Indiana University opens up a world of opportunities through its study abroad programs, offering students the chance to turn their summer break into an adventure that’s both fun and meaningful. These programs go beyond just seeing new places—they’re about diving into new cultures, pushing personal boundaries, and gaining skills that stick with you long after the trip is over. Whether it’s uncovering the layers of history in a foreign country, honing your craft in a field lab, or building lifelong friendships abroad, IU students come back transformed, with stories and insights that shape their future paths.
For Hang Doan, a Media Arts & Science major at IU Indianapolis, the decision to document historical cultural artifacts in Paros, Greece, as a part of a Luddy School of Informatics, Computing and Engineering program was driven by a love for shows like those of chef and travel documentarian Anthony Bourdain. “I wanted to experience that feeling for myself,” they said, referring to the immersive cultural experiences these shows depict. In Greece, Doan discovered that “the way food is prepared and enjoyed tells you a lot about the community.” The trip not only deepened their appreciation for cultural storytelling but also reinforced the importance of ethical media production, a lesson Hang plans to carry into their future career in food documentaries.
For students like Ernest Agorde, a PhD candidate in Health Communication, study abroad programs like the School of Liberal Art’s intercultural communications course offer a critical link between academics and real-world application. While in Poland, Ernest explored how cultural factors influence health behaviors, an insight crucial to his field. “Culture is a very important element of communication, especially in health contexts,” he noted. His experience visiting museums in Wroclaw, like the Aula Leopoldinum, broadened his perspective on how history and culture intersect with modern health communication strategies. The lessons he learned abroad are now integral to how he approaches his research and future public health initiatives.
Jen Johnson, a Neuroscience major at IU Bloomington, found that her study abroad program in Copenhagen not only expanded her academic horizons but also solidified her career ambitions. She was able to study in Denmark while actively pursuing her neuroscience degree. The hands-on lab experience, coupled with the camaraderie she developed with her peers, made it a summer to remember. “This trip clarified what I wanted to do with my time,” Johnson said. “The chance to collaborate with my peers, try new techniques, and hear all these ongoing developments in neuroscience—it gave me a renewed sense of my place in the field.”
Many students, like music composition and applied mathematics student Woodrow Murray from IU Bloomington, discover that studying abroad can directly enhance their academic studies while also providing life skills that transcend the classroom. In Vienna, Murray delved into the world of early 20th-century composers the Second Viennese School on an IU program, learning valuable insights – not just about music. “Even if I do not continue in music as a career, learning how to adapt to living in another country will be a helpful skill for the future,” he shared. The ability to navigate a foreign environment, coupled with his deepened understanding of music history, has equipped Murray with skills that are both academically and personally enriching.
For those pursuing studies in global and international affairs, like Caroline Bravard, IU’s study abroad programs offer a chance to engage with the world on a deeper level. Caroline’s time in Japan, as part of the Japan: Sustaining the World Peace – SDGs Focused Service-Learning in Japan program, allowed her to explore different political and social structures firsthand. “Exposure to diverse cultures and viewpoints enriched my understanding of global issues,” she said, adding that the experience complemented her double major in Global and International Studies and Political Science. Caroline’s advice to students considering study abroad? “Step out of your comfort zone, try new foods, and make an effort to speak the local language.”
IU’s study abroad programs are not just about earning credits in another country—they’re about building a well-rounded, globally aware individual ready to take on the challenges of the world. Through these programs, students gain more than just knowledge; they acquire new perspectives, lifelong friendships, and the confidence to navigate both their professional and personal lives with greater insight and understanding.
Interested in a experience abroad? Students at any Indiana University campus can apply to IU programs through Education Abroad or the Office of Study Abroad at IU Indianapolis.
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