Student Stories

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,

My favorite part of being abroad is having the opportunity to meet and learn from people from around the world. Every day I'm able to learn something new from the people I've met and I'm thankful for that.

I now have a new perspective and also a new-found sense of independence in regards to international travel.

My favorite part of being abroad was getting to apply the things I’d been learning in classrooms to programs that are making real change in the world.

Going abroad has shown me that there are always other ways to get things accomplished and just because I am used to seeing it done one way, that does not mean that it is always the best way.

I chose to study in New Zealand because I wished to learn about alternate forms of agricultural production and hoped to find methods that could improve our own.

Even though the programs are suggested for sophomores and up, I was lucky enough to be accepted as a freshman, and it was the best experience I’ve had!

While abroad, I was able to make worldwide connections that have allowed me to broaden my horizons in my field of study.

Be open to new experiences and activities. Not everyone comes from the same background as you and you need to respect that.

Studying abroad changes your mindset, opening your eyes and mind to new opportunities that you didn’t know were even possible.

The scholarships available through the college and CALS Study Abroad Office demonstrate how much value the college sees in helping students become global citizens through study abroad.

My experience at Iowa State University has gone quicker than I could have ever imagined, but I will look back knowing I had a full and enjoyable experience here because I was able to take advantage of opportunities such as studying abroad.

Just do it! There are so many things you get out of studying abroad such as, personal connections, memories and a new outlook on the world.

Studying abroad has helped me become more confident when interacting with people from different cultures.

Although the other students come from different cultures, religions, social classes and speak different languages, we are all the same; we just come from different places around the world.

You don’t get to break perceived notions until you are there and experience the differences first hand.