Study Abroad

Informal Interview

Once you have completed and turned in your preliminary application, there will be an informal interview with Cascadia’s Study Abroad Coordinator. This interview will be about 30 minutes long, and will address questions about your motivation and preparation to study abroad. This is also your opportunity to ask questions and get detailed information about study abroad and the specific program of interest to you.

Program Application Form

This application is different for every program. It is part of the paperwork needed to reserve your spot on the program. You will receive this program application after your preliminary application is approved. You will also need to pay a deposit and submit supporting documents such as a medical form and photo release form.

• WCCCSA Participant Medical Form
• Medical Examination Form
• Budget Sheet
• Cascadia Study Abroad Scholarship

What made you interested in studying abroad?

The chance to explore an entirely new city, meet new people and immerse myself in the Spanish culture..

What was the best or most interesting thing you experienced during study abroad?

There are so many memories that I could talk about, but the best thing I experienced while studying abroad in Barcelona was heading over straight to the beach right after class and go swim in the Mediterranean Sea.

What advice do you have for other students who are considering studying abroad?

Try not to worry about whether you will make friends abroad or not, because you will. Just be yourself! Don’t be afraid to do activities on your own because there’s a high chance that you’re not the only one. There’s nothing else holding you back other than yourself so go for it! When living in a new city, try to think of it as though you’re a part of a new community and everyone and everywhere will most likely love to meet you. If you don’t speak the native language, don’t worry! You can easily learn and write down a few basic phrases to help you connect with the locals.

How will studying abroad continue to impact your life (academics, career, identity) now that you are back in the U.S.?

Studying abroad has opened my eyes to what I’m capable of doing on my own and what fulfills me the most in life. I met all kinds of people from all over the world, so it was an exposure to a whole new side on interacting with people with diverse backgrounds and learning about the history of Catalonia which has all broadened my global perspective.

What made you interested in studying abroad? 

I always wanted to travel for a long period of time, but as a student, time and money are big constraints. I thought it would be a good opportunity to study abroad because it would inexpensive compared to travelling there on my own and I would be able to earn some credits while on the trip.

What did you learn from this trip?

I learned how to be accountable for myself and time. The culture class we took abroad basically was attendance to class and field trips and doing other things necessary for your time there. Time management was a crucial aspect of the trip and a habit that has just stuck with me since.

What advice do you have for other students who are considering studying abroad?

Expect to spend more than you think, so plan accordingly. Expect to write a few papers (around 1800 words a week). Study for quizzes and tests. Make plenty of friends with the students at the institution you will be attending, they know the best spots around the area and its fun learning about the people you’re around. Be friendly with the people in your study abroad group, because they will be the people you spend most of your time and make the greatest memories with.

How will studying abroad continue to impact your life (academics, career, identity) now that you are back in the U.S.?

I just subconsciously know now that there is a just a big world out there and I’ve only experienced one out of an unconceivable amount of cultures around the world. This trip just broadened my view and realized that I have more to experience outside of the U.S.

What was the best or most interesting thing you experienced during study abroad?

The best thing I faced during my study abroad was the whole experience. I consciously made a point to go out and meet people, and pushed myself to do and visit as many things as I could in Japan over and above what the school provided. I tried public baths (Sento), I took trains by myself, I met family I had in Japan I never knew before, and I ate foods I never would have eaten at home! On top of all of that, I made very good friends! All of this is what made my best experience during the study abroad.

What did you learn from this trip?

I learned to become more independent and fearless in that I travelled and did a lot of things by myself. On an interpersonal level, I learned what it is like to have roommates and how to try and work together even when there was conflict. On an academic level, I learned I have a great appreciation for photography and I deepen my ability to see and capture images that are relevant and beautiful to me. On a cultural level, I really fell in love with Japan. I never would have dreamt that I would come back to the US and feel such a void in my life for a country I only visited for a few months, such as Japan.

What advice do you have for other students who are considering studying abroad?

Do it! Don’t be stressed with your school work, just do the best you can so you can focus on experiencing the country you are in.

What was the best or most interesting thing you experienced during study abroad?

The trip was INCREDIBLE! I had such a wonderful time! It was hot and sunny and both Melbourne and Auckland were beautiful and friendly cities that offered a lot of culture and entertainment. It's hard for me to pick a favorite part...but I'd probably have to say exploring the city of Melbourne or road tripping around the South Island on my New Zealand break week.

Overall I felt the trip was really well organized and that we got to see and experience a lot more than the average traveler. Bruce and Megan were awesome instructors and were so kind and helpful in getting our group through the experience.

What made you interested in studying abroad?

I wanted to practice my Spanish in a Spanish speaking country, and I wanted to experience another culture.

How will studying abroad continue to impact your life (academics, career, identity) now that you are back in the U.S.?

I have a different perspective about my culture and its standards after spending some time away, and I’ve become more confident and sure of myself because of that. Spending time in a Spanish speaking country also really helped me to learn the language, and I feel like if my career takes me across borders (which I’m sure it will, as I want to work with people as a doctor or in foreign relations) I will have the advantage of moderate fluency in a second language that is spoken in many countries around the world.

What advice do you have for other students who are considering studying abroad?

Do it! In addition to learning the material or language taught in classes there, your perspective about the world and your life in it will widen. You’ll learn things about yourself and your culture that you don’t expect, and your new experiences together with the other students make it easy to make friends.