Huskers got a chance to learn a lot about study abroad opportunities — with a Valentine’s Day twist.
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln Global Experiences Office hosted Study Abroad Speed Dating Feb. 13. Amid pink and red decorations and Hershey’s Kisses, students interested in education abroad could ask anything of fellow students who previously studied overseas, in five-minute rotations.
The goal of the event was to introduce students to the country or opportunity that is a “perfect match.”
“We’ve never done an event like this before — it’s a bit of an experiment,” said Renae Ninneman, a global experiences coordinator who organized the event. “It could become an annual event. Bringing peers together to talk with each other, and hear about study abroad experiences is a wonderful thing.”
Aside from the engaging with peers, Ninneman and several others from the Global Experiences Office were available to answer questions and provide information. Ninneman opened the conversations by talking about the many types of education abroad opportunities available — they can vary in length, be faculty-led or independent through an affiliate, have host families or dorm-style living.
“One important thing to think about when you’re thinking about what program you might want to do to study abroad is what’s the best match for you? That’s the play on words here,” she said.
About two dozen students took part — half who had studied abroad before and half who were considering it. Makenna Parker, a senior graphic design major, was more than happy to mentor students and share her experience. She studied in Osaka, Japan, during the spring 2023 semester.
“When I got back, I wanted to get involved in helping other students figure it out,” Parker said. “I regretted not going earlier, and I wanted to help influence other students to go.”
K.J. Ellison, a senior majoring in political science and global studies, was chatting with Minatallah Bi, a senior in communication studies, about her experience in Japan.
“What is something you wish you knew or understood before you went,” Bi asked.
“Oh, definitely public transportation. They really relied on trains, and I had never really experienced that before,” Ellison answered, before the conversation moved on to culture shocks and the logistics of packing for a months-long trip.
Bi, who hopes to study abroad this summer, or in the fall, said the speed dating format was helpful because she could hear many students’ experiences.
“This was really helpful,” Bi said. “There were so many things they said that I didn’t even think about. I asked a bunch of questions and learned about packing, climates, and feeling more comfortable in a country where I may not know the language well, or at all.”
Bi ended the event by meeting with global experiences coordinator to ask some follow-up questions about how to make her dream a reality.
“I’ve wanted to study abroad since high school, but it always felt a little bit impossible, but I think now I can do it,” she said.
Students who want to learn more about education abroad opportunities can get in touch with the Global Experiences Office, or attend Huskers Abroad 101, which are offered regularly, along with other informational opportunities. Event information can be found online.