{"id":911,"date":"2026-04-24T16:18:12","date_gmt":"2026-04-24T20:18:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/studyabroad\/?p=911"},"modified":"2026-04-24T16:18:12","modified_gmt":"2026-04-24T20:18:12","slug":"why-studying-abroad-is-for-everyone-my-personal-journey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/studyabroad\/2026\/04\/24\/why-studying-abroad-is-for-everyone-my-personal-journey\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Studying Abroad IS for Everyone: My Personal Journey"},"content":{"rendered":"

Written by: Meghan Vibbert\u00a0<\/span><\/span> \u00a0|\u00a0 Summer 2024
\nBulldogs to Berlin and Beyond<\/p>\n

The Hardest Part: Taking the First Step<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When I began my journey as a first-year student at Butler University, if someone had told me I\u2019d spend the summer before my senior year studying abroad in Berlin, Germany, with side trips to Switzerland, Italy, and England, I would have laughed. By the start of my sophomore year, my senior year plans were already locked in: I was going to move into my senior house with six of my sorority sisters, work in the Indianapolis area over the summer, and kick off my final year at Butler that fall.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Meghan<\/a>But sometimes life has other plans. I soon realized that the path I had meticulously planned might not be the only one. After joining the Honors Department a bit late, I needed an extra class or two to catch up \u2013 and that\u2019s when studying abroad became a serious option. Previously, as a student on a fully-funded Lilly Endowment Scholarship, I had come up with countless reasons why studying abroad during my time in college wasn\u2019t for me. \u201cI can\u2019t afford it,\u201d I told myself. \u201cI don\u2019t have the time. I\u2019ll lose out on important moments with my friends. I\u2019ll miss Butler homecoming or sorority recruitment.\u201d The list of excuses was endless.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Yet, all of those reasons were just that \u2013 excuses. In truth, studying abroad IS for everyone, no matter your circumstances. I had always assumed it wasn\u2019t an option for me, but in reality, I\u2019d never taken the time to explore it. And not only was it feasible, but it was incredibly rewarding. The hardest part, I realized, is simply taking the first step and deciding to go for it.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to Choose the Right Program<\/b><\/p>\n

\"Flags<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Like many students, when I first started looking into studying abroad, I was overwhelmed\u00a0by the choices and had plenty of fears: concerns about financing, missing time on campus, and stepping away from the familiar. But here\u2019s the key: do your research, ask questions, and explore all the options available to you. Start by attending study abroad fairs, visiting the Center for Global Education (CGE), and scheduling a meeting with study abroad advisors \u2013 Bond St. John and Calie Dickey \u2013 who can guide you through the decision-making process. Then, talk to professors and peers who\u2019ve studied abroad. They have firsthand experiences that can provide invaluable insights!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, Butler offers a variety of programs, and not all of them require you to be away for a whole semester. Maybe a semester program isn\u2019t your style \u2013 there are summer and spring break programs that provide a great balance. At Butler, I found options through short-term or semester faculty-led programs, where a Butler faculty member accompanies you on the program, exchange programs where you \u201cexchange\u201d places with a student at a university abroad, or third-party providers like IFSA, which offer high-quality program opportunities with ongoing support throughout the experience.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Bulldogs<\/a>I participated in the Bulldogs in Berlin Honors Program \u2013 a short-term, faculty-led program run by Dr. Lantzer and Dr. Etzler. This summer program not only fulfilled an honors course credit but offered me the chance to apply my history major in a real-world setting as I explored Berlin\u2019s rich history and culture. I promise there truly is a program for everyone, and the CGE is incredibly helpful in finding the right fit for your academic and personal needs.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking the time to research programs that fit your academic goals and personal interests is essential! And if you\u2019re worried about missing out on campus life, there\u2019s good news: these programs are designed to complement your studies, not disrupt them. Who knows, you might find a second home on a campus or place halfway across the globe, and you\u2019ll definitely form lasting connections with people from all walks of life. Whether you go for a semester, summer, or even just a week, the experience will enrich your college experience and broaden your perspective, not detract from it.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Financing Your Study Abroad Journey<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve identified the right program, it\u2019s time to tackle the big question: How do I pay for it? Funding a study abroad trip can feel both daunting and overwhelming, but trust me, it\u2019s possible \u2013 even if you\u2019re on a tight budget like I was. The secret lies in scholarship opportunities, financial aid, and effective planning.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As a student attending Butler on a fully-funded Lilly Endowment Scholarship at Butler, I quickly realized that my job as a server wouldn\u2019t cover the costs of my chosen summer program. Despite saving some of my earnings, it quickly became clear that I needed a financial plan and to secure additional funding to turn my study abroad dreams into reality. I began by meeting with the CGE, where I learned about funding options from students who had previously studied abroad, and by applying for every scholarship I could find.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Luckily, the CGE offers a variety of scholarships through a single, simple application, and I was fortunate to receive two: the Lucy and Bruce Gerstein Holocaust Travel Grant and the Lucy Family Fund. Additionally, I was awarded the prestigious Gilman Scholarship, which provided a significant portion of my trip\u2019s funding. These scholarships opened doors that I never thought possible and made the financial burden much lighter. They not only covered my program fees but also contributed to my flight expenses and allowed me to travel beyond my program to other countries!\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Meghan<\/a><\/p>\n

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Moreover, the CGE has programs specifically designed to help with the costs of studying abroad. For instance, semester faculty-led programs and exchange programs allow you to retain your Butler financial aid package, meaning you won\u2019t pay more than you typically do for a semester here at Butler. In addition to scholarships and financial aid, effective planning can help ease financial stress. I started by creating a detailed budget that outlined all the potential costs associated with my trip, including tuition, housing, travel, meals, and additional activities. This budgeting process not only helped me visualize the total cost but also allowed me to set specific saving goals based on my timeline.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What I learned through this process is that financial barriers can be overcome with persistence and a willingness to find and apply for everything available! The experience you gain will be worth every bit of effort you invest in making it happen. Yes, it required careful financial planning, saving, and applying for scholarships, but in retrospect, the value of the experience far outweighed the costs. Money may come and go, but the personal growth and memories you gain from traveling abroad are truly priceless.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why You Should Study Abroad<\/b> \"Meghan<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

So, you\u2019re starting to take the first steps toward studying abroad. But why should you take\u00a0the leap to study abroad in the first place?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Studying abroad is much more than just visiting new places; it\u2019s about stepping outside of your comfort zone and learning in ways you never could in a traditional classroom. My program in Berlin, for example, allowed me to visit historical sites I had only read about in textbooks. I walked through the Brandenburg Gate, stood where the Berlin Wall once divided the city, and visited museums that brought history to life in a way no lecture ever could. Even after the program ended, I easily traveled to Switzerland, Italy, and England through Europe\u2019s efficient transportation system.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But it wasn\u2019t just about seeing famous landmarks; each day was a lesson in independence and adaptability. Navigating public transportation in a foreign city, trying foods I\u2019d previously never heard of, and making friends with locals and fellow travelers \u2013 these experiences taught me more about myself than I ever could have imagined. One of the most memorable moments was taking a 12-hour overnight train from Berlin to Zurich and sharing a cabin with three strangers. It was an experience that was both nerve-wracking and exhilarating. Similarly, I took a solo day trip to Sorrento and found myself sitting on the Amalfi Coast sipping limoncello with travelers I had met along the way. These kinds of unexpected adventures and challenges that push you outside of your comfort zone teach you resilience and help foster a deep confidence in yourself.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Studying abroad stretches you in ways that staying at home in a familiar environment simply cannot. It forces you to adapt, think on your feet, and grow as a person. By the time you return home, you\u2019ll find that you\u2019ve developed a new sense of independence, a broader worldview, and a deeper understanding of yourself. You\u2019ll have made lasting friendships, discovered beauty in places across the globe, and developed a greater appreciation for different cultures and perspectives. There is something so profoundly humanizing about stepping into the unknown, and those moments of uncertainty and spontaneity help you learn to trust yourself in any situation.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Studying Abroad IS for Everyone <\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

All that said, if you are on the fence about studying abroad \u2013 whether because of financial concerns, fear of leaving home, or any other reason \u2013 I encourage you to take the leap. The hardest part is deciding to go, but once you take that first step, you won\u2019t regret it. Trust yourself, trust the process, and take the leap. The challenges you may face along the way, whether that be deciding which program to go on or how to finance it, will be worth it.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll come back not only with a passport full of stamps but with a renewed sense of purpose, confidence, and a broader perspective of the world. I promise it will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life, and you will never look back wishing you had not gone. Trust that things will work out, and take the step.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Written by: Meghan Vibbert\u00a0 \u00a0|\u00a0 Summer 2024 Bulldogs to Berlin and Beyond The Hardest Part: Taking the First Step\u00a0 When I began my journey as a first-year student at Butler University, if someone had told me I\u2019d spend the summer … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9196996,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-911","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/studyabroad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/911","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/studyabroad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/studyabroad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/studyabroad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9196996"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/studyabroad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=911"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"http:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/studyabroad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/911\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":992,"href":"http:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/studyabroad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/911\/revisions\/992"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/studyabroad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=911"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/studyabroad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=911"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/studyabroad\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=911"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}