When it comes to studying abroad for classes, many questions can arise. What is the culture like? Where are the coolest monuments? Where are the best places to visit? What is the food like?

However, a very important facet of studying abroad may be overlooked in this time of excitement and joy: what a regular day to day experience is like whilst they are living abroad.

Victoria Amandia Nze, a senior at Coe College who is majoring in international business and public relations, had some unexpected experiences when she went to study abroad in Northern France during fall of 2024. 

Patrick Swain is a graduate student at the University of Pittsburgh studying quantitative economics. While pursuing a minor in Hispanic language and culture, he studied abroad at the Universidad de Sevilla in Spain during the spring of 2023. Here is his story... 

Castelo de São Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal

Studying abroad is an enriching experience that offers students the opportunity to broaden their horizons, gain international exposure, and enhance their academic and personal growth. Choosing the right destination can be both exciting and overwhelming. You need to think about academic quality, cultural experiences, and career opportunities.

Kevin Nguyen is a current third year Western student studying mechanical engineering. All the way from Vietnam, he has come to Canada to study. He loves to travel and is a very social person. 

Dean Holbrough is a Canadian musician who took his studies abroad to the UK. Listening to Dean's story introduced me to a whole new perspective on what it is like to study in a different country. Studying abroad opens your eyes to a variety of new cultures and experiences, but also imposes many challenges as well. In the future, Dean plans on pursuing a career in the music industry.

Caroline Johnson is a PhD student at Western University in the Clinical Medical program, She has her Master's degree in nursing, and is from Nigeria.

Grace Villena, a certified Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician, is currently studying General Arts and Science as one of the requirements to gain admission to a Collaborative Nursing program. It is an accredited four-year degree between Fanshawe College and Western University, leading to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree (BScN). 

There's no experience quite like studying abroad. It can literally be life changing, setting you on a different career path entirely or introducing you to friends who will be significant to you for the rest of your life. Living and going to school in a different country and culture is so different from going there as a tourist, and what you learn in the semester or year that you spend abroad will inform the rest of your life. However, there are things you can do to improve this experience, starting with the tips below.