Every year, to celebrate diversity and cultural exchange, the Center for Global Education curates the “What Diversity Means to Me” Wall. This is an important part of UTC’s annual International Education Week activities. This year, we’ve decided to display the Diversity Wall in an online format. To curate this year’s “wall,” we asked the UTC community to answer to the question, “What does diversity mean to you?” Below, you…
Studying abroad in Peru was one of the most influential and impactful experiences that I have ever had, and that I can without a doubt say changed my life. And yes, I know that’s what everyone says, but it really did. I think one of the main reasons is because I went somewhere that completely shifted my perspective on life and the world as I knew it. I also…
When I first saw the number of programs and options that existed for students to study abroad through, I was overwhelmed. The best advice I received was from my friend who had actually gone to France before and she told me, based on what I was looking for, to go somewhere in south France and definitely not Paris. In hindsight, I am so glad I had her advice because…
I had the opportunity to study abroad in Seoul, South Korea as a Gilman Scholar the Fall of 2019 at Sogang University. I had so many reasons for choosing this location both personal and academia based. My dad was born just outside of Seoul and I felt the urge to take the opportunity to learn more about his roots as he had passed in my teen years. The experiences…
Spring 2020 was the semester I felt like could change my life. Studying abroad gave me the opportunity to immerse in a new culture, meet new people, learn to be on my own, and so much more. Many students do not get homesick until a few weeks into their study abroad program, but mine was immediately. I did not know anybody going because I was the only student from…
My undergraduate study abroad began in Ulsan, South Korea. This is where I first dipped my feet into experiencing a different culture and language. Throughout this study abroad there were many unique challenges I had to face being that I was majorly introverted. I did not let this side of me stop me from adventuring out into the world and this is when I went on my second study…
The basic greeting, “y’aright, mate,” is still the only phrase I can say with a Scottish accent, even after living in Stirling, Scotland for two months. Prior to studying abroad, I had never left the U.S. before and had always traveled with others. When I finally arrived at my accommodation at Alexander Court, University of Stirling, I wanted to come home immediately. It was below freezing with no heat…
Even before I started college, I had always dreamed of studying abroad. For as long as I can remember I have had a longing for adventure and a desire to see all that’s out there. When it came time to decide where I would study, I knew right away I wanted to go to Scotland. I was drawn to the country’s long and fascinating history, unique culture, and astounding…
I am not really sure where to begin when describing my study abroad experience in Geneva, Switzerland; there are many mixed feelings about this trip. It started out with a new and exciting experience and ended with a bitter-sweet departure. I made a lot of new friends and talked to a lot of interesting people while abroad, which I’ll never forget. I also got to live with a host…
Everyone is saying that 2020 is their worst year yet. For me, it has been the most monumental year of my life full of personal growth, new experiences, and friends that I will keep for a lifetime. Although my study abroad experience was cut in half due to COVID-19,, I was still able to experience more than I could have imagined! As someone who had never left the country,…
