Submission: Exploring the World Through Education: The Benefits of Studying Abroad

By Willow Rothenberg

As I finish my last year of undergrad at St Kates I can confidently say that my college experience would have been drastically different if I had not become involved in Global Studies. Throughout my undergrad, I have studied abroad twice and worked as a peer advisor and student worker for the office of Global Studies for almost three years. I had the opportunity to study abroad in Berlin, Germany, for a semester, as well as South Africa and Namibia for a trip over J-term. I am extremely grateful and privileged to have had these experiences. 

My Berlin experience was through a partner program, CIEE, while my trip to South Africa and Namibia was for a St. Kate's Global Search for Justice program. Both programs were drastically different but showed me the pros and cons of the different types of travel. I learned so much about myself through both experiences and would not change either, no matter the struggles I faced. 

Studying abroad through a partner program like CIEE is a lot more independent. They offer optional activities and outings. When you are not in class you can do whatever you like. I was able to explore the city at my own pace and travel to new cities and countries with friends or alone. Through a St Kate's led program, you don’t have to organize anything which was its own kind of freeing. I did not have to buy flights, organize meals or plan things to do. There were definitely pros and cons to both options, but both were amazing experiences and truly changed my life.

Credit: Willow Rothenberg

One lesson I have carried with me from my time abroad is about learning to go with the flow. My whole life I have loved knowing what is going to happen. I am the kind of person that reads the last chapter of a book first and then goes back to the beginning to read it from the start. If any of you have traveled before, you know that traveling never goes as planned. After countless trains being delayed for various reasons (including stopped cows) and canceled hospital visits because of unexpected changes, I learned that everything will work out in the end. This became valuable in school, work and in the rest of my life. The things that don’t work out the first time are the things that you remember forever, the stories that you tell at the holiday table. 

I have also always valued being independent and doing things for myself. Being abroad taught me to gain more independence but also that it is ok to rely on others. When in a country where the main language is not English, it is important to use your resources and ask for help when needed. You have to organize your own bus rides and hotel rooms which is just as scary as it is liberating. Through my experiences with solo travel, I learned to be much more independent, but also that it is okay to ask for help and lean on your support networks when you need them.   

I first began working for Global Studies in the Office of Scholarly Engagement the semester after I came home from Germany. The former student advisor approached me for a student advisor position and I readily accepted. I get excited to share all of the programs that St. Kate’s offers!

Credit: Willow Rothenberg

Now, graduating college in just around six months I can say that I would feel comfortable and might even want to work abroad one day soon. Don’t feel limited to only the options that I have shown you in my personal experience; there is so much Global Studies has to offer! Travel through other countries in North America, or domestically. See other parts of the world in South America, Africa, Asia, Europe or Australia. Whether that is a Fall semester program, a Spring semester program, a shorter summer program or a year-long program, we can help you find something to fulfill your travel dreams and that fits into your academic schedule. 

If you would like to meet to discuss your options within Global Studies don’t hesitate to reach out to globalstudies@stkate.edu.