Blog Correspondents
Teagan Benson
Hometown: Cumberland, Wisconsin
Major: Russian Language & Civilization
Program: Almaty Russian Flagship
I chose to study on the intensive capstone program to improve my Russian language skills and cross-cultural competence. I hope to reach superior proficiency upon completion of the capstone. This opportunity will provide real-life context to my studies and greatly enhance my education.
Makayla Cole
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Major: Social Welfare; Cert. Gender & Women’s Studies and Criminal Justice
Program: Lancaster University Exchange
I chose the Lancaster University Exchange program because the University offers courses that aligns with my interests and academic career. I can take courses that satisfy my degree and certificate requirements while being abroad.
Maria Fichtinger
Hometown: Rochester, Minnesota
Major: History; Cert. in European Studies and Education & Educational Services
Program: University of Westminster
I have always wanted to go to London, and this program fit well with the degree I am pursuing.
Links to Blog Entries Coming Soon!
Pyper Scullen
Hometown: Elm Grove, Wisconsin
Major: Fashion and Textiles; Cert. in Entrepreneurship
Program: Santa Reparata International School of Art
I am extremely excited about the course offerings via this program and the technique and skill that I will gain from taking classes including patternmaking and fashion illustration. I am also excited to learn about Italian history and culture as I believe that history and the world offers incredible inspiration for design. Lastly, this program offers the opportunity to attend Milan Fashion Week which is an amazingly unique opportunity for insight into the interworking’s of the fashion industry – an industry that I am working to have an important place in and impact on.
Abi Schmeiser
Hometown: Waunakee, Wisconsin
Major: Chemical Engineering
Program: University of Limerick
One reason I chose to attend the University of Limerick is that it offers courses related to my chemical engineering degree and fascinating area studies classes related to my International Engineering certificate, while also having wonderful clubs and societies to be involved in on campus!
Links to Blog Entries Coming Soon!
Nyagoah Biel
Hometown: Madison, Wisconsin
Major: Legal Studies; Cert. in Criminal Justice and Afro-American Studies
Program: Yonsei University Exchange
I chose to go to South Korea because it would give me an experience outside of what I thought was possible. Specifically, being outside my comfort zone will help me to learn a lot more about myself but also the world around me. I am excited to be immersed in the culture and people, all the while experiencing the amazing food.
Links to Blog Entries Coming Soon!
Calvin Dong
Hometown: Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Major: Marketing & International Business
Program: IES London Direct Enrollment – City University of London
I chose City University of London because it will allow me to take on the challenge of facing uncertainty in a large city with people from diverse backgrounds. Growing up, I’ve lived predominately in the suburbs which refrained me from experiencing what city life is like. I strive to utilize the location and vast amount of culture immersed within London to learn and enjoy the unique experiences it will provide me.
Caitlin Fox
Hometown: Viroqua, Wisconsin
Major: Spanish and Health Promotion and Health Equity
Program: Illinois in Spain: Spanish Studies in Granada
I chose this program because I have traveled to Granada before, and I absolutely loved it. The Alhambra, a beautiful monument, is here along with lots of other amazing architecture. I also decided on this program because it was the longest one offered for the summer and I wanted to be abroad for as long as possible to learn Spanish. Between the Sierra Nevada mountains in the distance, the tapas, the siesta, flamenco, and nice people– Granada is the place to be. My mom is from Nicaragua, so as a Latina, I feel very at home even though the culture is different.
Links to Blog Entries Coming Soon!
Anna Strautmanis
Hometown: Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Major: International Studies – Global Security Track, International Development and Education certificate
Program: ITESM-Queretaro Program
I am very excited to be in Mexico and learn many things about the language, people, and culture of the beautiful historic city. I am really looking forward to improving my Spanish language skills, both for personal and professional goals. I am interested in seeing how education differs from universities around the world, so I am looking forward to being a part of the university community. My family is Latvian and we speak the language at home. Being immersed in Latin American culture is important to me because I want to experience something different than the European culture that I am accustomed to.
Social Media Correspondents
Kailee Berge
Hometown: Franklin, Wisconsin
Major: Conservation Biology and Zoology
Program: SFS Marine Resource Studies
From a young age, I have always been fascinated with aquatic ecosystems. Since then, I have completed fieldwork and research in freshwater fisheries related research, and absolutely fell in love. The Turks and Caicos Islands Marine Resource Studies program offers valuable learning opportunities, such as gaining aquatic research field skills and learning about marine ecosystems and management first-hand. Additionally, being able to visit and study the amazing Turks and Caicos Islands coral reefs is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I am excited for the professional, academic, and personal growth that this program will provide.
Gaby Goldstein
Hometown: Buffalo Grove, Illinois
Major: Marketing and International Business; Cert in Spanish Area Studies for Business Students
Program: CIEE Seville Business and Society
I chose the CIEE program in Seville because it offered a unique opportunity to develop my language skills and gain experience living in and participating in authentic Spanish culture, all while continuing my degrees. The Spanish-only program was exciting for my language development since I hope to become fluent in Spanish. Also, the full immersion into Spanish culture from the classroom to a local homestay was compelling to me to grow academically and personally. Above all, Andalusia’s rich history and culture drew me towards the CIEE Seville program to experience authentic Spanish culture first-hand.
Lily Herling
Hometown: La Crosse, Wisconsin
Major: Community & Environmental Sociology; Cert. in German and Sustainability
Program: IES Vienna Music
I participated in my high school’s robed choir but making room in my schedule to continue singing in a choir has been difficult. Incorporating music as part of my study abroad in Austria allows me to strengthen my German language abilities and reinvest in my love of music. I was elated to find a program in such a beautiful, historical city that incorporates many of my passions.
Rosie Rohrer
Hometown: Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Major: Political Science and Legal Studies; Cert. in Criminal Justice
Program: CIEE Central European Studies in Prague
I chose this program because I’m incredibly interested in Cold War politics, and I think there is no better place to learn about this than central Europe. Also, Prague is a beautiful city and I cannot wait to explore it more.
Jaqueline Sanchez
Hometown: Walworth, Wisconsin
Major: Marketing & International Business; Cert. in Spanish Studies for Business Students
Program: CIEE Seville Business and Society
One reason why I chose my program is that it enabled me to pursue my goal of obtaining the Spanish Studies for Business Students Certificate. This program has numerous Spanish classes that I will have the ability to take to complete my certificate. Studying in Seville will be even more fulfilling for me academically because I will be learning completely in Spanish. Spanish is my first language and I wanted to expose myself to Spanish from a different country as much as possible because I wanted to learn how to adapt and integrate that into the Spanish I already know.
Lita Elkendier
Hometown: Appleton, Wisconsin
Major: Journalism; Cert. in Digital Cinema Production
Program: CIEE Berlin Open Campus
Berlin is a multicultural city with a rich history and diversity that I have always wanted to explore. Berlin also has great public transportation, is relatively affordable, and has an expanding student population that makes it easy to meet new people and travel!
Abby Grant
Hometown: Glenview, Illinois
Major: Civil Engineering and Economics
Program: Universidad Pontificia Comillas de Madrid GE3 Exchange
I wanted to challenge myself by studying in a country that speaks a different language than English. Spain also seems to have many key things I was looking for, including beautiful cities, friendly locals, rich history and accessibility to other surrounding countries.
Maya Knotts
Hometown: Naperville, Illinois
Major: Computer Science and Data Science
Program: CEGRI in Granada
I want to become fluent in Spanish, and I believe the best way to do that is by living in a country where I can constantly speak the language. I’m also fascinated by Spanish culture and history. I’m so excited to learn more!
Birkleigh Olstad
Hometown: Madison, Wisconsin
Major: Marketing
Program: Korea University Exchange
Studying abroad in Seoul and exploring aspects of Korean culture such as food, music, and religion has always been a dream of mine.
Eryn Warner
Hometown: Sullivan, Wisconsin
Major: International Studies and Asian Languages & Cultures
Program: Yonsei University Exchange
One reason that I chose this program is because of my interest in the Korean language and cultural. I have been learning Korean the last two years of my college career and wanted to take the next step in my learning by experiencing the Korean culture and practicing the language in person and in my day-to-day life. Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea was the perfect fit, and I am super excited to learn and meet new people there!
Returned Students
Explore profiles and posts from students either during or following their programs
Alumni Profiles
Read profiles and stories from alumni reflecting on their program experiences and impact on their post-graduate careers
Global Gateway
The UW Global Gateway Initiative makes study abroad accessible to students with demonstrated financial need through two different avenues: Summer programs and Fellowships. Read about their experiences here.