Dear prospective study abroad students,  

Hello, my name is Sarah Amro, and I have recently returned from my study abroad experience in Auckland, New Zealand. As with any new experience, it can be nerve-wracking and unsettling. Studying abroad is truly a one-of-a-kind experience in regard to dictating your own future. You gain independence through opportunities that you may not have experienced otherwise. The relationships you make, the sights you see, and the overall success of your trip depends on your desire to step outside of your comfort zone. The place in which you decide to travel may or may not be foreign to you, but the experience of intertwining education and travel may be quite different to what you have experienced before. While studying abroad, you may have a general idea of what your environment may be but aren’t completely sure until you are there. I knew going into this experience that I should make the most of this once in a lifetime opportunity. I was aware that I was stepping outside of my comfort zone by immersing myself into a different education, home, and environment. Nonetheless, I found it important to utilize the relationships around me and build a “home away from home” environment and outlook. 

During my stay in New Zealand, I spent a majority of my time at a local school while completing my degree in elementary education. I learned a tremendous amount about my host country and their education system. It is important to note, however, that each school and the members within it are unique in their own way. My placement school had amazing ways to include, support, and help any and all students that walked through their doors. Within New Zealand, there has been a major push to extend the learning of Māori people in and out of the classroom. Representation and understanding for the indigenous people of New Zealand provided the students a unique opportunity and chance to appreciate their own, as well as other cultures and backgrounds. With that in mind, I was given wonderful guidance and education as to how I could implement and support cultural learnings within my own classroom. 

"Studying abroad is truly a one-of-a-kind experience in regard to dictating your own future. You gain independence through opportunities that you may not have experienced otherwise. The relationships you make, the sights you see, and the overall success of your trip depends on your desire to step outside of your comfort zone. The place in which you decide to travel may or may not be foreign to you, but the experience of intertwining education and travel may be quite different to what you have experienced before. While studying abroad, you may have a general idea of what your environment may be but aren’t completely sure until you are there."

Embarking on a journey abroad comes with many expectations, as well as unexpected challenges. Each experience is new and challenges you to step outside of your comfort zone. While studying abroad, you gain a new experience of independence. In this new place, you are tasked with juggling a full course load and adapting to a new country and culture. There is no doubt in my mind that anyone who is able should tackle this independent journey. You take charge in the relationships you form as well as the adventures you embark on. Although it may be intimidating at first, you eventually find your way and what works best for you, comparable to other situations that you encounter. Creating such close relationships to those around me; including my host family, colleagues, and those within my program, helped guide me through my journey. I felt similar comfortability and safeness as when I am home surrounded by friends and family. In addition, researching and understanding the places that I explored helped aid my cultural competence. You are constantly adapting to unfamiliar circumstances, and it is important to know that it may take a while for you to adjust to this environment. You have this time to find what you are comfortable with and where your limits are. Be easy on yourself, remain positive, and be proud of all that you have done to get where you are in this position now. No matter if you are the type of person to fill your schedule from sunrise to sundown, or take it easy day to day, you have to do what works best for you. Studying abroad is not about comparing your journey to others, but rather reflecting on your own, unique discoveries including another culture and learning a bit more about yourself.  

Wherever it is that you decide to go on your study abroad journey, it is important to be easy on yourself and create meaningful relationships with those on a similar journey as you. I have learned a tremendous amount about myself during my time abroad. I took charge of what I wanted to learn and navigated my way through to explore and challenge myself while abroad. Adjusting to being so far away from home can be hard at times, but optimism is key in situations like these. You won’t truly know how you feel about a situation until you’ve experienced and/or overcome it. Explore, grow, and be mindful of yourself and well-being while abroad. 

LEARN HOW YOU CAN APPLY FOR A GLOBAL ACCESS AMBASSADOR SCHOLARSHIP

The Global Access Ambassador Scholarship program provides awards to study abroad for a summer, semester, or academic year. The scholarships are intended to support students who study abroad with the intent to serve as Global Access Ambassadors upon return to the UI campus. 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 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.