Student of color

“I’m so glad I [studied abroad] during my freshman year because it helped me choose a concentration within my major that focuses on biodiversity and conservation—things I got to experience firsthand on the trip.”

Alyssa Taylor ‘24 shares her experience and the unexpected benefits of studying abroad in South Korea during the 2022-23 academic year.

Wondering what studying abroad might look like if you’ve never been on a plane? Meet N’deye Diop ‘26, Arabic student, first-time traveler, Black and Muslim woman. Diop shares her experience with Winter at Yonsei and advice for other students like her.

The C.D. Mote, Jr. Incentive Awards Program (IAP) and the School of Public Health (SPH) teamed up to create a new UMD-Winter program in Brazil, addressing the enduring injustice of racism as a public health crisis.

"I grew a lot in my cross cultural business skills and in my Spanish speaking skills while abroad. My network expanded when I embraced the community around me."

"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 was fortunate to serve in the military and be stationed overseas, particularly in Europe. Going to Nicaragua did not provide any unusual challenge; however, I was able to guide the new students with some cultural adjustments."

"My teachers treated me like old friends, my host family treated me like family, and I made friends that I still connect with and would love to see in the future."

"I am a first generation African American college student that has lived in a single parent household my entire life. The best advice I would give any individual coming from any one of those backgrounds is to fully embrace themselves in the experience and try not to focus on things you cannot control or things going on back home."

"I learned that I'm more confident and independent than I knew - even in a foreign language. My interpersonal and Spanish skills improved so much in my time in Madrid, and I met some incredible professors and peers from Italy, Brazil, Croatia, France, and even Korea."