This photo exhibit highlights the amazing journeys of Virginia Tech students who have recently participated in College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences study abroad programs. The exhibit celebrates and brings awareness to study abroad and the lasting impact it has on Virginia Tech and our global community. Studying abroad is an experience like no other and we hope that seeing these students in action will make you consider pursuing a study abroad program in the future. As you will see in this exhibit, there are many wonderful places to go. We hope this exhibit inspires you to embark on your own adventures.
- Dr. Farida Jalalzai, Professor of Political Science and Associate Dean for Global Initiatives and Engagement, College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences
For more information on study abroad programs please visit the college's study abroad page and the Global Education Office.
Excited, nervous? More worried about the students I'd have to look over, rather than myself. Worried about the language barrier, especially reading signs, not necessarily talking to strangers.
Wanted to stay, there was so much more I could've done/should've done. 2 weeks is not enough, but I'm sure people that were there for 2 months would also say it is not enough.
Scared because I was not confident in my Russian conversation skills but excited for the experience!
Amazing because I created friends quickly!
Yes, it gave me a new appreciation for the people around me.
I prepared to go abroad by making sure I knew the customs of the country I was going to. I also connected with students that I didn't know as well previously who were also going abroad with me to ensure that I still felt the Virginia Tech sense of community while in a different country. That was the easiest part!
One of the highlights of the trip for me, was getting to take a train deep into the English countryside and read my favorite book on the site that inspired it.
About halfway through the trip my classmates began to feel like close friends and it made the experience feel even more natural. I felt a sense of togetherness while being in a different place while at the same time experiencing and adapting to a new culture.
In the months before travelling abroad, I was so excited that it was one of the only things I talked about. Yet, as I got closer to leaving, the whole trip became a lot more nerve wracking. Not only was I going overseas for the first time, but I was also the youngest on the trip. It was only my second semester in college and I really did not want my age and inexperience to show. Yet, despite all the nerves, I knew I had to go on the trip because I had never had any other opportunity like this, and remembering that I was going to Iceland (a place so unique from the rest of the world) made it all the more exciting.
One was at the beginning of the trip at the Blue Lagoon. When we were all done taking pictures, I put my phone back in a locker and wasn’t on it for hours. I don’t think any of us get away from technology enough, and this way I was able to fully enjoy being in such a mystic environment.
By the end of the program, it took a long time for the excitement from the trip to calm down. I felt so blessed to have had the opportunity to learn about and travel to Iceland, and want to go back as soon as I can. I feel like I have gained valuable experience as a traveler, a student, and a person as going on this trip definitely changed my perspective on the world.
Excited and nervous, just like doing anything for the first time, not sure what exactly to expect but ready to face anything.
Going to the Great Wall and looking around at all the history that surrounded me, knowing that I got to experience the ability to travel somewhere that has been around since ancient times.
So glad that I applied to the program and expanded my perspective from being so solo-oriented to being an individual part of an international community that I contribute and experience everyday.
I felt comfortable, energized, and educated. While the program as a whole felt like it flew by, each day felt long so there was lots of interesting activities and adventures packed into each hour.
The hardest part of spending time abroad was leaving. I felt as if I were leaving my family behind in Oman, unsure when I would see them next.
I was very exited to to abroad. Even though Oman is completely different than the US, I didn't feel like I needed to stress over culture shock. The transition came very natural to me, despite it being my first time traveling outside of North America.
At the end of the program I was exhausted, but so happy. I learned every single day during my program and I loved that experience. I also started planning another trip back to the Arab World.
Before traveling, I'd say I was 90% excited and 10% curious. I was excited to see Spain for the first time, and challenge myself on a 180mi hike. I was curious what we would see along the way, what we would learn, and how much Spanish I would actually remember when it was the only language to speak.
12 (of 16) days into the hike, I got my first blister. That was such a bummer.
After the first day on the Camino, I quickly bonded with pretty much everyone in my group. We connected over our sore feet and heavy backpacks. From that point one, I considered these people my best friends.
I never complained about walking again, that's for sure! After my program ended, I craved being outdoors and just enjoying nature. Sounds cheesy, but it's true!
This exhibit was made possible by students and faculty who have participated in and led study abroad trips with the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences over the last few years. Thank you to everyone who helped make this exhibit possible.
For more information about this exhibit and exhibits in the University Libraries contact Scott Fralin, safralin@vt.edu.