Student Stories

"...As a Spanish major, the opportunity to interact with one of the cultures I have studied for almost a decade was an amazing experience, and thanks to the credits the program provided, I was able to use my time abroad to complete my major ahead of schedule, while also broadening my worldview and enhancing my Spanish-speaking skills."

"...Being abroad teaches you to really take in the world around you, to see the similarities, and to appreciate the differences. During my time abroad I got to study the Spanish language rigorously, go on wild adventures like horseback riding through the Rio Torre, and walk down the serene cobblestone streets filled with rich history. Each and every day I learned something new. My trip pushed me to challenge myself, my thoughts, and my viewpoints on the world around me."

"I am extremely grateful to have had this experience that I will never be able to forget. My time in Spain changed me as a person for the better, giving me a more positive, mature perspective on life. Spain has been a country I have always wanted to visit and plan to return to in the near future because of the great experiences I had there. I am thankful to have had this opportunity to travel, study, and become a better version of myself."

"Florence was everything I imagined and more. It was the most beautiful and vibrant city overflowing with history, art, and delicious food. Being able to take classes in Italian and about Italian culture while in Italy was the perfect way for me to get the most authentic learning experience. Studying abroad allowed me to have the most genuine and real understanding of Italian language and culture, but also allowed me to complete a lot of credits for my Italian major."

"There is no doubt that study abroad brings an abundance of surprises, spontaneity, and mistakes. At times, you might find yourself packing for a quick weekend trip that you planned hours before. Or you might find yourself running to catch the last train home. As a very structured individual this lifestyle introduced me to a new mindset- it is possible to be organized and structured; and still, experience life with avoidable and unavoidable mistakes. More often than not these will be your funniest memories to think back on, and best stories to tell. "

" I am grateful and so blessed to have studied abroad last semester. I have gained a new confidence, a new outlook on life, and personal connections that I never would have made if I had stayed in Buffalo. I think it is important for every person, every student, to be afforded the ability to travel because we cannot learn and grow if we remain in the same environment, surrounded by people who think the same, and repeat the same experiences over and over again."

"Overall, I'm grateful to have participated in [VoluntarItaly]. Although it was stressful at times, I enjoyed every minute of it. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone who loves working with kids from different cultures/backgrounds and anyone who wants to learn more about the day-to-day life of Italians."

"I’ve made friends that will last a lifetime, both with Spanish people and other foreign students like me from throughout Europe and Asia, obtained a wealth of knowledge both in and out of the classroom, and have grown immensely. "

"It’s not the place that automatically changes one’s global perspective, but that person him or herself who learns to adapt to a different way of life; and, eventually, in becoming comfortable enough within whichever place they live, they thus come to think of that place as home. It’s sure that Besançon became my home and that, when the time came, I was hesitant to leave."

"The best part of my study abroad experience by far was the bilingual teaching internship I was able to do while in Spain. It gave me an insight to see from one thing what it’s like to be a Spanish teacher and all of the responsibilities that are included."