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Spring break is a time when many students pack their bags, hop on planes and... continue their studies in faraway destinations. Such opportunities to study abroad are just returning to pre-pandemic levels, and—with visits to countries including Greece, Poland, Spain and beyond—�ǿմ�ý students made sure to take part.

The varying programs offered at �ǿմ�ý make study abroad an integral part of many students’ experiences. During the 2018–19 academic year, 31% of undergraduate students at the university studied abroad, compared to the national average of 16%, and these trends have continued as pandemic-related precautions ease.

The Daily caught up with a few students who traveled abroad over spring break to learn about their experiences. See what two Mandel School students had to say below!

Want to start planning your own trip abroad? Learn more about the Office of Education Abroad.

Answers have been edited for clarity and length.

Rochanne Vincent

Rochanne Vincent, a PhD student in social welfare, participated in the “Invisible Groups in a New Poland” program in Poland.

1. What is the best memory from your week abroad?

Perhaps the most memorable part of the experience was meeting several individuals from Ukraine and speaking with them about their experience of living in Poznan.

2. What was the best part of your program?

We were given the ability to understand social problems through a different lens and interact with social service organizations, policy makers and university departments. We were able to have perspective on social problems from new angles. 

3. How do you think this program helped with your overall studies at �ǿմ�ý?

This provided new insights into the delivery of social services and policy in other places beyond the U.S. Moreover, the experience allowed for interactions that broadened a framework for conceptualizing social problems in a context beyond the United States. 

4. Why would you encourage other students to participate in study abroad at �ǿմ�ý?

Not only is the experience eye-opening to be in another space surrounded by other languages and cultures but there is much to learn from the organizations we come into contact with abroad. Especially for those looking to apply their education internationally.

Michaele Reynolds

Michaele Reynolds, a student in the Master of Science in Social Administration program, participated in the “Invisible Groups in a New Poland” program.

1. What is the best memory from your week abroad? 

[I liked] getting to tour the city of Poznan, Poland, and learning about all of the work that is being done in terms of social justice and policy.

2. What was the best part of your program? 

[The best part was] being able to meet with all kinds of people. Government officials, children living in a children’s home, individuals in a substance abuse treatment center... Being able to compare our policy and programs in the U.S. with what is being done in Poland. I think the most impactful experience was getting to see how the war in the Ukraine has brought so many refugees to Poland and all the work that is being done to support the refugees. 

3. How do you think this program helped with your overall studies at �ǿմ�ý? 

This experience most definitely impacted my overall studies at �ǿմ�ý. I was able to learn about social welfare in another country. The most important thing I learned is that we are more alike than different. 

4. Why would you encourage other students to participate in study abroad at �ǿմ�ý? 

I was able to learn and experience so much. I would love to participate in another study abroad program. When I was in my undergrad I always wanted to participate in a study abroad program but was not able to do so. Being able to live out this dream was absolutely wonderful!

This story appeared in  on March 29, 2023.