Every year, Seattle University students have the opportunity to travel abroad, studying in different parts of the world for as long as a quarter to as short as two weeks, or even up to a year. Many students may wonder what these trips are like and what those who participated experienced. This week, we connected with some of these students to find out.
Known for its iconic red double-decker buses, historic landmarks like Big Ben and the timeless charm of its old European architecture, Tynan Mathieu, a fourth-year computer science major, spent this summer studying abroad in London at University College London. While staying in London for six weeks, he had the opportunity to take three courses, two of which were in computer science. Despite a heavy academic load, Mathieu found time to explore the city and connect with a wide range of people.
“London is extremely diverse. I was surprised by how many people from different backgrounds I met,” Mathieu said.
While Mathieu found that there were a lot of American students studying in London, he also met many students from Hong Kong, Singapore, Canada and other countries in Europe. Mathieu shared that one of his favorite parts about going abroad was not only the ability to connect with people from all over the world but to learn from their varying life experiences as well.
From free museums to various parks scattered throughout the city, a plethora of activities and places were at Mathieu’s fingertips. He mentioned how he loved wandering around without a plan and finding random places. He particularly enjoyed one unexpected find, the Design Museum, which featured everything from cars to chairs, with cutting-edge exhibits that explore the future of design.
Though Mathieu enjoyed aimlessly wandering, he also emphasized that the field trips offered by his program were incredible. Mathieu had the opportunity to visit Bath, a city west of London known for its Roman-built baths, Stonehenge and Oxford, home to the second-oldest university in the world.
Only a short skip away from England are the rolling green hills of Ireland. Amelia Carey, a fourth-year English major, went on the “Writers’ Workshop in Ireland” this summer led by English Professor Sean McDowell. Primarily focusing on travel writing and cultivating an adoration for mundanity, the workshop pushed students to take everyday moments that may typically slip by one and turn those observations into something meaningful. While exploring the rich culture and landscapes of Ireland, Carey engaged in various writing techniques and experimented with different forms of poetry.
During the first half of the trip which was spent in Dublin, Carey and a few other of her peers unfortunately contracted COVID. She found this difficult as it was her first time getting COVID, let alone in another country, and it also limited the extent to which she could explore Dublin.
Luckily, Carey was in good health by the time her group reached Galway, a city on the west coast of Ireland known for being the country’s cultural heart. It was here that she had the chance to connect and chat with locals, finding the smaller city enjoyable.
“The people were so nice. I had a great conversation with a taxi driver about U.S. politics, the cost of airlines and more. People there want to talk to you and tell stories,” Carey said.
Carey enjoyed her short time studying abroad, even mentioning how she is considering staying a quarter or two longer at Seattle U instead of graduating next year to potentially study abroad again in another part of Europe. She plans to continue taking more political science courses to earn a minor.
Shifting to another side of the globe, Nico Camacho, a fourth-year marketing major, spent fall 2023 studying abroad at Sogang University in Seoul, South Korea. Outside of his courses, Camacho explored many of the country’s tourist landmarks, including the Han River where he often ventured to enjoy picnics. Camacho was stunned by the numerous temples he encountered in Korea.
Camacho was also impressed by South Korea’s advanced technology, noting how everything from the kiosks in cafés to doors, security cameras and even train stations felt miles ahead of America. Additionally, the experience of studying abroad helped Camacho gain a sense of independence.
“It was my opportunity to do what I wanted, and it forced me to interact with the world around me,” Camacho said.
One of Camacho’s most memorable experiences was participating in “Membership Training” (MT), an overnight sleepover event traditionally held by Korean student clubs to welcome new members. Typically held in cozy cabins, retreat centers or the university dorms, MT features game nights, delicious food and opportunities for bonding. Participants engage in entertaining activities and lively conversations, allowing everyone to connect and have a great time together.
“I was the only foreign student in a group of mostly Korean students, but they welcomed me, which made me feel included,” Camacho said.
When asked for advice on studying abroad or if it is something other students should consider, Camacho said that students should just do it. He believes that there are so many unique experiences that will help you grow and open your mind.
Studying abroad can be a rewarding journey filled with personal growth, cultural exchange and lifelong memories. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in a new writing process while wandering through a city filled with rich history or learn about marketing techniques somewhere with revolutionary technology, an abundance of opportunities awaits Redhawks.
