The University of Memphis’ study abroad program is making a comeback after the pandemic slowed registration to a halt. Starting this summer, many previously annual opportunities to study abroad that ended in 2020 will reopen to U of M students.
“COVID initially tanked our numbers,” said Elizabeth Langston, the advisor for study abroad programs. “As vaccines became available, we’d have a handful, five to ten students, who went to countries that were safe enough. We’ve only sent maybe 35 students the last couple years. Usually we send about 300 every year.”
When the pandemic began and international travel shut down, study abroad students were forced into online classes. These classes, Langston said, were similar to a regular U of M course, but involved students and professors from other countries as well.
“It was a nice way to still offer international experiences, but it wasn’t very popular past the very first semester. People are wanting to get out, stop doing online stuff and see the world.”
Now, students can finally begin to leave the country. Two hundred and sixty are currently signed up and new programs are emerging as well. “We have some new faculty led programs this summer.” Langston said.
This includes persuasive writing in Greece, architecture in Scotland and a river systems course in Mexico that was awarded a grant, meaning all expenses, with the exception of meals, are covered.
Exchange student numbers to the University of Memphis suffered as well, with only two or three per semester, compared to about 45 pre-pandemic. Still, to some, the experience is worth it.
“It was fun. I wouldn’t change a thing about it to be honest,” said Lea Diedicke, a senior international business major from Germany. “It’s just something you have to experience, even if it’s for three weeks.”
Diedicke has spent most of her college career in the U.S., taking a year in Louisiana, and three years in Memphis. She said one of the biggest benefits to study abroad is the change you see in yourself.
“I got to know myself so much more just by being outside my country. I wouldn’t be the person I am now if I had stayed home. I’m more open, I want to do new things, learn more cultures, speak to new people.”
It’s common for students to become homesick when they are so far from home. But for Diedicke, that wasn’t a problem.
“Some people might be scared, that’s understandable,” she said. “But if you want to go to a different country because you’re interested in a language, culture, whatever, you get used to it quickly.”
One of the biggest challenges for students studying abroad is adapting to cultural differences, Diedicke said.
“You have to watch out what you say, and the way you say it. It’s a learning process. You have to know the culture before you say things: that’s something people need to be aware of [depending on] where they go.”
Besides the cultural experience from study abroad, there are many practical, soft skills to pick up, Langston said.
“Studying abroad makes you more independent, more flexible, and better able to work with people different than you. When you have study abroad on your resume, an employer instantly knows that you have those capabilities.”
Diedicke has had a similar experience.
“I had to be more independent and that’s great for personality growth,” she said. “I wouldn’t be the person I am now if I had stayed home.”
Langston described networking as another huge benefit to studying abroad. “You make connections outside of Memphis,” she said. "It makes you more employable, increases your network, and earns you a lot of soft skills.”
The application deadline for summer study abroad courses and internships is March 1. To learn more about specific opportunities, students can visit memphis.studioabroad.com, or schedule an advising appointment with Langston at lrugel@memphis.edu.
The International Center at the University of Memphis // Photo: Jacob Wilt
