What Does it Mean to be a Gilman Scholar?

    Studying Abroad, what a wonderful thing! You get to live this whole new life, in a new country, with new people. It’s a chance to put your life on pause and live out the dreams you’ve always had, or reinvent yourself to the person you’ve wanted to be. But this all sounds too good to be true right? Something only a rich person with unlimited money can do? False! 

    As a student who relies on FAFSA and other financial aid to pay for college, I did not think Studying Abroad would be an obtainable option for me. Let alone extending my semester into a semester and summer program in two different countries! What allowed me to do this extension was the Gilman Scholarship, it managed to pay the entire expenses of my summer study abroad program, including the flight. 

    What is the Gilman Scholarship? This scholarship is designated to undergraduate students who are receiving the Federal Pell grant (through FAFSA) at the time of their application. The student must be a U.S. Citizen or National, and the study abroad program chosen must be in an approved country, but don’t worry the list has almost 200 countries/territories that have been approved! 

    What’s the Gilman Scholarship’s purpose? According to the Gilman website, “A principal objective of the Gilman Scholarship Program is to expand international education opportunities by encouraging applications from students who have not previously studied abroad for undergraduate academic credit”. This is truly a great chance to get out and see the world without the stress of finding the funds to do it. There are normally two opportunities to apply each year, once in March and once in October. The scholarship is worth up to $5,000 which can often cover all or the majority of a summer program, or be a great start to funding a semester-long program! 

    So let me tell you about my trip! I got to go to the lovely city of Stockholm, Sweden and take part in the DIS program. With this program, I was able to take one of many unique courses, mine being Medical Diagnostics. This is a type of course I would not have expected to take until medical school. During the course, we were taken on two field trips, one to their big Hospital in Stockholm and another to a Mammogram center. This gave me and all the other students interested in medicine a new perspective to a healthcare system so different to our own here in the United States. Aside from such a great educational experience, I also had a great time with the new friends I made. In my session, I was the only Arkansas student (that I was aware of) which meant I would get to make all new friends all by myself! Intimidating at first, but easy once I got started. Six months later, I am still in regular contact with my roommate and our neighbor we became close friends with as well as a sweet friend of mine from the course I took. During our three weeks, we managed to travel all over Stockholm to all the big spots and hidden treasures. We also planned our own little trip to Oslo, Norway for a long weekend (another beautiful place I highly recommend). 

    As of now, I am back home at the U of A where I work at the Study Abroad Office. I get so excited when I get to talk to students about my experience and all the opportunities you have to fund your trip and make it happen. Being a Gilman Scholar will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will continue to advocate that every person eligible apply.

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About the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program
"The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is a grant program that enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, thereby gaining skills critical to our national security and economic competitiveness. 

The Gilman Scholarship Program is open to U.S. citizen undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university to participate in study and intern abroad programs worldwide."

Packing Your First-Gen Suitcase

Blog post courtesy of USAC

What You Should Know About Studying Abroad as a First-Generation Student

Choosing to study abroad as an underrepresented student may bring up concerns about what your experience will be like. As a first-generation college student, you may be experiencing a lack of resources, such as financial or interpersonal support, that other students have access to. The same is likely true for study abroad. But that’s okay! USAC is here to help you navigate the world of international education and support you as you learn more about studying abroad.

The Resident Director for USAC England, Dr. Jeremy Doughty, was a first-generation college graduate and study abroad-goer like yourself. In a recent Info Session, Jeremy shared his experiences moving away to college, choosing to study abroad and expanding his career in international education abroad after graduation. Jeremy also shared his best tips for taking the leap to study abroad as a first-gen student.

The first tip he gives you? Understand that you will have to pack your study abroad suitcase a bit differently than other students. Your metaphorical suitcase, of course.

What does this mean?

Here are Jeremy’s steps for planning your study abroad:

1. Start learning about the programs and process early.
2. Communicate regularly with trusted advisors.
3. Learn more about your study abroad destination.
4. Inform others about your study abroad experience (especially your family).
5. Explore what type of support you’ll have

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You can start planning your adventure abroad today! Dive in to our Explore page at https://studyabroad.uark.edu/explore/index.php, and start your program search at http://studyabroad.uark.edu/search/.

Study Abroad Fair to Help Students Identify International Opportunities

The Office of Study Abroad and International Exchange is hosting its annual Study Abroad Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 14. Students can register today to gain access to the fair.

The event will be hosted virtually, so students can conveniently learn about study abroad from the comfort of home. Fair attendees may explore the Study Abroad Info Session Library, then jump into sessions hosted by U of A faculty, the U of A Rome Center, Study Abroad Advisors and U of A program partners across the globe.

"With hundreds of programs to choose from, there really is a program for every student," said Sarah Malloy, director of Study Abroad and International Exchange.

U of A Study Abroad Programs take students to Italy, Spain, Tanzania, Belize, Thailand and many more exciting locations. Study abroad provides access to international internships, service learning and research, and allows U of A students the opportunity take a variety of courses that may help them meet degree requirements. From international business to public health, agriculture, art history, languages, sport sciences, criminology, psychology, architecture and so much more. Students who earn academic credit while abroad have access to scholarships and program discounts that help reduce the cost of participation.

Gilman Scholarship Applications Open for January, Spring, Summer, Fall & Year 2022 Programs!

Applications are OPEN for the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program!

The Gilman Scholarship Program broadens the student population that studies and interns abroad by supporting undergraduates who might not otherwise participate due to financial constraints. The program aims to encourage students to study and intern in a diverse array of countries or areas and world regions. The program also encourages students to study languages, especially critical need languages (those deemed important to national security). Veterans of military service are encouraged to apply, and preference is given to veterans when other factors are equivalent. By supporting undergraduate students who have high financial need, the program has been successful in supporting students who have been historically underrepresented in education abroad, including but not limited to first-generation college students, ethnic minority students, students with disabilities, students attending HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) or other minority-serving institutions, students attending community colleges, and students coming from U.S. states with less study abroad participation.

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program Eligibility Requirements

Students applying for any academic term (Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer, or January/May/August Intersessions) must be:

• a United States citizen
• enrolled as an undergraduate student in good standing at a two or four-year U.S. Institution
• receive a Federal Pell Grant at the time of application or during the term of study or internship abroad program
• in the process of applying to, or accepted to, a credit-bearing study or internship abroad program, or a virtual international program. Virtual programs and internships will be eligible until Summer 2022.
• Applying for credit-bearing study abroad programs in a country or area with an overall Travel Advisor Level 1 or 2, according to the U.S. Department of State’s Travel Advisory System

Gilman Application Deadline: October 5th @ 11:59pm PT, for programs that start between December 1, 2021 and October 31, 2022. This includes Study Abroad program terms: January Intersession 2022, Spring 2022, May Intersession 2022, Summer 2022, August Intersession 2022, Fall 2022, and Academic Year 2022-2023.

With the October 5th deadline a little over 3 weeks away, now is the perfect time to start a Gilman or Gilman-McCain application for a January or Spring 2022, Summer 2022, Fall or Year 2022 program, and the Office of Study Abroad is here to help!

How to continue to receive study abroad & scholarship support before the application deadline:

• Attend a Gilman Application Workshop Presentation, Mondays @ 3:30-5 & Thursdays @ 10:30-12 on Zoom. Drop in for more information and extra pointers on how to write your Gilman application essays! Join us on Zoom:
• Monday 9/13, Monday 9/20, Monday 9/27, Monday 10/4 @ 3:30-5pm. Register for a Monday session: https://uark.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwuce2sqj0iHNfjmrLnGoea1YBBNDCLQsij
• Thursday 9/16, Thursday 9/23, Thursday 9/30 @ 10:30am-12pm. Register for a Thursday session: https://uark.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAvd-qhqD0oGNeYuyeRkTaUcwtnCKNyrQea
• Schedule a 1-on-1 meeting with your Study Abroad Advisor: https://uark.sharepoint.com/teams/StudyAbroad/SitePages/Choose%20your%20college.aspx
• Virtual Office Hours for 1-on-1 advising, Wednesdays from 1-4:30pm. Drop-in if you need additional help selecting a study abroad program or want an advisor to review your Gilman application essays. Use this Blackboard link to join: https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/b534467826c94a54b96d2c1aab11f122

Don’t forget to poke around the Study Abroad website! The Explore page is particularly helpful, there is a search feature, and more scholarship opportunities!

We look forward to helping you go abroad!

5 Tips For Managing Your Academics During Study Abroad

Blog post courtesy of USAC

When you think “study abroad,” what comes to mind? Traveling to exciting destinations? Indulging in local cuisine? Making friends with local and international students? Those are all critical parts of a well-rounded study abroad experience, but did you think about academics? That’s right — school.

Here at USAC, we pride ourselves on providing academically rigorous study abroad programs that are designed to help students advance in their academic and professional careers. Yes, the weekend travel is fun, but it’s called study abroad for a reason, so your studies should still be at the top of your priorities. Not sure how you can balance your coursework with everything else? Fortunately, we know what it takes to be a successful study abroad student. Keep reading for our best tips.

A professor takes his students outside for a lesson in environmental geology.
Photo was taken before COVID-19.

Form A Relationship With Your Professors

One of the best ways to set yourself up for academic success is to get to know your professors on a deeper level. Make a point in your first few weeks of class to stop by office hours or stay after class to chat with each of your professors one-on-one. Not only will this show them that you’re a dedicated student, but they’ll be able to understand your goals as a student and what you need to succeed.

You’ll also grow more comfortable with them, making it easier to reach out for help if you ever need it. Additionally, forming a bond with your professors can help make the class more engaging for you, as you’re more likely to listen to and absorb the lessons of somebody you actually know.

Students gather around a computer during a co-working session.
Photo was taken before COVID-19.

Use A Planner To Track Assignments

The first thing you probably did when you enrolled in your program was map out all of the places you want to visit, right? Well, it’s important to make sure you manage your time wisely so that your schoolwork fits into that bucket list. Use a planner (digital or pen to paper — whichever you prefer) to keep track of all your assignments for the semester. Write down every class period, test, project, and homework assignment, and even block out designated study times for each class throughout the week to make sure you have time to get it all done.

Also, plan your travel wisely. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time (at least 24-hours) between that train ride and your first class on Monday. Trust us, there’s nothing worse than scrambling to write your paper in an airport on your layover the same morning it’s due.

Students study at a local cafe. Photo was taken before COVID-19.

Know Your Preferred Study Methods

One very important aspect of being a successful student is understanding how you best learn and what study methods work best for you. Do you work best memorizing from flashcards? Or is listening to a recording of your lecture easier for you to process? This might require some trial and error, but find what works best for you and stick to it. It helps if you can find students in your class who like to study the same way you do. Ask around and form study groups with this in mind.

Photo was taken before COVID-19.

Create A Productive Study Environment

Where you study is just as important as how you study, so take some time to create an environment free of distractions to study. Depending on your housing abroad, you might have to get a bit creative, but creating a solid study space is worth it. Just like at home, you want your space to be free from distractions (sorry, roommates) and somewhere you can stay put for a couple of hours (hello, free Wi-Fi!). Consider practicality, as well. As magical as it sounds to write your papers in a beachside cafe overlooking the water, it might be a more distracting location than productive.

Students explore natural wildlife during a lesson in Costa Rica.
Photo was taken before COVID-19.

Enhance Your Education Outside Of The Classroom

One of the best ways to supplement your classroom education is by applying what you’ve learned in the real world. You’ll be more likely to retain the information if you use it outside the classroom, and the experiences will be unforgettable. USAC offers quite a few ways to apply your lessons outside the classroom:

• Practice your language through language buddies and out in the community.
• Participate in an internship (in-person or virtually) in your field of choice.
• See your lessons come to life on field trips, optional tours, and field studies.

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You can start planning your adventure abroad today! Dive in to our Explore page at https://studyabroad.uark.edu/explore/index.php, and start your program search at http://studyabroad.uark.edu/search/.

Share Your Humans of #HogsAbroad Story for 150th Celebration

Article from University of Arkansas News

Calling all HogsAbroad! The Office of Study Abroad is celebrating the life-changing opportunities that international education has provided U of A students and alumni. In celebration of 150 years of dedication to Arkansas and determination to build a better world, the Office of Study Abroad is actively collecting stories from study abroad alumni to showcase the meaningful impact that study abroad has had on their lives.

The stories, already accumulating on the @hogsabroad Instagram account, will be used as part of the university's sesquicentennial celebration, informing and inspiring students interested in future international opportunities.

"We want to show our campus exactly what Study Abroad can mean for a person, and we feel like our past and current travelers are the best voice for that message," said Sarah Malloy, Director of Study Abroad and International Exchange.

The Office of Study Abroad is asking faculty, staff and alumni to show their support for study abroad by creating a social media post that tells a story about their personal connection to study abroad. The goal of this project is to mimic Humans of New York style storytelling and to increase dialogue and interest around studying abroad. This campaign is currently accepting submissions and will launch on campus Instagram and social media accounts in September 2021.

To participate in the Humans of #hogsabroad project, use the submission form to share a photo — either from your study abroad location or a current photo of yourself holding your passport. The process allows you to easily share a story about your study abroad experience. "Study Abroad will take care of the rest," said Veronica Mobley, Assistant Director of Outreach and International Service-Learning. "We built this process to be quick and fun for participants. The form should take under 10 minutes to complete — including the few moments you take to reflect on your favorite moments from abroad!"

While travel has been limited during COVID-19, there are current and future programs available that can provide life-changing experiences for U of A students, both in-person and virtually, Malloy said. "We want to remind our campus community that Study Abroad programs across the globe, as well as our Rome Center, provide benefits that last a lifetime. We hope this campaign will highlight what we already know to be true: that study abroad is an exceptionally relevant high-impact practice that is accessible to all U of A students."

About the Office of Study Abroad & International Exchange: The mission of Study Abroad and International Exchange is to facilitate opportunities to prepare University of Arkansas students to live and succeed in a global society. Study abroad enables students to develop critical skills needed to compete in today's global economy, including foreign language fluency, strong problem-solving and analytical capability, a tolerance for ambiguity, and cross-cultural competence. National studies show a positive correlation between students who study abroad and higher grade point averages and degree completion rates.

The Great Debate: Study Abroad Versus Internship

Blog post courtesy of USAC

Often, college students find themselves trying to balance personal, professional, and academic activities to create a fulfilling and well-rounded college experience. When it comes to outside enrichment opportunities, students frequently contemplate whether they should study abroad or participate in an internship. Are you weighing the pros and cons of each option? Keep reading!

When it comes to the study abroad versus internship debate, there are many different opinions to consider when deciding what is best for your personal growth, academics, and professional career. The benefits of studying abroad include personal development, a more worldly perspective, and sometimes, understanding a new language, all of which are attractive to employers. Yet, internships and job experience are notoriously becoming a requirement from employers everywhere. So, should you dedicate a chunk of your academic career to international education or settle into a career-benefiting internship?

A student reviews her work with an internship supervisor. Photo taken before COVID-19.

USAC’s Solution: Participate in an International Internship

That’s right! Thousands of our students have taken advantage of USAC’s unique programs that allow students to continue earning college credit while also having a professional internship that prepares them for the “real world.”

Since 1982, students have taken advantage of USAC’s study abroad programs with most offering internships as an optional add-on. More than 20 USAC program locations allow students to earn college credit while also participating in a professional internship that prepares them for the “real world,” all while living and immersing in a new culture.

While it may seem intimidating to conduct a part-time internship while also studying abroad, our programs are designed to give you an enriching and rewarding experience while also maintaining a very manageable workload. Here’s what Megan had to say about her internship experience with Nectandra Institute in San Ramón, Costa Rica:

"My experience at Nectandra Institute was much different than any other internship I have had. Working with Nectandra increased my Spanish vocabulary knowledge and elevated my speaking skills. In addition, this experience not only led me to create great connections with the knowledgeable leaders of an amazing non-profit organization but also with passionate members of local committees interested in helping with reforestation and land preservation, as well as local farmers working with the institute. Overall, this experience greatly contributed to my understanding of sustainability in the tropics and truly rounded out my undergraduate academic experience."

Intrigued? By studying abroad with USAC, you’ll have the chance to take part in a wide variety of internships. Keep in mind that while some our internships do require proficiency in another language, many of our internships are fully conducted in English and don’t require any previous work or internship experience. Keep reading to learn about the variety of internships offered.

Students conduct research in a lab. Photo taken before COVID-19.

The Two Types of USAC Internships

On-Site Internships

The on-site internship option is USAC’s most common choice for students seeking internships abroad. These three-credit internships offer hands-on experience in the field, and country, of your choice. On-site internships are perfect for students wanting to live, travel, and earn academic credit while also developing their professional skills and subsequently, boosting their resumes. With an on-site internship, you’ll have the opportunity to choose from four options.

1. General Skills Based Internships: This style of our on-site internships is perfect for students who want to receive a broad set of entry-level skills that will help them gain clarity about what they enjoy doing in a particular field, strengthen their intercultural communication abilities, while also making them attractive to potential employers. This option does not require prior knowledge or skills in a particular field, making it ideal for students who want to get their feet wet in a potential career field.
2. Discipline-Specific Internships: This option is perfect for students who know the field they want to enter. With a discipline-specific internship, students will dive deep into their chosen field, develop a strong set of industry knowledge, and gain job-specific skills through their applied practice. These internships are more competitive and often require great GPA standing, specialized skills or academic training, and (sometimes) proficiency in another language.
3. Research Internships: Tailored to students in the STEM field or other research-based fields. Students without prior lab or research experience can secure an entry-level internship that provides mentorship and supervision that introduces students to the essential practices of research theory. Students with prior research and lab experience are eligible for our advanced placement options. Our advanced placement internships still provide supervision and mentorship, but they also give the intern more autonomy and responsibility for their work. The advanced placement internships are both competitive and limited, and therefore, will have higher GPA requirements, specialized skills/academic training, and (sometimes) proficiency in another language.
4. Volunteer Internships and Community Service (Non-Credit): While these types of internships may not be accredited or give students career specific skills, they do still provide students with a life-changing experience. Students will have the opportunity to engage with the local community, develop intercultural communication and language skills, and enhance their overall study abroad experience. There are also no prerequisites for this type of internship.

Students help clean up the wilderness for “Firebreak” in Chiang Mai, Thialand. Photo taken before COVID-19.

Global Perspectives Virtual Internships

USAC's Global Perspectives Program offers virtual internships that give students the opportunity to gain all the benefits of working for an international company with the convenience of working remotely. This internship is best suited for students who want to develop a strong set of professional skills but may not be able to commit to international travel (but you can absolutely participate in a virtual internship while abroad!). Alumni of our Global Perspectives internships have gained job-ready skills that have prepared them for jobs in a variety of fields. Here’s what our alumni Tyler had to say about his experience:

"My virtual internship with USAC gave me the skills and confidence I needed to enter the digital marketing career field. After completing the internship, I found a job in the field of digital marketing, and I’ve never felt more excited or confident about my professional career!"

Students gather around a computer during a co-working session. Photo taken before COVID-19.

Internships For Every Student

By this point, you’re probably wondering if we offer an internship opportunity for your major or industry of choice. Yes, we do! USAC-arranged opportunities are available on the majority of USAC Specialty Programs in a wide range of fields, including:

• Business
• Digital marketing and social media management
• Engineering
• English language instruction
• Health and wellness
• Human resources
• Journalism
• Social welfare and social services

… and more!

Not enrolling in a Specialty Program? That’s okay! Internships arranged by the host university are also offered on the following Partnership Programs:

• Australia: Melbourne, Geelong and Warrnambool
• Australia: Gold Coast and Brisbane
• England: London
• Israel: Haifa
• Japan: Hiroshima
• New Zealand: Auckland, Palmerston North, Hawke’s Bay, and Wellington\



Interns wear hardhats on a job site in Accra, Ghana. Photo taken before COVID-19.

Studying abroad is a once in a lifetime opportunity to allows students to develop their confidence, improve their adaptability, and enrich their education. Internships give students the chance to build relevant job skills, improve their employability, and explore a particular career path. At USAC, we have built connections with NGOs and businesses all around the world in order to help you build the foundation for a rewarding and successful career.

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Want to learn more about internship opportunities abroad? Check out our explore page to learn about different program types: https://studyabroad.uark.edu/explore/index.php

Ask Me Anything: Women Abroad #HogsAbroad

What it is really like to study abroad as a woman? Join the Office of Study Abroad in celebrating Women's History Month on Monday, March 29, at 4pm for an “ask me anything” panel discussion featuring three study abroad alumnae. This virtual event will be an opportunity to hear about their personal stories and their advice for students looking to study abroad in the future, from choosing to take the leap, to traveling abroad, to leveraging those experiences post-graduation.

Meet our panelists:

Ayesha Erkin

Class of 2015
Architecture major, double minor in Sustainability & Historic Preservation
Studied abroad in Czech Republic and Italy
"Studying abroad not only expands your mind, but also your network. I absolutely loved being in new countries, but the people I connected with are still friends 7+ years later."

Rachel Pohl
Class of 2020
Civil Engineering major, double minor in Mathematics & Sustainability
Studied abroad in Belize, Italy and Denmark
"Studying abroad challenges you to get out of your comfort zone and learn about others, their communities, and their cultures. I cherish each opportunity to study abroad because it grew my appreciation for others and for our similarities and differences we all have."

Thea Winston
Class of 2018
Accounting major, minor in African & African American Studies
Studied abroad in Vietnam, UK and Brazil
"Students should study abroad because it makes you so much more aware of the world. Sometimes, in the U.S., it can feel like we're in our own little bubble, but the world is so much bigger. Studying abroad, and truly attempting to learn while there, provides a new perspective and is an invaluable experience."

Click here to register and submit questions: https://uark.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYodu-sqTotHN0nFjiWcIatwjggHfdteznx. Our panelists will take questions from attendees during the event as well.

Meet One of Our Study Abroad Peer Advisors: Breunna Anderson #HogsAbroad #WanderlustWednesday

Hello my fellow Razorback enthusiasts!

My name is Breunna Anderson, but you can also call me Bre for short. I am a sophomore here at the University of Arkansas majoring in Biology with plans to enroll into a Physician Assistant Program post-graduation. I am also a second year member on the University of Arkansas Spirit Squads cheer team.

This is my first year as a peer advisor here at the Office of Study Abroad and International Exchange. I am so excited to advise you all through your Study Abroad endeavors!

I have not yet had the opportunity to study abroad due to Covid-19 and all of its uncertainty, but I do plan to study abroad this upcoming school year. One of the reasons I was so excited about joining the Office of Study Abroad and International Exchange is because of how excited I am to Study Abroad myself. I am able to help others through this process, and at the same time, help myself!

Although I have not been able to study abroad myself just yet, I do think the experience itself is beneficial for many reasons. Studying abroad is a great chance for us all to take a step out of our comfort zone and see the world's diversity. You are away from everything that you know and just have to embrace the change and new environment that surrounds you. As I have barely gotten to travel around the U.S, travelling around other countries will be a very different experience for me. Through studying abroad, I hope to unlock new things about myself that are suppressed with being in the comfort of my home state, Arkansas.

I have always wanted to study abroad, but I never thought I would actually get to do it. I thought it would be too expensive, or I wouldn’t find enough scholarships, etc. After joining the Office of Study Abroad, my previous assumptions were quickly cleared up. I found out about all of the financial aid and the many scholarships that exist for students who wish to study abroad. I didn’t think it was possible for me, but now I see that it is. With all that being said, please roll into one of our Walk-in Wednesdays or call and set up an appointment with me to clear up any of your Study Abroad assumptions, so that you can make your study abroad dreams possible too :)

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Did you know that there are lots of different study abroad program options to fit students' needs, even for student athletes' busy schedules? 

Connect with Bre to learn more about study abroad! You can call our office to schedule an appointment, drop in to our virtual Walk-in Wednesdays or visit our website to use our live chat. 

Take Hold of Opportunities #StudyAbroadDay #HogsAbroad

For the Fall 2020 semester at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea, it was an extremely difficult time to study abroad due to the COVID-19 pandemic but I was still able to experience all you can eat kbbq, a train to Busan, cafe culture, and much more even with restrictions. I learned to take hold of opportunities because there's so much I am capable of if I can make it happen.

In Hangzhou in Summer 2018, I was able to practice my Chinese language skills in a much more intensive and useful environment on topics like ordering food, having normal conversations with college students, etc. I was able to try the spiciest thing I've had in my life with Hot Pot in Chengdu, Sichuan.

--Kelvin Feng, class of 2021 (Mathematical Sciences), Summer 2018 in China and Fall 2020 in South Korea

Learn more about Kelvin's Faculty-Led: Intensive Mandarin language & culture program.

Learn more about Kelvin's USAC program in South Korea.

You can start planning your adventure abroad today! Dive in to our Explore page at https://studyabroad.uark.edu/explore/index.php, and start your program search at http://studyabroad.uark.edu/search/

A Musical Memory from Spain #StudyAbroadDay #HogsAbroad

During my time abroad, I took a weekend trip with my friends to Cádiz, a coastal city in southwestern Spain. On our way into the city, we passed by a guitar shop beneath the apartment building we were staying in. Though I had no intention making a purchase, I found myself wandering inside. Traditional Spanish guitars lined the walls and every surface in the cramped space. I was in awe—I had never seen such stunning, detailed work. As we turned to leave, the luthier, Fernando, emerged from his private workshop. He spoke no English, so we conversed in Spanish. He shared with us how he loved making guitars but never learned how to play in his 40 years of work. My friend mentioned how I like to play guitar—next thing I knew, I was being invited to play one of his priceless guitars! Fernando quickly arranged an area for me to play while my friends sang along. To this day, it is one of my most favorite memories. It’s incredible to think that I would have never had that opportunity if I hadn’t decided to study Spanish. I am so grateful for study abroad!

 

--Bridget Wells, class of 2021 (B.S. Nursing & B.A. Spanish), Summer 2019 #GilmanScholar

Learn more about the Gilman Scholarship.

Learn more about Bridget's Faculty-Led: Spanish in Madrid program.

You can start planning your adventure abroad today! Dive in to our Explore page at https://studyabroad.uark.edu/explore/index.php, and start your program search at http://studyabroad.uark.edu/search/