If you are debating whether to study abroad, weighing your options, and endlessly disputing with yourself, allow me to make your decision a bit easier. 

Any expectations you have, any fear of risks you feel might happen, or general anxieties you have about spending a semester or time abroad are completely valid. Not a single person can prepare you for what you might experience, and believe it or not, that’s a good thing; great even.  

I knew no one in my program, no one that had gone to Prague before, and for lack of better words, I was pretty much alone. I would ask myself before I left, “Will my friends and those I care about forget about me?” 

"Finding myself in Prague was never an expectation I had, but when you’re the only one you can count on you have to. It was terrifying at first, no doubt, but when the most mundane parts of living become novel, you begin to appreciate your surroundings and day-to-day more."

In this completely foreign environment with an unfamiliar culture and language, of all places, I found myself. The lack of confidence I had before I went abroad was staggering and suffocating at times. Finding myself in Prague was never an expectation I had, but when you’re the only one you can count on you have to. It was terrifying at first, no doubt, but when the most mundane parts of living become novel, you begin to appreciate your surroundings and day-to-day more. Going to grocery stores, doing laundry, even ordering dinner became challenging and awkward, but at the same time new and energizing. 

Among the historical architecture and incomprehensible conversations in Czech, the friendships with peers in my program and the other relationships I formed were more authentic than what I had experienced back home. Not because of others, but because I was constantly living in my head instead of in the present. Compare it to holding your breath underwater, but never really knowing you were. 

Now, I notice different details about where I grew up, those I care about, and aspects of life I took for granted. 

To study abroad is to gain a fresh perspective on life and yourself.   

Experience the possibilities, 

Braydon Simms

Braydon Simms (communication studies major), a Diversity Ambassador Scholarship recipient, participated in CEA Prague: Internship in fall 2022.

LEARN HOW YOU CAN APPLY FOR A DIVERSITY AMBASSADOR SCHOLARSHIP

The Diversity Ambassador Scholarship program provides awards to study abroad for a summer, semester, or academic year. The scholarships are intended to support the diversification of students who study abroad. Upon completion of the study abroad program and return to UI, award recipients are asked to submit a photo and an open letter to prospective students or suggest an alternate means of sharing with prospective students.

Please note that the opinions and views expressed by diversity ambassadors are solely those of the students and do not reflect or represent the views of International Programs or the University of Iowa.

International Programs (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement.  IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.