Curious About Going Abroad?
Talk to someone who was there!
Albany International Representatives (AIRS) are returned education abroad students, who have volunteered their time to advise students and promote education abroad. These students are great sources of information what it is like to live and study in your host country as a student. You will find the AIRS at education abroad events around campus, in your dormitories, and at student orientation events.
Speak with an Air
We hope that hearing the voices of our alumni will inspire you to embark upon your own experience abroad! To be put in touch with an AIR, please contact us at studyabroad@albany.edu.
Australia
University of Notre Dame Australia
TOPStudying abroad has always been a dream of mine and I didn’t want to be one of the 9 out of 10 students that regretted not learning in a different culture. I definitely would not have gone through with the application process if it wasn’t for my mother’s persistence and desire to give me what she never had. If you are on the fence about going abroad, my best advice is to take that leap of faith and go for it, you really never know if you will ever have this opportunity again. When I was in Australia, it was undoubtedly the best 5 months of my life. The people are so nice and welcoming, the professors are qualified and helpful and I don’t think I saw one unattractive dog when I was there. The reason I chose Australia was because it was a trip of a lifetime across the world. The beaches and hikes are gorgeous, but I quickly realized that they have so much more to offer than their nature. Their laid back culture, tan people and strict pedestrian laws are three things that will stick with me forever. Studying abroad was one of the best decisions I have made in my college career and I would go back in a heartbeat to see all the friends I left behind.
Chile
ECELA Spanish Language School (Vina del Mar)
TOPThe idea of immersing yourself into a diverse culture that speaks a different language can be intimidating, but taking advantage of the opportunity can have an incredible influence on your life. I studied in Viña del Mar, Chile while working at two internships in the city. There was very little English spoken around town and in my internships, but the classes I took in Chile really prepared me for everyday life and communicating in general. My level of Spanish proficiency definitely accelerated because of the chances I took, and going out of my comfort zone. The city is a beautiful beach town that has plenty to offer. I took advantage of the diverse Chilean landscapes from surfing in the ocean one day to hiking in the Andes Mountains the next. The school offered cultural events such as cooking classes and dancing lessons. The homestay was the most beneficial part of the program for me because I lived with an incredible family that took me in, and really welcomed me into their family. The people I met and the relationships I made in Viña del Mar make me eager to return as soon as possible.
China
OTHER SUNY’s Program
TOPDuring the summer of 2019 I studied Chinese in a language intensive program in Guilin, China. I lived in Guilin for 6 weeks while attending the Chinese Language Institute (CLI) through SUNY New Paltz’s program. At first I decided to study abroad so I could take Chinese classes during the summer to lighten my class load. I was very on the fencing about going at first because I found going abroad alone for a month and a half terrifying. However, now I miss Guilin everyday and would go back in a heartbeat.
I would encourage everyone who is on the fence about going abroad to take the leap and go. Not only was I able to improve my language skill, I also made life long friends and had great fun traveling around China. At the CLI all classes are one-on-one which made the classes very flexible and personalizable. The classes were great to further my academic understanding of Chinese but being able to live in China greatly improved my colloquial knowledge of the language. Having one-on-one classes also allowed me to definitely solidify my understanding of each lesson before moving on which is not always possible with a full class at UAlbany. I will always miss Guilin and would highly encourage any student to find time and go abroad.
University at Albany / Hong Kong Baptist University Exchange Program
TOPStudying abroad has helped me a lot because it allows me to directly participate in and experience globalization. I was originally an international student from mainland China. Although Hong Kong and the mainland are a country, but they have completely different political systems. The reason why I chose to go to Hong Kong is because I want to understand the culture of Hong Kong. What is more important is to feel different teaching modes and cultural models at HONG KONG? After a whole year of exchange study, I believe that I have gained a deeper understanding of the teaching model of the universities Hong Kong and the lifestyle of Hong Kong. In my current university stage, I have deeply felt three completely different models (China, USA, Hong Kong, China). This makes my university life more colorful, and also makes me more memorable about university life.
Denmark
Aarhus University
TOPTruth be told, I was very hesitant on studying abroad. I almost didn’t send in the application and then even after that I wasn’t 100% sure on if I wanted to follow through with it. I am SO glad that I pushed myself to go. Going to Denmark was the greatest decision I have ever made. I think that the biggest factor in making me follow through with the application was how incredible and unique the experience was going to be and how I would regret not following through with it in the future.
My time abroad has helped me grow as a person in major ways. Through my time abroad I learned to become more independent, as well as just how different culture really is. I knew that not everyone lived like we do in the U.S., but experiencing it is an incredible and eye-opening experience. I enjoyed the academic as well as the social aspects of my time abroad. Being able to experience a different way of learning was pretty amazing. I had gotten so used to the way of learning in my Albany classes that being able to experience something different has opened my eyes to the many possibilities of how to learn and look at academic papers. The education system in Denmark is much more informal but, although it was very hard to get used to at first, I think that is was a very incredible experience. I wouldn’t change my experience abroad for anything and am so grateful for the opportunity to go that I got through Albany.
Study Abroad in Scandinavia (DIS Copenhagen)
TOPAfter my very first day studying abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark, I knew it was going to be a memorable and rewarding experience. I can now say that it completely exceeded my expectations. The few weeks I spent abroad added great value to my undergraduate experience and expanded the areas of study I am interested in. As a Biochemistry major on a heavy set of science based courses, studying abroad allowed me to take a refreshing course outside of my comfort zone. Now I feel deeply connected to a new culture, a new group of students, and especially to myself. I can say with confidence that my time abroad changed me as a person, making me more confident and excited about life. I would recommend to any student that is hesitant about studying abroad to absolutely do it! There is no better was to learn about a new culture than to be completely immersed in it. And there is no better way to experience personal growth than to be outside your comfort zone. I am so appreciative to UAlbany for helping my study abroad dreams come to fruition.
Germany
German Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS7)
TOPI chose to participate in a study abroad program to expand my knowledge base. I felt like I was lacking the knowledge on how to apply the theories and techniques I was learning in the classroom to real-world scenarios. This was normally down to lack of time to cover more than the theories during the semester. When I made the decision to study abroad there was a shortlist of where I would like to study and Germany was at the top. When I began my research I was introduced to the UAS7 program by one of the study-abroad advisors at UAlbany. The schools within the UAS7 program instantly grabbed my attention because they offered practical work-based classes for things I’d only been learning about in theory at UAlbany. Out of the seven universities within the program, Hamburg was the one that catered to my field of study best.
Overall my time in Hamburg taught me to expect the unexpected, and how to cope with problems when I didn’t have a direct support system. Beyond getting the flu my first week, I had to go through the traumatizing experience of my fiance getting into a car wreck while I was in Germany. It shook me to the core because, for the first time in years, I wasn’t able to be there for him. It actually had me second-guessing my entire trip to Hamburg for several days. One of my flatmates was a complete angel though and sat with me while I waited for news. It was a harrowing experience but I do feel that I walked away stronger for it. It was a lesson in patience and not always being in control that I had never experienced before. These are lessons and skills that you can’t learn without going out of your comfort zone. I can’ recommend going abroad enough if only because the experience will teach you how to handle different life experiences then you may be used to.
Ireland
University of Galway
TOPI left my time abroad with great memories, friends across the Atlantic Ocean, and a newfound confidence in myself. This momentous life experience gave me an immersive cultural experience that cannot be compared to tourism. Through the immersion came inevitable adaptation to the new environment, which helped me to become more confident in unfamiliar spaces here at home. In a room full of people, I no longer feel uncomfortable being the first one to start a conversation or speak to new people. Becoming enriched in a foreign culture firsthand opened my mind to various customs that I would not have seen in America. Seeing these differences reminded me that each country has their own separate pasts, beliefs, and values that should not be undermined simply because they do not match my own.
Studying abroad in Galway, Ireland exposed me to a new form of education that vastly differed from America’s teaching system. Attending a European college allowed me see how student life differs based on class times and sizes, amount of work assigned, and courses that are offered. As a History major, studying abroad was extremely beneficial as I was able to learn history outside of the American perspective. Being opened up to Irish history and having a closer look at European history gave me a wealth of information that I most likely would not learn here in America.
My favorite activity to do abroad was walk in the town center, Eyre Square. Being in the Square was always a surreal experience, no matter how many times I went back each week. It was a small piece of everyday activity for native Galway people, but for me it was a lens into their lives. It was first an unfamiliar place, but it began to feel more like home as I went back each week with my newfound Irish friends and as I became increasingly immersed into the culture of Galway, Ireland.
University of Galway (Summer)
TOPI had always wanted to study abroad, ever since high school when I was looking at colleges, the school I picked had to have a study abroad program. When I picked my study abroad program, I chose Ireland because I had been there before. I liked the country immensely and wanted to go back. Studying abroad there was a fantastic opportunity that I would regret not taking, so I selected Achill Field School and was the second person from U Albany to attend. Because I chose an archaeological field school, it allowed me to learn invaluable skills in archaeology which, regardless of which sub-section of archaeology I choose to pursue, I will have those skills to use toward any research I take part in. I also learned about different world perspectives and ideas from meeting people from different cultures.
The group at the field school was small, all girls, mostly from the United States and a few from other countries. None of us were from the same university, so it allowed us to compare and contrast different regional ideas and policies. We were led by our field director who conducted our lectures, field trips, and managed us on site. He was very helpful and knowledgeable on the topics and made sure we learned the material. I enjoyed traveling during our field trips, my favorite was the day when we went to some local castles and ruins. I also enjoyed my weekend trip to Galway; however, there were so many experience it’s difficult to rank them all. Ireland is beautiful, although it rained a great deal, the landscape is beautiful. The rural environment on Achill Island is great to get away from the hecticness of city life. If someone asked me why they should study abroad, I would tell them to go because it provides a deeper world perspective, allows you to see the world, and try new things.
Italy
Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
TOPThe final push on following through with my application has to be when I naturalized to become an American citizen. Knowing that I could finally explore Europe without having an visa barriers is what I needed to be able to begin my adventures abroad. Through aperitivos I got to meet my travel buddies for a lifetime, receiving countless opportunities to get lost in the many piazzas Italy has to offer. I got to try new things that I have only ever dream of doing, such as learning how to crank out pasta from scratch and riding in a gondala in the canals of Venice. Through the Erasmus Student Network and Cattolica I was able to go on various trips to other cities such as Verona and Turin, as well as tours throughout Milan to get a better understanding of Italian culture.
OTHER SUNY’s Program
TOPI always knew I wanted to study abroad, especially after hosting several exchange students in high school. I looked thorough the SUNY programs and decided to spend a semester in Florence, Italy, because I wanted to learn Italian and I had never been before. During my time abroad, I spent hours walking around Florence, meeting new people, and traveling. I learned how to navigate the city and fell in love with Italian culture. Study abroad opened me up to new places, people, and opportunities that have changed my life. To anyone who is considering study abroad, just do it! You won’t regret it.
Japan
Kwansei Gakuin University
TOPI chose to study abroad in Japan because I really love the Japanese Culture. I chose to study abroad because I believe that there’s a world out there that we don’t know. I wanted to know how life is like as a college student outside of the United States. This program really changed the way I look at things now. I am more open about different peoples’ culture and background than I was before. Once I became a outsider in Japan, I realized how difficult it is to adapt to new environment. It’s because of this that I would want people to study abroad. It’s also a chance to explore a country, do things out of your comfort zone, and experience an education life internationally.
My favorite activity while studying abroad was actually wearing a kimono because I was having a hands on experience with the culture, which is something that I can’t normally do. Most of my favorites experiences in Japan have been the ones where I was a part of the culture. To someone who is on the fence of studying abroad like I was, you can always explore the world, but there are barely any opportunities to be a college student in another country.
Tohoku University
TOPI decided to study abroad in Japan because one day I aspire to become a translator. Not only that but my grandmother was born in Japan and I wanted to connect with those roots. Studying abroad was probably the best thing I’ve ever done. I’ve learned so much about myself and I’ve grown as a person. I got to interact with so many other cultures, not just Japanese culture, and I learned how to better communicate with those of differing backgrounds. I’ve become more independent and I’ve learned how to face difficulties head on. If you’re on the fence about studying abroad, I think it’s best to ask yourself, “If I don’t do this, will I regret it?” If that answer is yes you will then, you should just do it!
Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS)
TOPMy time studying abroad was absolutely amazing. My goals before I went to Japan was to make many friends, see parts of Japan that were very famous and not famous at all, practice Japanese, and try new things. While I was there, I was able to try the most amazing food in my life, many of which I’d never had before, and I was able to experience living in a ginormous city and practice my Japanese everywhere I went. Right away I was able to make friends from all over the world as most international students lived in the same dorm, and I joined the ultimate frisbee club. Joining the frisbee club allowed me to go to areas of Japan that not common, it also gave me a great way to practice my Japanese both with my team and the other schools.
My experience abroad, has helped me prepare for the future, because I was able to further my interest in Japanese studies, and language. I think it allowed me to find a confidence to talk to people, and or put myself in a situation that I know I will need to speak Japanese to get around. I also did a lot of navigating through the biggest city in the world, sometimes with no WIFI, and no way of asking for help in English. Theses reasons I think are important, as it was very easy to get away with only speaking English in Japan or avoid areas that don’t have English presence. I know many people who barely practiced Japanese out of class or studying. I was also able to pick up good direction skills, or I wouldn’t have been able to get around sometimes.
The people I met and the new culture I got to experience all around is my number one reason to go abroad. I think it’s very important for people to experience somewhere different than the United States. It adds to character and allows for more put together interactions to new cultures, and or people in the future. Truly, new people and new friends came out of places that I didn’t think would ever happen in my life.
My last reason I would suggest going abroad is a new way of being taught at college. I thought the classes were fun, and well taught; the teachers also brought a lot of life into the class, as well as the students. It was really awesome as each student was from somewhere I had never been in the world, and we would eventually go on to describe where we were from in Japanese. Also, every student had to know English, so we were able to speak a lot after class. Overall every aspect of my study abroad was great both in and out of the classroom, and in and out of campus!
Morocco
SUNY Community College or Technology College Program
TOPDuring my time in community college and at the University at Albany, I have participated in several programs abroad. My initial program was a summer semester in Paris where I learned about French Grammar and Global Society. I then visited central America to participate in a service-learning program in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. 2018 brought me to Israel, where I learned about all aspects of Israeli culture, government, and military in a summer excursion. Finally, in Morocco, I took courses relating to language, globalization, and North African studies.
Foreign exposure introduces us to new thoughts, ideas, beliefs, and interests. As students, we must value the exposure to new cultures and societies and seek different experiences to shape our overall perspective. I think my biggest takeaway is self-advocacy and privilege. Studying abroad has opened my eyes to new horizons, allowing me to look at the world differently. One of my favorite moments was visiting the Sahara Desert. It was a place that I grew up hearing about. I saw numerous pictures but I never imagined I would be able to see the desert in person. It was astonishing to be standing in a deserted, dry, wasteland; yet simultaneously it was peaceful and stunning. After spending a significant amount of time in a new place, you grow to appreciate the deep history and culture.
South Africa
University of Cape Town
TOPMy two times abroad have shaped my college experience because they ultimately changed the path I wanted to take once I graduated. Prior to studying abroad my sophomore year I had figured that I would land a job in the journalism field and that would be my lifelong career. Once I went to Cape Town, South Africa and taught middle school English, everything began to make more sense and I realized that education was my real calling. Upon returning to UAlbany, I got more involved in organizations that fit my new goal of education and I started thinking about my post-grad options differently.
South Africa had such an amazing effect on me that I went on to study abroad again, this time in San Ignacio, Belize on the Cross-Cultural Exploration of Teaching and Learning program. This program really solidified my niche in teaching due to it being a rigorous two-week experience that was solely catered to building educational content and relationships with the Belizean learners. Due to those study abroad programs, I landed a summer teaching job in Troy, NY and a post-grad job offer even before I’ve graduated. My experiences abroad allowed me to take my own unique route in undergrad. While I’m not an Education major, and I still remain in the Journalism program, I was able to do the profession I love by engaging in study abroad.
United Kingdom
Regent’s University London
TOPI had an amazing time while during my semester abroad at Regents University in London. Not only did I enjoy being in a wonderful school in one of the best cities in the world, but I also enjoyed the classes I took. I would say that my favorite activity while abroad was being able to visit many of the different cities in Europe; which I was able to do because of my proximity. While studying in London I visited Paris, Barcelona and Milan, as well as other parts of England such as Stonehenge, all of which were experiences I will always cherish in my memory. While in London, I opted to take acting classes in addition to the classes pertaining to my major of political science. I would never have taken acting classes while at Albany. but when I was in London I decided to give it a shot and I am very glad I did. I enjoyed being able to express myself in the acting classes without the stress of normal classes. To those students who have still not made up their mind about a semester abroad I would say that they should give it a shot. I don’t think I’ll get another opportunity to have such a great time while still young, so you should take the chance to go. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.