This year, the University of Delaware is celebrating 100 years of its study abroad program. UD now offers programs in more than 40 countries and more than 30 percent of UD undergraduate students study abroad at least once.

Applying may be intimidating to some, but the UD Center for Global Programs & Services goes above and beyond to cater to prospective students. Some students’ class schedule won’t allow for a semester abroad, so Winter Session is a shorter option with more flexibility.

Senior business analytics major Jessica Carter spent Winter Session 2022 in Barcelona. She explained the application process as an easy questionnaire, sharing how she believed studying abroad would enhance her learning experience. Carter recommends students take a leap and apply.

“Even if you don’t know anyone on the trip, just go for it,” Carter said. “I went with 10 students and didn’t know any of them beforehand. Now I consider them all my friends.”

Senior communications major Jacqui Hauswirth recently spent Winter Session 2023 in South Africa.

“The most rewarding part of my trip was seeing how I grew as a person and pushed myself outside of my comfort zone,” said Hauswirth. “Through various excursions like skydiving, going on a safari and immersing myself in the South African culture, I gained a new perspective.”

For those that can dedicate a full semester, students get more time to learn about their host country and for outside travel. From my personal experience, I can vouch for a semester abroad. While studying at John Cabot University in Rome this spring, I’m experiencing the culture, meeting new people and trying all new types of food, and I’ve traveled to two other countries.

Senior interpersonal communication major Ava Saric said that her spring semester in Athens, Greece helped prepare her to visit new places in the future.

“[I increased my] independence and confidence in myself and my ability to travel the world, learning that I can make a home anywhere I want,” she said.

Senior public policy and media communication major Esha Shah participated in the Spring Semester in Washington, D.C. program through the Biden School in Spring 2022.

“Full-semester programs in my opinion are the most fulfilling opportunities if you're able to go because you really get immersed and learn to live in a completely new place,” she said. “The Spring Semester in Washington, D.C. program was especially beneficial in helping me advance my career interests and build a network.” 

Shah is also a World Scholar, a member of the UD program which allows students to spend a semester of their first year abroad in Greece, Italy, New Zealand or Spain and then an additional second study abroad opportunity their junior year to one of 40 countries. Shah spent Fall 2019 in Rome and Fall 2021 in Prague.

“For students looking to go abroad, I would advise keeping an open mind and doing your best to learn as much as possible about the new country and culture you are a part of,” said Shah. “You never know if where you study abroad ends up being where you want to live or even work one day.”

Regardless of your destination or length of stay, Hauswirth said studying abroad is designed for all students.

“I would absolutely recommend UD study abroad to all students,” she said. “No matter what your major or interests are, this experience will widen your horizons and broaden your mind.”

Find more information at udel.edu/academics/global/study-abroad.

This blog post was written by our Division of Student Life student intern Elliana Olivo.