Study is the first word in the phrase “study abroad,” and while it’s true that these experiences are foremost academic ones, many return saying they learned more about themselves than they ever expected. This opportunity allows students to enhance their cross cultural communication, gain a new form of independence and most importantly create meaningful memories.

In this forum project, we explore how immersing oneself in a new environment can have a life changing effect on how we see our everyday world. We reached out to UT students who have studied abroad and asked them to reflect on their personal and academic growth from their time in a different country. 

In this forum project: 

Zoe Meyer, a mechanical engineering senior, compares her academic experience at UT to the Comillas Pontifical University in Madrid, Spain. She wants her peers to not be afraid to ask for help and to not forget to enjoy the everyday pleasures of life. 

Celine Farhat, a mechanical engineering senior, shares memories during her time in Madrid, Spain and explains that there is no “right way” to do a study abroad program. 

Bryn Palmer, a journalism junior, encourages UT students to study abroad to learn about culture, enhance relationships and to learn about themselves through the world. 

Anjali Senthilnathan, a neuroscience senior, reminisces on her time studying in Stockholm, Sweden and how a change in environment can lead to rediscovering oneself. 

The forum team consists of forum editors Alexa Leon, Tommy Wan and editor-in-chief Megan Tran. As always, if you have any thoughts on this topic or any other, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].