Image
THE 411 ON STUDYING ABROAD
Northern Michigan University has a plethora of study abroad options available for students. Partnerships with high-quality organizations which allow students to pursue:
- Short Term Faculty-Led Options
- Superior-Edge Service Learning Abroad
- Semester, Summer, or Year Abroad
- Exchange Opportunities
- Summer Exchange Opportunities
- Student-Teaching Abroad
- Internships and Volunteer Work Overseas
Northern Michigan University is partnered with schools across the globe, including schools from Europe, South America, Asia and more. Get more information about study abroad opportunities here!
Olivia, an NMU student who studied abroad gave some insight about what the experience of studying abroad was like. Read what Olivia has to say about her study abroad experience below:
Studying Abroad
Hey Wildcats, my name is Olivia Dunn and I am a Senior at NMU. In the 2021-22 school year, I was lucky enough to study abroad in an exchange program at the Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg in Germany.
When I say studying abroad is one of the best experiences of my life, I am not exaggerating. As an International Studies student, I always knew I was going to study abroad. I needed it to graduate. But what I was not prepared for, would be all of the takeaways I got from studying in Germany. There were countless takeaways that I had from the 6 months I spent in my host country, but here are a few to share:
Meet new people!:
I do not think my study abroad experience would be the same without the international and local students that I spent time with in Oldenburg, Germany. While living in Oldenburg, I had 11 flatmates (the equivalent of a roommate). They were from all over Germany, as well as Romania and Colombia. By living with people from around the world, I was able to become a more well-rounded person and experience so many beautiful cultures. These people that I lived with and spent time with are some of my best friends to this date.
Taking time for yourself is so important:
In German culture, they truly prioritize their work-life balance. From taking long lunches, to having shorter working hours, to taking long vacations- they understand that your life is not just your occupation or your studies. Witnessing this side of their culture made me realize I needed to take more time for myself, and that there are so many simple things in life to appreciate. For example, on Sundays, all the shops are closed in Germany. This day is the day of rest. Sundays would be the time that my flatmates and I would cook dinner together, or would take walks around the city. So, take time for yourself, you only have one body and your life to live.
Say yes to new experiences!:
When studying abroad, I had so many opportunities to travel around Germany and the neighboring countries. From the Netherlands to Denmark to Scotland, easily accessible public transportation allowed me to say “yes” to weekend explorations. Even when I was in Germany, by saying “yes” I learned how to cook cuisine from around the world, I went to the cinema to see movies in different languages, roamed around Christmas markets, and hiked to the top of a massive monument. By not letting the fear of the unknown stop me from saying “yes”, I found myself trying new foods and visiting new cities that I could never have imagined were possible for me.
Takeaway:
While these are only a few takeaways from my experience living in Oldenburg, I could tell you the benefits of studying abroad for hours, days even. Studying abroad is available and accessible to all of you Wildcats, no matter your major or financial situation. So, attend that study abroad 101 session, and explore your opportunities- because this just could be one of the best experiences of your life.
