How Scary Is Studying Abroad?
Photo courtesy of Brynna Williamson
By WHITNEY WORLEY/Staff Writer
While some might find the idea of studying abroad glamorous or exciting, many students find the thought terrifying. UT Tyler student Jenna Brown summed up the most common feeling toward the program: “It seems scary, honestly,” Brown said.
Many also find the uncertainty and potential isolation of studying in another country to be daunting.
Tallon Clemmer. Photo courtesy of Whitney Worley
“I’m kind of an introvert,” UT Tyler student Tallon Clemmer said, “so I’m worried that I wouldn’t make friends along the way, or I would just be super lonely.”
STUDENTS’ PERSPECTIVES
Despite any initial fears, students who have studied abroad describe it as a worthwhile experience.
UT Tyler student Sarah Mitchell studied abroad in the summer of 2022. After reaching out to UT Tyler’s Office of International Programs, she decided to study in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic.
Sarah Mitchell. Photo courtesy of Whitney Worley
Mitchell considers it an incredible opportunity that every student should take advantage of.
“It’s a really good experience that everybody should get a chance to do one time in college,” Mitchell said.
During her time in Prague, Mitchell was able to explore several surrounding countries, including Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Budapest.
UT Tyler student Mia Campbell studied in England for a semester at the University of Brighton.
She found the experience pushed her outside her comfort zone, enabling her to explore not only a different country, but also new ideas.
“Going into another country where there are a lot of different ideas and mindsets, it kind of causes you to step back and think about different perspectives,” Campbell said.
While loneliness is another common concern as students leave friends and family behind, Mitchell found the process of developing new friendships surprisingly simple.
“It’s really easy to make friends because everybody is in the same boat,” Mitchell said.
Mia Campbell. Photo courtesy of Whitney Worley
Campbell was equally amazed at how finding friends in a different country wasn’t a challenge.
“The funny thing is, you kind of always find your people somehow,” Campbell said. “You’re not going to be alone.”