Seattle University Education Abroad

Lastly, we have some advice from Global Ambassador Paige Wilson, who studied abroad in Cusco, Peru and Alicante, Spain!

1. What do you miss most about your time abroad?
I miss the other students in my program, Spanish language immersion, and the lower financial cost of daily life.

2. What advice would you give to students currently preparing for departure?
Pack less than what you're planning on & maximize solo travel/doing things by yourself!

Curious about studying in Peru or Spain? Reach out to Paige to hear more about her experience!

Take Flight Month may be ending but that doesn't mean our support is, too. Feel free to reach out to any of the study abroad alumni highlighted or the Education Abroad Office anytime leading up to and during your time abroad. We are all here to help you have a life-changing experience!

Whether you're familiar with your host country's culture or not, there are a few things to keep in mind when aiming for cultural immersion:

1. Participate in local activities: Join cooking classes, attend festivals, and take part in traditions to gain firsthand insight into cultural values and practices.

2. Utilize public transportation: Explore all parts of your host city while still mingling with the locals! Take the time to learn which lines and routes will be most convenient for you.

3. Explore beyond the city center: Take day trips to nearby towns and sights to experience the broader country's culture, not only your host city.

4. Eat and shop locally: Skip the chains that you can get at home! Support small businesses and enjoy authentic, local cuisine.

Next up, we have some advice from peer Advisor Tristan Huerta, who studied in Lisbon, Portugal!

1. What do you miss most about your time abroad?
The ability to explore a new country and immerse myself with the culture. I miss the 25 cent shots of espresso that were offered in my apartment building. I miss the friends I made while abroad, the surf trips, the train rides, the countless pictures taken, and just the ease I felt of being able to learn and try something new every day.

2. What advice would you give to students currently preparing for departure?
Embrace all the feelings, don't try to not acknowledge them. Try everything you can, try new foods, walk a different route to and from school every day, say yes to random adventures with friends, and do things alone!! Showing yourself that you are capable of being alone, and still having a great time, is definitely a main outcome of my time abroad. Lastly, if you have any uncertainty, have a friend with you, and you two can share a 'scary' experience together.

Have questions about studying abroad in Lisbon? Reach out to Tristan to hear more about his experience!

Wondering what to pack for your time abroad? Here are some travel accessories you may not have thought of!

- Travel backpack: If you plan on traveling to other cities and countries, this is a must-have. Odds are you'll be walking for a while and won't want to drag along a suitcase, so a good backpack that can fit all of the necessary belongings is the perfect fix! Just be sure the dimensions fit the size requirements for many local airlines.

- Travel journal: Super compact, easy to bring with you anywhere, and a great way to track your time and memories. Store little mementos in it and make it a scrapbook journal!

- Camera: Avoid being glued to your phone when you're out by bringing a camera with you. Really let yourself be in the moment while still getting photos to remember it by.

- Something scented: Get a new perfume, cologne, lotion etc. before going abroad to serve as a time capsule when you return home. Years down the line, you'll smell it and be transported back to your adventures (and get a bit nostalgic).

Next up, we have some advice from study abroad alum Ella Santos, who studied in London, UK!

1. What do you miss most about your time abroad?
I miss the public transportation, the beautiful buildings, and my lovely roommate and friend Lauren.

2. What advice would you give to students currently preparing for departure?
It goes by so so so fast! Put yourself out there and go places, even if it's by yourself!

Have questions about studying abroad for a semester in London? Reach out to Ella to hear more about her experience!

There are still a number of resources available to you as a student abroad! You may not be on campus, but that does not mean that Seattle U isn't here to support you.

TimelyCare: You still have access to Timelycare's 24/7 TalkNow feather, their on-demand mental health support service, while abroad! Be sure to download the app before departing, otherwise you may have trouble accessing it overseas.

S.T.E.P.: The U.S. State Department will alert you to potentially hazardous situations developing in your country and can also help your family get in contact with you in case of emergency. Download the Smart Traveler app to access any information necessary about your host country as well as countries you may be visiting.

Seattle U Disability Services: Request an accommodation letter to receive the same accommodations abroad as you do at home, where permitted.

SU Public Safety: Even though SU Public Safety is in an entirely different country, they may be able to assist you as well, by walking you through steps to take or by getting you in contact with the Education Abroad Office.

The next words of advice are from Global Ambassador Tynan Mathieu, who studied abroad in both Kobe, Japan and London, UK!

1. What do you miss most about your time abroad?
I miss the daily adventures of exploring a new environment and all of the friends I made.

2. What advice would you give to students currently preparing to go abroad?
Try to get out of your comfort zone and try new things (within reason). Make the most out of your opportunity studying abroad!

Have questions about studying abroad in Japan or the UK? Reach out to Tynan to hear more about his experience!

Time for some advice from the Education Abroad Office! First up are some pre-departure prep tips:

1. Plan ahead: Not all phone plans and debit/credit card providers operate overseas, so make sure you know what changes need to be made before you leave.

2. Pack smart with the knowledge that you'll be bringing home more things than you left with. Save room in your suitcase by buying things once you get to your host city and be sure to pack the things you know you cannot get there.

3. Budget planning! Living abroad can get expensive. Your transition and experience will be much less stressful if you have a general financial plan ahead of time.

May is here, which means it's Take Flight Month! We'll be sharing tips and advice over the next few weeks to prepare current students for their departure.

First up, some words of advice from Global Ambassador Lynia Morris about her time abroad.

1. What do you miss most about your time abroad?
The people and the experiences! I got to build so many relationships with people, try new things, and connect with nature in a way I didn't get to take advantage of when back home.

2. What advice would you give to students currently preparing for departure?
Put yourself out there and take healthy risks! Sometimes being willing to put yourself out of your comfort zone (in safe ways) can help you grow and also may give you a better experience than expected!

Studying abroad in Seoul and have questions? Reach out to Lynia to hear more about her experience!

The 2026-2027 Fulbright U.S. Student Program application cycle has launched, and Seattle University has several information session and workshops coming up! Students of all majors, GPAs, and class standing are welcome to attend the sessions, but the earliest one can apply is between Junior and Senior year.

U.S. Student Program funds American citizens to study, conduct research, or teach English abroad in over 140+ countries, and continues to be the most popular prestigious award among Seattle University students and alum. Seattle University and Fulbright share similar values of community building, service learning, and global connections.

The following sessions will be held for the Fulbright Program:
- In-Person Info Session TODAY from 12:30 pm-1:20 pm in ADMN 205
- Virtual Info Session tomorrow from 5:00 pm-6:00 pm (register on Handshake)
- Virtual Planning Workshop on Wednesday, May 6th from 5:00 pm-6:00 pm (register on Handshake)

We hope to see you there!