Being able to experience living in London was life-changing for me. As a first-gen student, GEO made studying abroad extremely accessible and realistic for me. I made some of my best friends through the program, and I was fortunate enough to meet a group of girls with whom I explored and traveled around Europe! I will never forget studying abroad, and it was definitely the most influential four months of my college career.
Krissy Desmond, Liberal Arts in London
Studying abroad in London last summer was one of the best decisions I made during my college journey. London has always been a dream of mine, and the Summer Business in London program gave me the perfect opportunity to explore the city and truly experience what it would be like to live there.
I had the opportunity to study abroad in London through the Pathway Oregon scholarship, traveling with a cohort of 20 students for a month. During this time, I explored London in a Global Context while studying contemporary British politics and society. The program combined coursework, excursions, and cultural immersion, allowing me to fully experience life in a new environment. This was my first time leaving the country, so it was a meaningful experience that broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of different cultures.
I went abroad to Paris, going into my sophomore year with my best friend, and it was the most amazing experience. We got to learn so much about the city's history, in and out of the classroom, while immersing ourselves in the culture every day. I met so many wonderful people, especially those who are in grades above me, who gave me great advice for the rest of my college experience. Even when things didn’t go as planned, it made for great stories and really allowed me to bond with the other people in my program, my professor, and France in general.
My time studying abroad in Seoul, South Korea, has been nothing but life-changing and built on meaningful memories! From learning Korean for two years in class to being completely immersed in the culture and language, it has been such a privilege!
As a Mexican American student who isn’t part of the SOJC, I will always have a deep appreciation for the SOJC and GEO for giving me the opportunity to visit my home country. I’ll never forget the emotions I felt experiencing a plane take off for the first time in my life. Although my time there was short, I had the pleasure of meeting a former Mexican president, getting confused as a tour guide, and finally feeling at home. I’ll never forget my time in Mexico. Es mi patria. Es mi corazón. Y es mi hogar.
Arturo Trujillo-Bedolla
Studying abroad was easily one of the greatest three months of my life. I was paired with the best host family, who were all so kind and patient with me. I practiced my Spanish and adapted to the language barrier more quickly and easily than I anticipated! But the biggest takeaway for me was how my confidence skyrocketed. Suddenly, I was living in a new country, speaking a language I knew minimally, traveling by myself, and figuring things out on my own. I’m no longer afraid of moving cities, leaving my friends and family, or taking a huge risk, because I’ve already done all of that.
My time in Barcelona was truly formative; I made lifelong friends and memories. I gained hands-on advertising experience while living and immersing myself in Spanish culture. I was able to travel to nine countries, experiences I will forever be grateful for! Studying abroad is one of my top college memories, and I would highly recommend it to anyone.
Maya Sykes, GlobalWorks Internship in Barcelona
My time abroad in Barcelona was truly life-changing! As a human physiology major on the pre-med track, I grew academically and professionally through clinical shadowing across various specialties in this international healthcare setting! Learning from the skilled doctors and surgeons really broadened my perspective on patient care and medicine as a whole. Beyond the hospital, I met the most amazing people, forming friendships and memories that I will cherish forever!
During my time abroad, I was able to immerse myself in the culture and enhance my Spanish-speaking skills. Every week, my classmates and I explored Segovia and sometimes took trips to other parts of the country or even abroad. My time abroad allowed me to learn and grow in many ways I did not expect. I am forever grateful to the program and professor who encouraged me to take this journey.
Ariel Carreon, Intermediate Spanish Immersion in Segovia
