectural preferences, what I like and don't like, used to feel subjective, but now they're becoming more grounded in knowledge.
It is wild to think that it is already week five and that week six is about to start. This program is going by faster than I imagined, and my time here has taught me many lessons as well as things I potentially want/need in my future. The biggest culture shift I have experienced is how things open later in the day and that people tend to have dinner around nine or eleven at night. In the United States around that time, I would usually be asleep, but I have adapted to the nightlife and have gotten used to resting a little during the day before going out again.
