By Fatima Salinas
The most memorable lessons don't always happen in a classroom. Sometimes they happen while navigating a new city, building friendships across cultures, or stepping into an unfamiliar environment.
Whether they're completing internships, conducting research, or taking classes in another country, studying abroad gives College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) students the chance to learn in ways that simply aren't possible at home.
No two study abroad experiences look the same. For these students, time abroad became one of the most memorable parts of their journey in CLAS.
Fourth-year student Veronica Ramirez
For two months, Tokyo became Veronica Ramirez's home. Between organizing campus events, practicing English with students and experiencing everyday life in Japan, she found that some of her most meaningful learning happened with the people she met.
The fourth-year student is majoring in global health studies while pursuing a minor in inclusive recreation. She is also pursuing certificates in disability studies, nonprofit leadership, and philanthropy. That interdisciplinary coursework led her to spend two months in Japan completing a full-time internship through the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) program at Tokyo Seitoku University.
As a cultural activities coordinator, she planned campus events, organized games and sports, and helped students practice conversational English, creating opportunities for students to connect, learn from one another, and share their cultures.
Before applying, Ramirez assumed studying abroad wasn't financially possible. With guidance from the University of Iowa Study Abroad office, she navigated scholarships and the application process, turning an opportunity she once thought was out of reach into reality.
One afternoon, she introduced Japanese students to the American version of dodgeball. What began as a game quickly turned into an afternoon of laughter, conversation, and cultural exchange.
"Studying abroad gives you a hands-on learning experience that a classroom could never offer," Ramirez said. "I learned so much about the Japanese culture and language by simply living here for a long period of time. This experience got me curious about the world around me and had me always asking questions."
Looking back, Ramirez hopes students won't let uncertainty or assumptions about affordability keep them from applying.
"If the thought of studying abroad crosses your mind, jump on it! This experience will truly change your life!" Ramirez said.
Fourth-year student Sean Keene
For Sean Keene, some of the most memorable moments of college happened thousands of miles from Iowa City.
During his time at Iowa, Keene has studied abroad four times—traveling to Spain, Chile, France and, most recently, Italy—while pursuing bachelor's degrees in political science, journalism and mass communication, and Spanish.
His latest experience took him to Rome, where he spent eight weeks completing a full-time internship related to his studies while participating in a weekly professional development seminar that explored Italian workplace culture and encouraged students to reflect on their experiences abroad.
Even after studying abroad three times, working in another country's professional environment brought a new set of challenges. As the weeks passed, Keene settled into his role, earned the trust of his supervisors, and came to appreciate Italy's slower pace of life.
"When you are walking the streets, observing the people and sights, listening to conversations, eating food; you are learning," Keene said. "You learn by doing. A classroom in Iowa can teach you all it can about how to live life like a modern Roman, but it means even more when you experience it yourself."
Away from work, Keene spent his time exploring Rome's neighborhoods and traveling with friends to Bulgaria, where visiting the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rila Monastery became one of the highlights of his summer. Experiences like those reinforced his belief that some of the most meaningful lessons come from simply being present in a new place.
Looking back, Keene says the best part of studying abroad wasn't checking destinations off a map—it was choosing experiences that challenged him in unexpected ways.
"Do it. Plain and simple. Do it, and go someplace you wouldn't take a vacation to," Keene said. "Put yourself in a position to explore constantly and to grow mightily."
Fourth-year student Kara Juhl
For five months, Santiago became Kara Juhl's home. Between taking classes entirely in Spanish and exploring Chilean culture, she found that some of her biggest lessons came from embracing the unfamiliar.
The fourth-year biology and Spanish student studied abroad through the CIEE Liberal Arts program, completing a full course load entirely in Spanish through CIEE, Universidad de Chile and Universidad Diego Portales. Weekly excursions throughout Santiago and trips to Viña del Mar and Chiloé Island paired her coursework, offering a firsthand look at the country's history, culture, and daily life.
Before leaving for Chile, Juhl wasn't sure studying abroad would fit into her degree plan—or her budget. After attending the University of Iowa Study Abroad Fair, she learned about the Leading Change in Latin America Fellowship. With encouragement from her study abroad advisor, she applied and received the fellowship, which fully funded her semester abroad, along with additional University of Iowa scholarships.
Although the experience pushed her outside her comfort zone, it also changed the way she viewed herself and the world around her.
"I think studying abroad is supposed to be hard. You should be pushed outside of your comfort zone because that is where you grow the most," Juhl said. "Living in another country gave me perspectives that are completely different from my daily life in the United States. I came home as a much more well-rounded person, and it made me realize that there is not just one way to live your life."
One of Juhl's favorite memories came during Chile's Fiestas Patrias celebration. Surrounded by families dancing the traditional cueca at a neighborhood fonda, she watched people of every age come together to celebrate.
"As someone who does not really have a strong connection to any particular heritage, that moment was incredibly meaningful to me," Juhl said. "I felt so much pride and love for a country that was not even my own, and it was amazing to see an entire community come together to celebrate its traditions."
Looking back, Juhl hopes students will keep an open mind about studying abroad and explore the opportunities available.
"Please just see what your options are," Juhl said. "So many people decide that studying abroad is not possible for them because of finances, their major or other commitments without ever exploring what opportunities exist. Take the leap of faith. Studying abroad completely changed the trajectory of my life."
Curious to learn more? If you're wondering whether studying abroad could be part of your own college experience, visit the University of Iowa Study Abroad website to explore programs and find opportunities that match your interests.
