Learning by Living: My Public Health Journey Abroad

Person smiling at the camera while standing with a bicycle on a dirt path in a natural setting, wearing a helmet and sunglasses. There's a scenic view of hills and a lake in the background.

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.

Feeling at Home in Querétaro

A person exploring a vibrant shop decorated with colorful, assorted sun and moon face masks on the walls.

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.

Practicing Japanese and Making Lifelong Friends

A person smiling and posing in front of the Kaminarimon gate at Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo, with a large red lantern overhead.

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.

Studying Abroad is for Everyone

Person standing on a sandy beach with waves at their feet, smiling with the old town of Gijón, Spain, featuring the St. Peter's Church in the background under a cloudy sky.

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.

Living Like a Local, Traveling Like a Pro

Four friends smiling and posing together on a sunny day with a scenic background of a country road and stone walls.

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!).

New Friends Abroad

Person smiling on a boat with the Turkish flag visible in the background.

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

Brazil Beyond Expectations

Person wearing a Brazil T-shirt smiling in front of the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, with other visitors around.

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.

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