O’Neill student Bianca Foronda reflected on her experience during the Bavaria + Lombardia program last summer in this Q&A.

Q: What attracted you to the Bavaria summer program?

FORONDA: I was attracted to the Bavaria summer program because of the duality of the entire program. I loved the fact that we would be experiencing two different countries being Germany and Italy. I had visited both countries before, but never visited those exact towns in the country. I would have never thought about visiting those parts until I was thinking about this program either. I ended up completely falling in love with every part of the countries we visited. I also loved the fact that the students participating in the program weren’t just students coming from IU, but German students, and Italian students all together. No other program that I was looking into had any other collaboration like this except this one. I believe that is what led me to end up choosing this specific program, and I am so glad I did! I made life-long friendships with people all over the world that I would have otherwise never been able to make.

Q: What advice would you give students who are hesitant about studying abroad?

FORONDA: The number one piece of advice I would give to any student hesitant about studying abroad is to just go for it! The idea about going to a completely different country alone may be daunting, but this program, the people, and layout made me feel so safe with every step of the way. I would make sure you have done some research about the country you’re visiting too. Look into the time of year you’ll be visiting (for weather purposes), customs of their people, dietary options, costs of the programs, what is included/not, etc… Research alone can make you feel at ease when thinking about traveling to a new place. I would also advise you to choose something out of your comfort zone. I know that is out of the normal advice given but you truly never know unless you try, and you can never grow unless you are challenging yourself. What better way to do that than stepping out of that zone, submerging yourself in a different culture, and making those connections to some amazing people you probably would have never come across without the help of the program!

Q: How has studying abroad benefitted you personally?

FORONDA: Studying abroad had an impact in almost every aspect of my life. It benefited in the connections I made, sites I was able to experience, the friendships I made, and more. I have gotten closer to the friends I made abroad extending past just undergrad. I have also been able to pull those personal experiences made on the trip to real-world scenarios, in-class discussions, and to even reflect on my resume. It has allowed me to gain a broader perspective in the day-to-day lives of people from different parts of the world as well. I’ll always cherish the memories I made while abroad. Whether that be with the students, faculty, and the parts of the world I would have never stepped foot in otherwise.

Q: What is your favorite memory, story, or experience while studying abroad in Bavaria?

FORONDA: I made so many lasting memories over the course of the program, but I think my favorite memory of the entire program would have to be the last day… ironically. On the last day of the program, we had our final presentations, had our farewell dinner, and celebrated our last night out together. We had been working on our presentations the whole duration of the program and to finally see them come about was so fun and fulfilling. Not only seeing your group’s hard work pay off, but also getting to see all the other presentations was fun! During our break between presentations, we went out to eat at one of the best pizza spots in Bergamo, Italy. After all the presentations wrapped up, we had our awards ceremony, and we all met out for our farewell dinner which was in the heart of that area. We all spent time recalling our favorite times together, laughing, and eating a 5-course meal that was so amazing. After the dinner we all spent time together cherishing the times we had with the international students before returning home. Although it was sad to say goodbye, I had such a fun time wrapping things up and really soaking in the moments together!

O’Neill student Charity Mawi reflected on her enriching study abroad experience in Barbados last summer.

What attracted you to the Barbados summer program?

MAWI: What drew me to the Barbados summer program was the course content and the beautiful island. I was intrigued by the Global HRM course description and wanted to learn more about it.

What advice would you give students who are hesitant about studying abroad?

MAWI: I want to advise students who are hesitant about studying abroad: just do it because you never know what you are capable of until you try it by yourself. There are also various scholarships available to assist you financially. Studying abroad will open doors for new experiences and a great networking opportunity.

How has studying abroad benefitted you as a person?

What benefitted me the most is that it broadened my HR knowledge because it allowed me to develop a wide range of HR expertise with a global perspective. It boosted and developed my confidence, expanded my networks, and encountered various learning concepts.

What is your favorite memory, story, or experience while studying abroad in Barbados?

MAWI: I have so many memories that it’s challenging to pick a favorite. As a group, we did so many activities and explored together. So, if I had to choose one, it would be a group activity in which we spent the day together on a 5-hour catamaran cruise across Barbados’ west coast. The group had the opportunity to swim with sea turtles in the warm Caribbean waters. It was a worthwhile experience, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I am incredibly grateful to Professor Dan, who arranged for us to go on a tour (sightseeing) around the island, which was a unique experience. Along with learning about new cultures, I had the privilege of exploring the beautiful islands. The experiences I had being there will and forever remain one of the most memorable times and experiences I’ve had in my life.

What is a fun fact about yourself?

MAWI: One fun fact about me is that I am introverted until you get to know me. I enjoy exploring new places and I love photography and taking pictures. Additional fun fact is that I have been wanting to learn how to swim.

O’Neill student Rachel Van Voorhis spent last summer in beautiful South Africa on one of O’Neill’s summer abroad programs. She shared her experiences with us, including her favorite parts of her weeks in the country.

What attracted you to the South Africa summer program?

VAN VOORHIS: I was attracted to the South Africa program because I have always been interested in the natural world but have never been exposed to environmental management principles or techniques outside of the U.S. I felt that this program would be beneficial for me to diversify my own perspectives regarding ecology and connect with individuals outside of my own culture about common interests.

What advice would you give students who are hesitant about studying abroad?

VAN VOORHIS: Hesitant students should know that studying abroad adds incredible value to your academic, professional, and personal life. You are given the freedom to explore your interests in the real world, learn from people with wildly different experiences, and come back with a unique story that sets you apart from others. You also get an opportunity to push your own boundaries and try new foods and activities that are only possible through going abroad.

How has studying abroad benefitted you as a person?

VAN VOORHIS: Studying in South Africa broadened my worldview and made me a more culturally aware individual. Throughout the trip, many of my personal views and expectations were tested and caused me to reevaluate my own beliefs. I feel like I can navigate complex issues with more grace and be more introspective in my conversations with others.

What is your favorite memory, story, or experience while studying abroad in South Africa?

VAN VOORHIS: My favorite memory from South Africa was staying in the River Cottages along the Crocodile River. In the mornings we could watch the sunrise and the different animals that would visit the river. On back-to-back days we saw wild dogs and a leopard chasing impala on the bank. We also shared meals together every day and were welcomed to our in-country professors’ homes where they cooked a traditional meal for us and made the group feel very integrated in the program.

What is a fun fact about yourself?

VAN VOORHIS: A fun fact about myself is that my dad is a pilot, which made me more interested in exploring other countries and cultures.

O’Neill student Jane Wright reflected with us on her experience during the Ireland study abroad program last summer.

What attracted you to the Ireland summer program?

WRIGHT: I was especially excited about the Ireland summer program because even though it is a short-term trip, the program involves going to multiple cities and two countries– Ireland and Northern Ireland (the U.K). This was awesome for learning about cultures not only different from the U.S. but for examining cross-cultural dynamics and understanding the nuances of different national identities. This was a core aspect of the course topic of Cross-Cultural Conflict and Dispute Resolution, which I found incredibly fascinating to learn about in the context of The Troubles. I am also part Irish, so I was simply excited to experience the culture!

What advice would you give students who are hesitant about studying abroad?

WRIGHT: It’s totally normal to feel nervous about doing something new like studying abroad, but you will feel especially rewarded because of that! I felt hesitant up to the day I left for Ireland, but part of what I got out of the program was a newfound sense of confidence that comes with doing something intimidating. Also, know that there are O’Neill students who would be happy to talk to you about their study abroad experience and the O’Neill International office can help you with the overwhelming parts like creating your application and the logistics of traveling in a new place!

How has studying abroad benefitted you as a person?

WRIGHT: Studying abroad allowed me to travel outside of the U.S. for the first time and what I gained were unforgettable experiences and friends for life! The experience also helped me academically and professionally, as I was challenged to think about concepts beyond the classroom and beyond the U.S. in a way that helped me improve my critical thinking and problem-solving skills and even focus my academic interests.

What is your favorite memory, story, or experience while studying abroad in Ireland?

WRIGHT: It is impossible for me to name just one favorite! Highlights include hiking to the top of the Sugarloaf mountain, learning Gaelic sports and competing with my classmates, taking pictures with my friends at the Cliffs, having afternoon tea service with the class, running into an actress from Derry Girls in Derry, exploring Derry and Belfast with my roommate each day after class, and every opportunity we had to hear from local experts and connect with people who were excited to share their culture and experiences with us. Every day was so exciting and memorable!

What is a fun fact about yourself?

WRIGHT: I love to learn different dance styles, and my favorite type is swing dancing! I have been swing dancing for almost four years.

Professor Mark Norrell shared the benefits he sees by studying abroad in Vietnam. O’Neill’s programs study healthcare in the country, and include stays in Hanoi, Mai Chau, Tam Coc, and Hue.

What makes the Vietnam summer program special?

NORELL: The Vietnam program is O’Neill’s only overseas experience that focuses exclusively on healthcare policy as its central theme. We arranged classroom sessions to be led by Vietnamese healthcare universities, government healthcare officials, nonprofit organizations and private healthcaredevelopment agencies who are addressing their country’s healthcare challenges. Although Vietnam is considered an economically developing nation, many of Vietnam’s healthcare delivery challenges are comparable to our own healthcare delivery problems in the United States. Faculty of the Traditional Medicine Department, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Vietnam was selected because it offers students a remarkably different living experience compared to traditional overseas study locations in Europe. The Vietnamese people are known for their openness and friendliness, often engaging with Americans in public. Vietnam only recently “opened” to foreigners. Thus, young Vietnamese citizens often approach us on the streets and in restaurants, hoping to practice their English and make friends with Americans.

Vietnam is particularly special because it is considered the top foodie destination in the world. The late Anthony Bourdain, celebrity chef, author, and travel documentarian, cited Vietnam as the top country for unbelievably delicious (and inexpensive) street food. Your sense of culinary adventure will be rewarded. Don’t tell the Dean’s Office, but my love of Vietnamese food was my “secret” reason for starting this program!

Lastly, the Vietnam summer program will award two outstanding participants an opportunity to remain in Vietnam to complete their six-week O’Neill internship. KPMG, an international consulting group with offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, has committed to take on two O’Neill students as summer interns after our scheduled program ends.

Why should students study abroad?

NORELL: Life moves fast. As a college student, you may be anxious to graduate and begin your professional career, gaining personal and financial freedom. While it’s true you will soon have greater personal and financial freedom, the reality is that aspiring young professionals will soon find themselves overcome by the demands of their new professional titles, with zero time to carve out for exploring the world. And before you know it, you’ve got a mortgage and a growing family that requires your full attention. Of course, it’s wonderful to experience and appreciate other cultures at any stage of your life… but consider that now is the perfect time.

What types of students should apply to study abroad in Vietnam

NORELL: Ideally, this program is targeted to students majoring in Healthcare Management and Policy at O’Neill. But I would encourage O’Neill students in other public affairs majors, with an interest in working in the healthcare sector, to consider applying for the program.

What is your favorite part of running international programs?

NORELL: This summer’s Vietnam program will be the first time offered. I’m optimistic about the program… but check back with me afterward for my assessment. Right now, I look forward to hosting our pre-trip orientation sessions, where we will discuss travel considerations, like navigating Vietnamese street traffic, food recommendations and important cultural norms.

What is one fun fact about yourself?

NORELL: Growing up on Siesta Key, on the Florida Gulf Coast, I was out on the water with my friends every day – skiing, fishing, beaching, snorkeling, diving, and sailing. Of course, seafood was a big part of our lives. We’d get a big gunny sack of oysters and open and eat them on our dock. We’d just toss the shells into the canal. In eleventh grade, my buddies entered me into an oyster eating contest at Walt’s Fish Market in Sarasota. Out of 50 entrants from all over the country, I came in third place, having eaten 26 dozen oysters. The winner was a guy named Vernon Bass, who doubled up on everyone else, eating 49 dozen oysters in 17 minutes. Vernon Bass is still the official Guinness Book of World Records holder for the accomplishment. After the oyster-eating contest, my buddies and I went to Dairy Queen, where I downed a banana split.

O’Neill student Keeton Gibson reflected on her experience during the Athens program last summer.

What attracted you to the Athens summer program?

GIBSON: I was attracted to the Athens summer program because I’ve always wanted to visit Greece. Greece is one of those countries you grow up learning about due to their importance in ancient history, so it felt like I had known about it forever. Combine my desire to visit with the fact that the program is run by the Civic Leaders Center and I was hooked. I love the CLC, it made Indiana University feel like home to me, so knowing I was going to be surrounded by fellow Civics and CLC staff gave me the final push to apply and I’m so happy I did.

What advice would you give students who are hesitant about studying abroad?

GIBSON: I would say that I get it. Before this trip I had never been away from my family for more than two and a half weeks (I used going home as a crutch my entire freshman year) let alone that far away. But, you have to think about the experience you are going to get from it. I made some of my closest friends on my study abroad and we were so busy exploring that I barely felt the three weeks go by. I know that it can be stressful to go that far away for that long, but I can promise you that it’s worth it.

How has studying abroad benefitted you as a person?

GIBSON: Studying abroad has benefitted me in a number of ways. First of all, I am much more understanding of people who are dealing with language barriers. While a lot of people in Greece speak English, they do not necessarily speak it or understand it well. You have to learn to be patient and be very descriptive about what you want. Additionally, studying abroad proved to me that I can be away from family for longer than I thought. Lastly, I learned that sometimes the best things in your life happen by getting outside your comfort zone. When we first got to Greece I felt very out of my element, but eventually that feeling eased and I got to have the best three weeks of my life.

What is your favorite memory, story, or experience while studying abroad in Athens?

GIBSON: My favorite memory of my stay in Athens was when my friend group (and roommates) decided to host the study abroad staff (including our TA, CLC Director and Associate Director) for dinner. We spent our entire free afternoon cleaning the apartment and preparing dinner before inviting them over to eat. We managed to fit all of us out on the deck for the dinner and got to sit outside and chat for an hour or two while we ate. It was a really great experience to get to hang out with not only my friends but our staff as well and it was an awesome way to say thank you to them for helping put on the trip.

What is a fun fact about yourself?

GIBSON: I love to crochet. I only started this past summer after returning from my study abroad program, but I absolutely love it. It’s so much fun to get to create everything from decorative pumpkins to bookmarks.

O’Neill student Derek Schapiro reflected with us on his experience during the Denmark program last summer.

What attracted you to the Denmark summer program?

SCHAPIRO: This was my first course learning about the nonprofit sector; therefore, what attracted me to the program was the ability to learn how nonprofit organizations operate in other countries and understand different perspectives about the logistics in what goes behind running a nonprofit organization. Thus, it was really interesting learning about the variety of nonprofit organizations and how they operate in Denmark. Now that I’m taking more courses involving the nonprofit sector, I have a better understanding of how nonprofits work, the problems they face, and how efficiency is measured in the US compared to other countries like Denmark. Beyond that, it was interesting to see how nonprofits are dealing with various global issues such as climate change, domestic violence, education and healthcare, socioeconomic disparities and what ideas and programs they are implementing to address these issues.

What advice would you give students who are hesitant about studying abroad?

SCHAPIRO: I would recommend just trying it. My entire family has remained in the Chicagoland area and never traveled outside of the U.S. Hence, I was extremely nervous traveling for the first time when I was 22. I was also nervous about studying abroad because I knew no one due to taking my courses online. I know it can be intimidating and scary since you might be embarking on this by yourself, but it will work out. There might be some bad days, but it was completely worth it based on the people I have met, amazing stories I can now tell, and the food blew my mind. For me, I was worried about the financial aspect because I do not make a lot of money; however, by taking the time to complete scholarships, I was able to make my study abroad program affordable and was able to travel to countries near Denmark like Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Italy. Hence, if you could, I would absolutely recommend studying abroad.

How has studying abroad benefitted you as a person?

SCHAPIRO: Studying abroad helped me gain skills that I have been able to apply in my career and course work. For example, I am a very introverted and soft-spoken person. Study abroad forced me to push myself outside of my comfort zone and gave me more confidence to travel to several countries by myself. In addition, you make amazing connections that can benefit you in many ways. I ended up receiving my current job because I became friends with someone from my program and they recommended me for a job position. It also broadens your ability to be empathic, adaptable, and communicate using direct and indirect forms of communication.

What is your favorite memory, story, or experience while studying abroad in Denmark?

SCHAPIRO: One day, our class went to a museum where we saw artwork by artists like Picasso and Monet. Afterwards, the majority of the group went to an international food market. Then, we played board games and went dancing. By going out, we found out that one girl in our group was a professional ballerina and watched as another member of our group locked herself out of her room. It took 8 people to figure out how to open this one door which was hilarious to watch.

What is a fun fact about yourself?

SCHAPIRO: I have a Paraguayan dog that I got when I was in the Peace Corps. She knows commands in three languages (English, Spanish, and Guarani).