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During my internship, I had the opportunity to work across multiple departments, taking on a variety of responsibilities that honed my skills in education and student affairs. My primary role was as a Teaching Assistant (TA) for three English for Academic Purposes (EAP) classes. In this capacity, I supported students during in-class activities, especially in improving their writing skills as a native English speaker. Additionally, I assisted the teachers in designing, administering, and grading various assignments and tests.

Before signing up to travel to Zanzibar, Zoey Blechschmidt knew a few things about the East African country. But most importantly, she had a foundation in Swahili, the language commonly spoken there, and cultural knowledge of the geographic area, thanks to her coursework in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Blechschmidt, a CAS and Clark Honors College student graduating winter term of 2025, was interested in Swahili as a first-year student. The interest blossomed into a double major in linguistics and anthropology. 

Studying abroad has been a huge reminder of the importance of expanding my worldview. There were 900 other exchange students from around the world with me at Sciences Po, and every day I learned something new from them. My journalism classes had students from the UK, Singapore, Peru, Ukraine, Lebanon, Japan, Korea, Canada, Sweden, Spain, Germany, and many others. With such an international roster, I’ve been able to hear about their first-hand experiences with events and circumstances that I wouldn’t have known to ask questions about before coming here.

Living in Singapore and traveling in South East Asia changed my life. I was catapulted out of my comfort zone, as I was the only University of Oregon student in the program. I never thought I would find a chosen family with people from across the world. I still talk to the friends I made at least once a month! It opened my eyes to new ways of life and made me realize how lucky I am to live in the United States. Words cannot describe how grateful I am for the opportunity!

Grace Van Hoomissen

Studying abroad was my favorite part of my time in college. It’s very difficult to explain in words what an amazing time my year abroad was. Of course I was there to study, but there is definitely time to explore all over. If there’s something you think you would be interested in doing just go and do it. You don’t want to miss out on those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Being able to use the language I’ve been studying for years in a real-world setting every day improved my language skills. And of course, all the people I met made the study abroad experience so much better.

Studying urban planning Copenhagen – a city often referenced as a standard in our courses at the University of Oregon – was a really cool and super educational experience. I also got to travel all around Europe, including visits to Gothenburg, Sweden and Barcelona, with my class, studying different urban environments. I attended a session of Danish parliament, which though entirely in Danish, was a super interesting way to learn about the transparency of the government.

The Exploring the Dolomites program was one of the best experiences of my life. Learning about the world firsthand, rather than in a classroom, proved to be more beneficial than I ever imagined. My favorite part was exploring the mountain range and discovering its rich history—the only word to describe it was breathtaking. Additionally, the friendships I formed during the trip are ones I will cherish for a lifetime. 

Liam Telgener

I strongly advise all students to consider the fact that studying in Oviedo, Spain, can be an immensely beneficial experience. Living in Asturias allowed me to fully immerse myself in Spanish culture and language, providing a depth of understanding that goes beyond what is possible in a classroom. Both the history and the friendliness of the locals, who were always happy to share their customs and tales, were visible to me. As a low-income, first-generation student, studying in a foreign country was a step outside of my comfort zone, but it made me more resilient and determined.

This summer I interned abroad in Singapore. It was truly an eye-opening experience. It offered me the chance to dive into a new culture while gaining professional skills in a global setting, and learn more about my future career goals. I think students should consider studying abroad because it’s a chance to develop independence and adaptability. Navigating a new environment pushes you out of your comfort zone and fosters personal growth. Being in a different work environment challenges you to think on your feet and develop new problem-solving skills.

Denise Akabey