The Spire

Abigail Clark ‘26

News Editor

For as long as I can remember, my dad has reminisced to my family about his time abroad in Austria. Over the years, he has shared more stories about the unique experiences he had, the friendships he developed, and the memories he made along the way. He always ends every story the same: “I hope you go abroad like I did. It has been one of the best parts of my life.” In less than 10 weeks I will be able to fulfill my dad’s dream for me to go abroad and experience the love and excitement so many of my friends have had as well. But why does my dad say that? Why do hundreds of students at Holy Cross go abroad every year? And why should they go? Experience. The cultural and personal experience students have over the semester or year is life-changing and so important to find more about oneself and the whole world. 

For many students, studying abroad may be the first time they have stepped out of the United States or explored beyond more than one country. Every country has its own culture and way of life which everyone should experience. In Ireland, neighbors in the countryside leave their doors open until the early morning hours, welcoming in friends for a cup of tea or a story. In Venice, people rely on walks and boats to travel, something American students are not used to at all. In Spain, life is arguably more relaxed than in the United States, as people put aside time in their day to nap and not rush through events, while we tend to be constantly on the move, barely taking the time to enjoy the little things in life. It is impossible to know the lives of other people without stepping into the culture itself and fully embracing every aspect.

Studying abroad allows students to have a full cultural immersion, encouraging them to engage with the people and lifestyle of their new home. Many students have the opportunity to live with host families which gives them a place to call home for a couple of months and allows them to build beautiful, close relationships with their “family.” Even though this could be a scary experience to take on at first, it is the perfect chance to fully immerse oneself and learn about the food, daily activities, and home lifestyle of their country. For students studying in a country that does not speak English, they get to learn a new language as well. Not only do students become even closer with the surrounding culture through communication, the knowledge of another language is one of the most important, influential skills to have that can lead to new career opportunities and further connections. 

The relationships built abroad can last a lifetime. Studying abroad introduces students to one another within and across university borders. There may be people you never knew in your grade but they become one of your closest friends after bonding abroad. Students from all across the world study abroad together, allowing relationships to build among different countries as well. This is such a beautiful and important part of the study-abroad experience because students are simultaneously exposed to new cultures and new people.

Celebrating your own culture is another incredible experience that comes with studying abroad. Many Americans have relatives still abroad which allows students to see where they are from and celebrate their cultural heritage with family. Exploring the city in Italy or the small countryside in Scotland where your name and history came from is a remarkable experience. You are able to learn more about yourself in such a closely connected way. 

Receiving an education in another country is one of the most unique experiences students can receive. Not only does every country approach education in its own way but the lessons, values, and practices are different in every location. Students encounter questions such as how other countries view American history or what authors and artists shape individual, national culture. Learning in another country results in a more well-rounded, knowledgeable student.

I am constantly counting down the days until I step foot into Galway for my study abroad experience. The culture, people, history, and travels coming quickly in the future excite me more every day. I know I will return repeating the same words my dad has told me: It has been one of the best parts of my life.

Featured image courtesy of Bentley University

Copy Edited by Charlotte Collins ’26

Web Edited by Zexuan Qu ’28