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Illinois Abroad Student Stories Blog

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  • nicole park

    Virtual Global Experience Spotlight: Nicole Park, VA Corps - South Africa

    "Through this internship, I was able to develop my collaboration, networking, andinvestigation skills during my group-based learning projects with global organizations likeUNAids."

  • Studying Politics in Switzerland and Interning For the British Parliament

    “After a semester of studying politics in Geneva, Switzerland, I was able to intern at the British Parliament and gained a lot of experience working on public safety initiatives. It was an incredible experience that advanced my professional development. I also experienced British politics on a large scale, but also a small-scale when working with the constituency office. I came back to Illinois having grown professionally, academically and personally. Studying abroad on these programs gave me opportunities to flourish.”  -- Katherine East, junior in Political Science

  • Navigating Accessibility In Stirling

    “I was unsure about the culture around disabilities in the UK or what resources would be available to me, but I eventually made a personal decision not to take her [Gaza]. I found that the UK was inclusive, accommodating, and welcoming – when people saw having difficulty with my cane at the airport, or that I was struggling to keep up with the group, they put out a hand, asked if they could assist me, or waited for me to catch up. While abroad, I climbed the 246 steps of the National Wallace Monument and at the end of my program, I even gained enough confidence to climb Dumyat Hill with the people on my program. I love Gaza. She is a part of me, and always will be, but my identity had become ‘the girl with the dog.’ My study abroad experience allowed me to do the self-healing that I needed.”

  • Interning in Ecuador

    Having previously traveled to South America, Clarita Sullivan, a Junior majoring in Political Science, knew she had to return back to the continent as her study abroad destination.

  • Internships Abroad: Emma in New Zealand

    One of the best ways to learn is through hands on experiences. Learn about Emma Woods’ study abroad experience in New Zealand and how she got the chance to learn through exploration and hands on professional experience.