It’s understandable to be conflicted about the possibility of your long-time dream not panning out at the end. Busy schedules make it seem impossible to be able to ponder how we’re going to achieve our dreams. However, giving up on them should never be an option. After all, the route to achieving our dreams is oftentimes closer to us than it may appear. 

Living in the United States may have an abundance of opportunities and benefits, but that doesn’t prevent curiosity development to visit other countries. From experiencing a new culture, engaging with different people and visiting unique sites, traveling abroad is something many people want to experience. 

For UMD students, an opportunity to travel abroad comes in the form of the UMD Study Abroad Program. Through collaborating with other universities and other affiliate programs, the UMD Study Abroad program offers various fall, winter and summer programs to send students to different countries scattered throughout the six of the seven continents. 

With the study abroad program, students get rewarded with traveling abroad by getting enrolled in that country’s university as they work towards their degree. There are also numerous faculty-led programs and international teaching opportunities. 

During the 2023 spring semester, Jaidyn Groshek, a UMD student majoring in exercise science, studied abroad at the University of Deusto in Bilbao, Spain. Now working as a peer advisor for the UMD Study Abroad Program, she seeks to inform and advise fellow students to take advantage of the presented opportunity. 

“It’s been really fun so far, just connecting with other students and encouraging them to take the leap and go study somewhere else,” Groshek, said. “I mean, it was definitely a life-changing experience that I feel like I love to share with everyone, whether or not I have the words for it.” 

Peer advisers are the first stop and connection for students interested in studying abroad. Engaging with students, uploading passports, filling out forms and university acceptance letters are areas in which peer advisers assist students. 

These steps were taken by Groshek herself during the planning process for her study abroad journey during the 2023 spring semester. During her stay, she made some notable connections. 

“There were so many other international students that I met whom I have really great connections with now,” Groshek, said. “I had roommates that were from Rome, Italy; Switzerland, and France, so it was a really cool mix of international students living together.” 

Making such a huge transition in lifestyle will naturally come with some challenges and take some time to adjust to. It’s crucial, however, to not only expect that but to make an attempt to embrace it positively. 

From getting accustomed to the exchange rate, language, public transportation and even dealing with a jellyfish sting, Groshek was able to overcome some of these expected challenges. Not only that, but overcoming such challenges played a part in Groshek getting to know more places and people. 

“I met a German guy in Bilbao and he’s actually like one of my closest friends now. He’s actually visiting right now,” Groshek, said. “I also did a two-week spring break trip with my mom to Italy, so that was really memorable for me.” 

While studying abroad might seem ideal, there are always people who question the accessibility of fulfilling such a destiny due to expensive costs. Money talks and the fact that it does is a harsh reality for numerous people who might not be as financially stable. 

This mindset was addressed by Evin Kolbjornsen who, just like Groshek, is a UMD Study Abroad Peer Advisor, who studied abroad in the 2023 spring semester. After his unforgettable time spent in Croatia, he understands the concern regarding finances but offers a few solutions. 

“Definitely, I’d say traveling does cost money — it’s unavoidable at that point,” Kolbjornsen said. “But we do offer about $80,000 annually in scholarships so that definitely does help that burden.” 

Kolbjornsen also explained how financial aid can be applied when you enroll for 12 credits in a semester or year-long program and six credits in the case of summer programs. Following these recommendations, as well as saving money as Kolbjornsen did during the summer prior, could potentially assist students in combating financial questions and doubts.

Both Groshek and Kolbjornsen had a surreal time abroad, which they used to share and hopefully inspire students to take advantage of the opportunity. 

“I'd say if you're thinking about it, even 1%, I think you would benefit from it so much instead of just not doing it at all,” Kolbjornsen said.“There’s so many different benefits that you get out of it and if you're thinking about it, even just 1%, I highly recommend even looking into it.” 

For Groshek, her experience studying abroad almost feels surreal, as it never actually happened. It did occur, however, and she now encourages students with vast ranges of interest and curiosity to experience what she did, as well. 

“It’s so hard to put into words for me because that whole experience feels like a dream now, I’m like, ‘Did I do that?’”, Groshek said. “If you’re thinking about it at all, do it, I promise, almost guarantee you that you won’t regret it.”

Experiencing a new life abroad is a dream numerous people wish to come true. For UMD students who might benefit from this, the route to achieving such a dream is closer than it appears.