Student Stories

These trips are the experience of a lifetime. The instructors put so much thought and effort into the specifics of the trip and the stops you’ll take. It’s the perfect mix of learning while traveling and enjoying a new place!

Developing relationships with people from a different country is a unique experience that comes with studying abroad that you wouldn't normally have when traveling to a country independently.

If you ever get the opportunity to study abroad take it! Studying abroad opens your mind up to ways you did not even realize you could learn! The Costa Rica program made my education back at ISU much more creative when learning about traditional agronomic practices.

The Comparing Food Systems - Iowa vs. California Study USA program opened my eyes to the many opportunities California offers through agriculture and food, whether in the fields or in food processing for consumers. For students with an interest in dairy, agriculture, produce, seafood, or food companies in general, this trip provides so many opportunities and experiences that are involved in agriculture!

I knew that the experiences provided while studying abroad were incomparable to those you get when you just vacation on your own, so I wanted to capitalize on those opportunities provided by Iowa State University and the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences while I had the chance.

Studying abroad helped me learn that there is so much out there and there is always something new you can learn, experience, and see. The world is a big place with a multitude of cultures, places, and people.

Any student interested in studying abroad should jump on the opportunities offered by the college! The values and new perspectives you gain through experiencing different cultures cannot be obtained in the classroom or on campus.

This experience helped me grow in all realms through a wider academic scope of biology, experience with research, knowing more like-minded students on campus, meeting amazing and smart individuals in Roatan, and gaining experience at traveling. Although I was nervous before, this experience pushed me out of my comfort zone, helping me grow into a more experienced student and overall person.

The biggest culture shock for me was the language barrier. I learned more French during my 4-month program than I could have in years of language study. There is no better way to learn a new language than being immersed in a culture where the language is spoken, and you’re forced to interact and communicate daily with others speaking the language.

Studying abroad was the best decision of my college career. You don’t get these opportunities or accessibility to these types of opportunities for the price you pay and the experience you gain!

As a transfer student, I didn’t think I would have the flexibility to study abroad, but I found out that was not the case and have now participated in two study abroad programs and two Study USA domestic travel courses.

One of the biggest things I got from this experience was a better appreciation for all different cultures. I was able to leave with a more open mind for the world and I am very grateful for my time spent in Europe.

Studying abroad was hands down one of the best decisions I’ve made. The knowledge and experiences I gained are unmatched. Not only did I get to live in Greece for three months, but I also got to travel to different countries in Europe. Now I am planning my next trip(s) abroad!

Studying abroad has provided me with a transformative experience to becoming a well-rounded, culturally educated individual. The independence derived from my time abroad encourages new friendships, cultural appreciation, and just an all-around amazing time!

This study abroad opportunity opened my eyes to the food insecurity problems people are facing around the world. Dr. Burras made the experiences practical and more digestible than anything I could have learned in a classroom setting.

I’m glad Costa Rica was my first study abroad trip at Iowa State because it helped me get more excited about studying agronomy when I returned to campus. With that said, I think after having one trip under my belt I am excited to explore different programs and branch out a little more when considering my next study abroad experience.

Studying abroad is a great way to compare and contrast different perspectives while gaining a greater appreciation for the world.

I absolutely would recommend studying abroad to any fellow student, regardless of major or college they are a part of. The opportunity to travel like you can during a study abroad trip is really a once-in-a-lifetime thing and it is something I think everyone should experience at least once.

You get out of studying abroad what you put into it, if you are passionate about traveling and want to experience new cultures or hear new perspectives, then you are at the right place!

I was able to travel outside of the country for the first time through this study abroad experience. I loved everything about the culture of Paris. This trip was a great first experience for being out of the country. I was able to see both the city atmosphere and countryside. I was able to see another culture first hand and that is important in my eyes. Being able to connect with people from other countries or different cultures will help me in my future career.

Studying abroad was an amazing experience, and I got to learn more about an ecosystem with wild animals I was unfamiliar with. I got to meet new people and learn about the culture of the Maori people. I got to visit various locations around the North Island, and there is even more I have yet to see on the South Island. Which just means I will have to go back sometime, to see the South Island and NZ yet again. A fantastic place, an awesome experience, and fascinating wildlife. An amazing study abroad all in all.

I never anticipated studying abroad when I first came to Iowa State. I didn’t think that I could afford it, and I wasn’t sure how it would fit in with my career goals and my academic path.

Studying abroad in Uganda allowed me to gain real world experience working with an NGO. This experience has confirmed my career aspirations and even allowed me to explore them further.

Once I came to Iowa State I realized how affordable studying abroad is and how we have such great opportunities to travel. Various scholarships were also offered, so it was kind of a no-brainer for me to go,