Sadie Creemer, who participated in the Fall 2024 SIT: Health and Human Rights in Kenya program, turned an eye-opening experience abroad into research that was presented at the 2025 Undergraduate Research Symposium. Learn more about Sadie's work below:
This program fundamentally changed how I am thinking about what I want to do with my future. Having the opportunity to take courses in the field of public health then apply them to an independent research endeavor was the perfect combination of experimental learning. Additionally, living with a host family and staying in the same city for four months made it so I could truly immerse myself in the culture and experience it from not just a tourist lens. This program also allowed me to meet incredible people from other universities who then became some of my best friends.
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
