"I am one of those people who never thought they'd study abroad. I'm here to tell you that it is not only possible, but it is the most enriching experience that I have ever had in my life."

"I had a level of independence that allowed me to explore Italy at my own pace, but still, a community of my peers to socialize with. The perfect mix of support and freedom helped me get the most immersive experience while learning new course material."

"I gained writing skills and knowledge about how customs and food traditions can differ in other countries. These skills will allow me to write better and also better understand and appreciate people who have different cultures from my own."

"Go in with very few expectations, because no matter how much you plan, there will always be surprises and different outcomes..."

"I lived with a host family and dedicated most of my coursework to learning Spanish and it fully paid off. I speak Spanish comfortably now after my four immersive months in Chile and traveling around South America."

"I was able to make lots of new friendships and talk to people I may not have been able to interact with before. I expanded my social network greatly as I met people from all over the world and also a lot of students from UMD that I may not met without study abroad!"