One of the University of Denver’s most appealing attractions is its extensive study abroad programs. With locations across the world and multiple different career trajectories, studying abroad is something I and my peers constantly look forward to.
The excitement of studying in a different country mixed with the fear of navigating an unfamiliar place can make starting the application process intimidating. I’ve only ever traveled abroad with my family, and the idea of going alone hadn’t crossed my mind until I got to DU and realized that it was a feasible option.
As a native Arabic speaker, I’ve been eyeing Morocco’s social justice track as a possible location and academic focus. I believe that because studying abroad is such a new and exciting opportunity, why not utilize that experience to learn something different than what I would usually go for?
DU’s study abroad programs are worth considering because they offer students a chance to grow academically and personally, even when taking the first step feels uncomfortable. Studying abroad gives the opportunity of a lifetime, and the potential for new experiences is endless.
I always hear from people that their study abroad experience is one that they will never forget, and continue to talk about long after they’ve graduated. But there are many unspoken fears around this subject.
Calculating the cost of living in a new country for a few months, navigating a language barrier and being utterly alone in an unfamiliar place are uncertainties I’ve thought about as the application cycle opened up. As real as these fears may be, DU has many different resources that cater to each need of applicants.
The Office of International Education offers quick links to their frequently asked questions, help with financial planning and study abroad advising. A required first step to take before applying to any program was to attend the First Step Session presentation, which reviews the basics of beginning your study abroad journey.
Drop-in advising is offered Monday through Thursday, and one on one meetings specific to your intended destination and program are offered with specific mentors.
Having university resources and guidance while preparing for an international experience helps to uplift students as we progress through these programs, taking a mental load off. Access to these resources have helped me to feel more prepared than I would have without them.
Drop-in advising helped me to visualize a realistic course pathway, as I was weighing out the options between independent study and the internship track.
Although I am still preparing to apply and have not yet experienced traveling alone, I’ve come to the realization that I do not need to have every fear resolved. Part of what makes studying abroad such an impactful experience is learning to rely on yourself in times when that’s all you have.
If what the university provides as resources still isn’t enough, the DU abroad website features a blog from students currently abroad as they navigate their day to day life! This is especially helpful if you’re anything like me and visualize best with a personal example.
It’s still early in the application cycle, and I may not know what study abroad will teach me in class, but I do know that staying comfortable will never teach me anything I don’t already know.
