University of Idaho Education Abroad

Katie Place is one of six Vandals studying abroad at Accademia Italiana in Florence, Italy this summer. She shared these photos of her travels around Italy to Rome, Lucca, and Pisa. Grazie mille for sharing your experience with us, Katie!

Rob Jediny is a first-generation and non-traditional student studying Exercise, Sport & Health Sciences. He spent his summer interning in Perth, Australia, and proves that study abroad can be for anyone! Rob was a recipient of the Idaho First-Generation Global Fellowship, a scholarship opportunity for first-gen students to study or intern abroad with WorldStrides.

This summer we launched the inaugural Vandals First Abroad program. Students traveled as a group to Viterbo, Italy for the month of June. Prior to departure, and on-site, the group met to work through logistics and reflection activities. Most students on the program were first-generation, although the program was open to any student attending Viterbo. Check out these photos they shared - they managed to fit a lot into one month! Multiple trips to Rome, Civita di Bagnoregio, and the Cascata delle Marmore (waterfall), as well as taking a cooking class, and of course lots of opportunities to sample Italian delicacies. We are hoping to offer this cohort program again in 2028!

University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC)

George (left) and Diego (right) Vega Vaca are both Medical Science majors interning abroad this summer at the Viet Duc Hospital in Hanoi, Vietnam. They will spend four weeks in cardio thoracic surgery, followed by four weeks in plastic surgery. George is a recipient of the Idaho First-Generation Global Fellowship award, which provides scholarships to first-generation students going abroad on WorldStrides programs, and both George and Diego are the recipients of the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship.

Lizbett Manzano is spending six weeks at Accademia Italiana in Florence, Italy. She's pictured here with other U of I students on the program (you can see the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore in the background), and in front of the Colosseum in Rome. She's also visited Pisa and Lucca, and will be traveling to Venice and the Almafi Coast soon!

Madison Fraser is spending her summer interning in Auckland, New Zealand, and shared these photos with us. She's only been there a couple of weeks, and she's already been to Piha Beach, done a winery tour of Waiheke Island, attended an Auckland Blues rugby match, and enjoying new restaurants with new friends in Auckland.

"I couldn't have been luckier with the people I have found through this program. I hope some of these pictures give you an insight into the lucky life I am getting to live while in New Zealand."

We are celebrating because University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) has gifted University of Idaho a $1,000 scholarship to give to one lucky Vandal studying abroad on a USAC program in 2027! Thank you USAC for your continued support and partnership!

ASUI President Lance Butikofer is wrapping up his semester abroad in Lancaster, England and shared these photos with us. Lance is a Junior doubling majoring in Finance and Economics, and he received the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study abroad! Congratulations, Lance!

Do you love sunshine, beautiful beaches, and tropical vibes? The Virgin Islands are calling you...

Check out these photos from Abigail Pruitt, a Dance major and Pre-Health minor, who spent Fall 2025 studying in the U.S. Virgin Islands through National Student Exchange. Abigail swam with dolphins, island hopped around the Caribbean, and even joined the school's track team and competed in track meets! Thanks for sharing, Abigail!

We are pleased to share that the University of Idaho has been recognized among the top 25 medium colleges and universities producing Gilman Scholars across the 25-year history of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program. The Gilman Program provides merit-based scholarships to students with high financial need to study or intern abroad. This recognition reflects our commitment to helping our students participate in international experiences that help them gain competitive career skills and global networks!

University of Idaho leads region in Gilman Scholarships | University of Idaho University of Idaho is a top producer of Gilman Scholars, helping students with financial need study abroad and build global skills.