This volume presents a diverse collection of short personal essays that illuminate the experiences of study abroad students, alumni, faculty, and staff as they reflect on the lasting impact of their intercultural encounters and interactions in new environments and communities around the world. The stories explore themes ranging from culture shock and adaptation to resilience and personal growth, revealing how individuals gain new perspectives and develop deeper self-awareness by stepping outside their comfort zones. The authors share moments of perseverance and discovery, the challenges of building connections across cultures, and the rewards of learning and living in unfamiliar settings. Current and former students, in particular, describe their journeys of personal and academic growth through immersive coursework, internships, and community engagement, despite the initial hurdles of adjusting to new norms and expectations. This collection of reflective essays takes readers on a journey alongside those who have lived the study abroad experience while also offering insights from international educators and university administrators who design, direct, and support these programs at the University of Delaware—home to the nation’s first study abroad program for over a century.
Editors
Ravichandran Ammigan, Ph.D., serves as Vice Provost for Global Engagement and Senior International Officer at the University of Delaware. With 25 years of experience in the field of international higher education, he is responsible for leading the institution’s internationalization strategy and global engagement portfolio. He holds a secondary faculty appointment as Associate Professor in the School of Education, where his main research focuses on the academic, social, and cultural experiences of students in higher education worldwide. Dr. Ammigan has published numerous research articles, co-edited several books, and is a regular speaker at conferences internationally.
Matthew L. Drexler, M.A., serves as Director of Study Abroad at the University of Delaware, an operation that supports more than 125 faculty-led and semester education abroad programs each year. Matt has more than 17 years of experience facilitating international exchange and collaboration, and currently oversees collaborative efforts to internationalize UD’s campus through international mobility and internationalization at home programs. He also manages the evaluation and assessment of the study abroad student experience at UD and leverages that data to drive strategic efforts to expand and improve global programming at the university.
Marie A. Gleason, M.A., is a Senior Study Abroad Program Coordinator in the Center for Global Programs and Services at the University of Delaware. During her 24-year career in international education at the University, she has coordinated over 150 study abroad programs, supporting students and faculty in developing transformative global experiences. She also administers the Study Abroad Office’s need-based scholarship program and collaborates with academic departments to design and implement sustainable education abroad initiatives, including faculty-led and semester programs.
Amy Greenwald Foley, Ed.D., serves as Director for Global Outreach and Partnerships at the University of Delaware. She is the founding director of the UD World Scholars Program and oversees the strategic coordination of international partnerships and agreements at the Center for Global Programs and Services. Dr. Foley brings over 35 years of knowledge as a higher education professional. She earned a B.A. in Communications from the University of Miami, a certificate in Museum Studies from the International University of Art in Florence, Italy, an M.A.T. in Museum Education from The George Washington University, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Delaware.
