Studying abroad was hands-down probably one of the best decisions we made during college. Everyone always raves about how studying abroad changed their lives. This sounds like a cliche statement that doesn’t really say much about the experience. Although we agree that studying abroad was extremely influential in our personal and professional growth, we want to elaborate more on why and encourage all of you to take advantage of the opportunity while you still have the chance! It is a lot easier than you would think.
Our Journey to Studying Abroad
Between the two of us, we ended up studying abroad in Italy, England, and at LSE- across three different programs and over multiple semesters. Both of us entered college with different perspectives on the possibility of study abroad. Saanvikha knew when she chose UGA that she definitely wanted to study abroad, but she always imagined that she would choose a Spanish-speaking country and spend no more than a summer studying abroad (which turned out to be quite the opposite of what she did). Dawson, on the other hand, did not see himself studying abroad at the beginning, especially with his rigorous coursework and as an aspiring MD/PhD. More so, he was initially supposed to go to Oxford the summer after freshman year, but due to being a resident assistant, it conflicted with the schedule of training and he could not go. Nonetheless, he ended up studying abroad more than most other students during college by spending a summer at the London School of Economics after his sophomore year and doing a Maymester at Cortona, Italy and a semester at Oxford University (the last two with Saanvikha).
Dawson decided to study abroad at the London School of Economics because of his interest in applying for the Marshall scholarship and the realization that if he did not go abroad over the summer, then he would not have the ability to later on. He knew he wanted an internship the summer of junior year, so it made sense to go abroad sophomore summer. LSE is not a partnership school with UGA, nor with most schools in general, so he chose this opportunity as a way to meet friends in a more relaxed, English-speaking environment. Because of his economics degree, he was able to knock out two of the upper-level required classes abroad.
As Biochemistry & Molecular Biology majors (or STEM majors in general, it can often be hard to study abroad due to the specific course requirements and the course schedule. The Science and Art History Maymester, however, is targeted at giving Biochem majors the opportunity to get the experience of being abroad while completing an elective that goes directly toward the major. Getting away from UGA for a whole semester was a little bit more difficult for us. We started the process almost a year prior to the Oxford program with another one of our close friends, Widener, by communicating with our Biochem advisor, department head, and program director. Since we would have to take Human Biochemistry (one of the hardest major courses that is also only offered in the fall) at Oxford and Physical Biochemistry (another required courses), we had to get the course approved by our department, and the program director had to find a professor at Oxford that was willing to teach the course. Thankfully, our efforts ended up paying off, and the course was approved!
Study Abroad Memories
London School of Economics
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is in the heart of London. Whether exploring Piccadilly Circus and the West End, eating across Soho, going shopping at Harrods and buying Vejas at Selfridges, eating chocolate-covered strawberries in Borough market, or having afternoon tea in Covent Garden, there was so much to explore. What was unique, however, was getting to meet friends and people from across the world and even the United States. Some of Dawson’s closest friends from the trip are at the University of Alabama and UNC, but he also met a number of people from Australia, France, and Spain. The true cross-cultural aspect of the program through interaction with people from across the world is amazing. The program itself was rigorous with 5 hours of instruction a day, and there was a fair amount of time spent in the library preparing for tests and projects. Dawson also got to go to Paris for the first-time as well as Lake Como. Although the program was a short two months, it sparked an interest in studying abroad in the future as well as finding ways to possibly live abroad one day.
Cortona
Cortona is probably one of the most beautiful and peaceful towns we have ever been to. The quaint little town is home to spectacular landscaping, rich history, inspiring art, and, of course, incredible food. In the heart of Tuscany (the MOST beautiful place), we were lucky to do this program with some of our best friends, so it was an easy adjustment and constant fun. Some of the highlights for us included eating two Michelin meals (the beginning of our food adventures! Although it is much cheaper abroad…), traveling to Florence, Siena, and Rome, multiple sweet treats a day, seeing the School of Athens in person, celebrating Dawson’s 21st birthday in Florence, eating the best gelato, and spending hours talking at night. Dawson also went to an F1 race in Imola and Cinque Terre for his birthday! Eating authentic Italian food was delicious, and having a morning cappuccino and afternoon sandwich was always a highlight. Despite having to share a bathroom with 7 other people or being in lecture for 8 hours a day and cramming for exams, it was one of the best months ever, and Dawson already has inspiration from Tuscany’s landscape for his future house.
Oxford
Four months after Cortona, we were back at the airport to leave for our semester abroad at Oxford. Before classes started, we traveled with two amazing friends, Widener and Maggie (our Peppa squad!), to Edinburgh and Belfast. We cannot say enough good things about Edinburgh – the city holds a special place in each of our hearts. Classes in Oxford are far from easy, but the structure makes it manageable to still have plenty of fun. It is commonly known that Oxford is one of the most prestigious universities in the entire world, and the idea of being able to take classes there, engage with tutors, and collaborate with Oxford students was absolutely surreal. Oxford challenges you to think critically, understand the material presented to you rather than simply memorizing it, and learn to be receptive to more direct criticism. In Oxford, we went to Oxford Union debates (discussing if America is failing democracy), played on the club soccer team at Keble College, explored the museums, had high tea, and attended evensongs. We also got to explore the food scene of Oxford, see Christ Church meadows and the many gardens, and also traveled to Cambridge, York, Stratford-upon-Avon, Canterbury, Dover, the Cotswolds, London, and more. Over the weekends, we went to the Dolomites in Italy, Paris, Belgium, Colmar, Switzerland, and more! We miss our house of 42 everyday and the movie nights in the TV room together, long nights writing essays in the library, cooking meals in the kitchen, or simply talking in the foyer for hours. Luckily, our Oxford cohort is exceptionally good at staying in touch and reuniting at birthday parties even in Athens.
Why should you study abroad?
Studying abroad taught us so much about global dynamics, lifestyles and cultures in different parts of the world, and new perspectives. We made friends from around the world that we still keep in touch with who have deeply influenced how we view the world. It also impacted our future endeavors. Dawson sees himself living and working abroad for a period of his life, and Cortona and Oxford solidified Saanvikha’s desire to work in international health policy (got to see the WHO headquarters in Geneva!).
College can also force you into a bubble and a rhythm that can be hard to break from. Most of us, especially by the second semester of junior year, have found a steady group of friends and routine of extracurriculars and classes. By the time it was time to study abroad at Oxford, both of us desperately needed a break from our lifestyles at UGA and in Athens. We were burnt out and feeling frustrated. Studying abroad gave us an escape and gave us the opportunity to challenge ourselves and forced us outside of the Athens bubble that we had grown to become comfortable in. Even if all of you don’t feel the same way, at least some of you can relate to this feeling. Having the ability to explore the world, especially when you are not tied up in a job, is an incredible experience- even if balancing classes in the process.
The next part is a little more UGA-specific. Don’t let finances and money hold you back from studying abroad because UGA is extremely supportive in making study abroad possible for everyone. There are tons of scholarships available, both program-specific and not – it’s all about talking to people and digging to find the opportunities. From Honors International Scholarship Program, Office of Global Engagement, Experiential Learning, to Foundation Incentive Scholarships, UGA encourages students taking advantage of the study abroad programs. Many students are even able to ‘profit’ some money to help pay for expenses of food or travel not covered by the program fee. Also, for out-of-state students, studying abroad is usually cheaper than staying in Athens since you pay in-state tuition while studying abroad through a UGA program. Both of us were able to have our Cortona and Oxford programs mostly or fully covered. You shouldn’t have to go into debt to study abroad. Reach out to us if you want to hear more about scholarships and financial opportunities!
Find programs that interest you and don’t be afraid to explore a new country or part of the world. You are never going to be in your early 20s again with the freedom to travel and study around the world. Regardless of how stressful college feels, for most of us, we are only going to have more responsibilities in the future. I know it can be scary to leave friendships behind for a semester, miss out on a football season, or pause involvement. But, we cannot stress enough that all of these things will be here even when you get back. After Oxford, we were able to pick up friendships as they were before and still make the most of our last semester in Athens. You also shouldn’t be too worried about not being able to apply for grad programs or jobs while abroad. Most recruiters and admissions offices are very understanding about being abroad. In fact, Saanvikha did her second round BCG interview while in Scotland in a random coffee shop and ended up getting an offer! These experiences are wonderful opportunities to talk about how you stand out as you offer a new take on the world. So, take the risk and study abroad! You won’t regret it.