A Broader Perspective

Study Abroad Students Recount Their Experiences 

Rajanie Bhudeo, who studied in Cape Town, South Africa, said she leaned about history and culture while immersing herself in nature.

ALBANY, N.Y. (April 17, 2018) — There are countless benefits that come from taking a year, semester or shorter period of time to study abroad. Learning a new language, taking in centuries of deep culture, broadening your educational and social perspective — studying abroad can be the highlight of one’s college experience.

Megan Lau, top, studied in Hong Kong, while Joshua Anthony studied in Denmark and Sweden, and Amanda Helak studies in Spain. UAlbany offers more than 100 study abroad programs. (Photos provided)

UAlbany offers over 100 study abroad programs. Many of the programs are taught in English and can count as academic credits towards almost every major. There are also many scholarships and international internships available.

Interested in studying abroad but aren’t quite sure? Here’s what four UAlbany students had to say about their experiences around the globe.

Rajanie Bhudeo (studied in South Africa)

“My favorite part about studying abroad in Cape Town was the rich history, the people, the culture and nature itself. Every day I was inspired. Being a first-generation college student, I shared this similar narrative of education being a means for success. The students there did not take their education for granted. I now get to share my experiences and perspectives with peers in my classes every day. I hope to continue traveling, earn a graduate degree related to international relations/development, and have my own nonprofit in the future.”

Megan Lau (studied in Hong Kong)

“To be in this setting and to be in classes that otherwise would not have been available to me has leveraged both my educational enrichment and my ability to exercise perspective. Also, to be studying in uncharted territory without the comfort of familiarity is, many times, to evaluate and reevaluate the things that interest you and keep you motivated. Since studying abroad, I have valued my time (and learning) in the classroom better and am less reluctant to reflect and recalibrate when needed.”

Joshua Anthony (studied in Denmark and Sweden)

“Studying Abroad allowed me to explore my education and look at different subjects I hadn't considered before. The courses I took integrated field studies into the coursework allowing us to get hands-on experience in the area we were studying. The courses were just as challenging if not more than the ones back at UAlbany and kept me right on track with my degree. Studying abroad set me on the path to pursue a degree in international education and hopefully, one day help students have a similar experience that I had.”

Amanda Helak (studied in Spain)

“Studying abroad helped me further my education by expanding my knowledge in a way that I couldn’t at my home university. It was really difficult at first, but I think the only way to really learn a language is to go to a country and practice speaking. I had never been to Europe before studying abroad, so being able to take classes that would count towards my minor while having the opportunity to travel to different countries was absolutely amazing. Studying abroad was the best decision I’ve made in college because I had the opportunity to immerse myself in a different culture, take classes that counted towards my minor, meet new people, visit countless cities, and still graduate on time. I would recommend that everyone studies abroad because it was the best experience of my life.”

Although the next study abroad fair will not be held until September 5, students can visit the Education Abroad office in the Science Library for more information. You can find out more on their website. 

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