The most impulsive decision I’ve made in recent memory was to apply to a study abroad program at UW, and it was likely the best thing I’ve done for myself — both academically and personally.
Studying abroad is one of those aspects of college a lot of students put on the backburner when it comes to their college experience. Understandably, worries about finance, credits, safety, and more are often what turns them away from these programs.
While it might seem daunting, UW faculty wants you to study abroad.
It’s an unmatched way to further your education. For me, the history department only offered one program that was already underway. Thus, I fell upon the Comparative History of Ideas (CHID) study abroad program in Prague, Czech Republic during the spring quarter of 2023.
Entitled “History, Memory, and Human Rights in Central Europe,” the program, which has been active since 1996, focused on the history, politics, and culture within Central Europe between the 1940s and 1990s, and how all of this is reflected in the city’s current arts and culture scene.
I’m not a CHID student, but I knew the program offered a history course and would ultimately contribute to my education and keep me on track toward graduation.
Heidi Cahill, a fourth-year student studying political science and communication, was also in this program and shared her thoughts on its structure and impacts.
“The CHID Prague program was a long-standing program from the itinerary, packed full of events, travel, and guest speakers that made the program enjoyable,” Cahill said.
Of course, there will always be room for improvement regarding finances, organization, and inclusivity. Every program is different, and every student is different.
The CHID Prague tuition includes housing, program excursions, and local transportation. Personal spending, airfare, and solo travel were additional expenses. These factors, plus exchange rate and cost of living can make it hard to estimate how much you will spend in total, but each program offers an estimated cost sheet to help with budgeting.
An interesting contrast within study abroad is that the tuition rate is similar to the in-state rate for all students.
“This seems like it could be a barrier for in-state students and an open door for out-of-state students,” Cahill said.
Cahill expressed that, because of this difference, she wished they offered more merit-based scholarships.
UW offers financial aid and scholarships for study abroad programs, depending on the type of program. Aside from study abroad finances, many individual departments provide scholarships for study abroad. For example, the history department offers many scholarships for history majors.
Sara Hamidi, a fourth-year studying informatics and minoring in data science and human rights, participated in both the CHID program and previously studied with the iSchool in Vienna in its “Semantic Al: Building Automated Information Intelligence Systems” program.
“I think the way this program was organized made it easy for us to gain valuable skills,” Hamidi said about the iSchool program in Vienna. “We also gained industry experience while having the freedom and flexibility to do a lot of traveling and other fun experiences that are essential for a fulfilling study abroad.”
Despite not being a CHID major, she found great value in the content and impact of the program. Many students in this program were not CHID majors, and the range of academic disciplines proved to be very refreshing when discussing the numerous topics that related to the history and politics of the region, such as art and technology.
Aside from some program restrictions and prerequisites, such as with the College of Engineering and the School of Computer Science, most programs are open to students from all disciplines – especially those in the humanities. Studying abroad is a chance to explore different fields in an immersive way to diversify one’s academic sphere while having a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“I walked away from this program with a more passionate and driven mindset regarding my future career aspirations and just personal aspirations altogether,” Hamidi said of the CHID program.
Of course, COVID-19 has also had an impact on the existence of study abroad.
Many students missed the opportunity to study abroad during the height of the pandemic, and it was likely too late in their college career to make up for that loss. The director of CHID study abroad, Nicolaas Barr, told our group that there was a dip in group sizes in the Prague program following the lift of travel restrictions.
Cahill was hoping to go to Asia to study their differing government systems but ultimately wasn’t able to.
“I know that there were still lingering effects from COVID and there are more options available now that I am just unfortunately unable to take advantage of,” Cahill said.
Relatedly, Hamidi mentioned that she believes the study abroad department doesn’t market its programs as much as it could, and it would prove beneficial to engage more students.
“I know that a lot of students would benefit from these opportunities and many are even very interested in getting involved,” Hamidi said. “But I just feel like sometimes people aren’t exposed to the information as much as they can.”
With the myriad components that add up when considering studying abroad, it can become overwhelming, and turn students away. However, for those who want to travel and learn simultaneously, being at an educational institution is a great tool to take advantage of.
I never would have expected to gain the confidence and trust to travel alone and have fun in the process.
Being at such a large institution, we have a vast amount of programs and faculty members to meet students’ interests and needs. Everyone should have the opportunity to achieve the academic and personal growth that living abroad offers.
If for nothing else, why not spend part of the “best years of your life” in a foreign country?
Reach writer Sophie Knight at [email protected]: @knightsophie13
Like what you’re reading? Support high-quality journalism by clicking here.