Elise is an actuarial science and analytical finance double major. Studying abroad allowed her to learn a language that she would have never dreamed of learning, and gave her the opportunity to intern with an international finance company. She enjoyed seeing first-hand the inner workings of the company, and is grateful for the chance to have experienced a variety of different cultures.

Allison is an actuarial science and computer & data science major, with a minor in German. She enjoyed the challenges of being totally immersed in a foreign land, surrounded by strangers speaking a foreign language. Her experiences abroad tremendously enriched her understanding of the German culture and language, and her personal identity. She believes study abroad can remind us how much more there is t learn and love in the world in each of our busy lives.

Anne is a physical therapy major who found that study abroad taught her to navigate the unexpected while learning so much about the world. She loved looking at life from a different perspective while traveling, making life-long friends, and learning and living in the Italian culture. Her semester in Perugia taught her valuable things about herself and her ability to successfully adapt to the unfamiliar.

Rachael, a speech-language pathology major, always wanted to study abroad and found her time in Italy did not disappoint. Studying abroad allowed her to get out of her comfort zone and open up to people who come from different backgrounds and cultures. The friends she made while abroad are unlike others because of the unique bond they formed as they maneuvered new sometimes difficult situations.

With a set future goal in mind, Haley, a business administration major, never expected to study abroad and called her experience “eye-opening”. She not only made new friends but also grew her professional network to include connections she made while in Europe. Her short experience allowed her to see her career from a new perspective. She sees study abroad as an experience that could no simple summer internship or regular school year could compare too.

Sarena is a physical therapy student who studied abroad in New Zealand. During her semester abroad, she enjoyed traveling and meeting new people. At LVC, she is the president of the Yoga Club, as well as a member of Students Helping Seniors, ValleyFest, LVC Outdoors club, and many more.

As a physical therapy major, Abby thought that studying abroad during her time at LVC would be nearly impossible, but she will be forever glad that she worked to make it happen. From climbing volcanoes to skydiving, to jumping off cliffs and trying new foods, learning new words, and even meeting lifelong friends, exploring new countries while studying abroad has been the greatest experience of her life. She is eagerly looking forward to her next trip abroad, whenever that may be, and, in the meantime, hopes to encourage as many people to travel as she can!

Pearl is a Physical Therapy student, and after spending a semester in New Zealand she can say that studying abroad has impacted her life immensely. The places she visited, people she met, meat pies she ate, and self-discovery that was made created the perfect abroad experience for her. Traveling is one of Pearl's passions, and thanks to a LVC this was easily incorporated into her DPT education.

As a physical therapy major, Rachel enjoyed the wide range of thrilling outdoor activities New Zealand had to offer while learning what it truly meant to be independent. Throughout her time in New Zealand, she pushed herself out of her comfort zone to visit new places and try new things. While traveling, meeting people and trying new food, she learned more about the world beyond her comfort zone.

Initially hesitant to study abroad, Jenna, a physical therapy student says studying abroad was the best decision she has ever made. While studying abroad was always on her radar she never expected to go to the farthest location offered by LVC. Her trip pushed her beyond her comfort zone where she found life-long friendships and a new perspective on culture and life outside of LVC.

Biology major, Christina says her study abroad experience not only taught the life skills she can use in the future but also taught her to see the world from other perspectives. While in New Zealand her eyes were opened to a world of diverse cultures, traditions, and struggles. During her time there, she learned how to improve her interpersonal skills, the value of intercultural communications and effective communication.

Kaylee, an exercise science and athletic training major, went to New Zealand looking for adventure and found another place to call “home”. She was amazed at everything she learned and the people she met. Because of the friends she met and the adventures she went on, New Zealand now holds a special place in her heart, and she says she will never forget her time spent there.

Jennifer is a double major in Spanish and speech-language pathology. Her experiences as a first-generation college student and as the only speaker of English as a first language in her family, she was eager to practice and learn more about the Spanish language. Her time abroad allowed her to improve her speaking and writing, and her favorite memories include time spent with her host mom and traveling across Spain and Europe. She is grateful for her time abroad and hopes that everyone has the chance to study abroad.

Sam, speech-language pathology and Spanish major loved her experience abroad, specifically the time she spent with her host mom. While living with her host mom, she found herself fully immersed in the Spanish language and culture. The experience taught her not only about Spanish language and culture but also more about herself.

No foreigner when it comes to language and culture studies, Ashlee found that studying abroad allowed her to truly immerse herself in her culture and language studies. As a French, Spanish and self-designed foreign affairs triple major, Ashlee saw each day of her abroad experiences as a new adventure where she learned more about herself in ways she ever expected. Through her time abroad she learned change is hard to accept and can be uncomfortable, but it serves as a reminder that she is still learning and growing.