International Programs
The following students have been selected as study abroad ambassadors. They have recently participated in UM-sponsored study abroad programs. If you are thinking about studying abroad and have questions about a specific country and/or university, you are welcome to contact the ambassadors. IF you have recently studied abroad on a UM sponsored program consider becoming an Ambassador. Apply Now!
Toyo University, Japan, braxtonbittinger@hotmail.comStudying abroad in Japan was essential to my educational experience. It has provided me with the tools and confidence that I need to pursue the career of my dreams! While studying for 10 months in Tokyo Japan I was able to explore the dynamics and complexities of my field of study, business. While gaining communication skills I was also gaining business and culture savvy. I know have the skills and confidence necessary to return to the country and people I have grown to love and admire so much over the years and utilize my education. I think that any one who has a passion for learning and life, studying abroad can be your tool for expansion.
I Studied at Virjie University in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. I studied business, but am a communication and psychology major at the U of M. I was able to travel to 11 different countries while abroad. The people that I met have forever changed me and allowed me a broader scope into the world that is becomming flatter and flatter. I wouldn't trade my semester for the world. If you have any questions, please contact me at:emily.cossitt@umontana.edu>emily.cossitt@gmail.com
Granada, Spain an amazing place for students. I had the opportunity make friends not just from all over Europe, but really from all over the world. Between us we exchanged ideas, customs, and languages that we had brought with us from overseas. Along with Spanish I also became very skilled in French and learned the basics of several other languages because of having such an international group of friends.
Granada is also a great base to do further traveling. Every time I had the chance I would do a road trip or find a cheap flight because there was so much to see in Europe. However, the most exciting trip for me was Morocco, where we got to see a lot of this North African country traveling by bus.
Studying abroad has changed me in a way that no other experience could. In Granada I probably experienced some of the scariest, saddest, happiest, and most exciting moments of my life. Learning how to control the negative emotions as well as stress was the most valuable skill I got out of being abroad. Facing my problems and controlling the worry in turn has giving me a boost of confidence I could not have got any other way.
My name is Ryan Gainor and I am a UM student with a major in Forensic Anthroplogy. I studied abroad in Toowoomba, Australia at the University of Southern Queensland in the Fall 2007 and Spring 2008.
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaiso, mjpv@juno.com. I am a senior studying English Literature and Spanish. During Spring 2006 I studied abroad in Valparaiso, Chile. My experience abroad taught me to be more independent, resourceful, adventurous, and respectful of other people's achievements and challenges. Two of my favorite aspects of life in Chile were the depth that the country's recent political history gives the culture, and the way that the city smelled after it rained-like fresh bread.
I studied in Ireland at University College Cork for Spring 2008 Semester. Before that I had studied on the program Semester at Sea. I cannot say enough about traveling and living in foreign countries. Both of these experiences were fundamental in my development as a young adult. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the great opportunities to study abroad. Feel free to email me anytime at lctrfan@gmail.com
University of Chester, UK, dmarucheau@hotmail.com Hey, my name is Dave Marucheau and I spent the entirety of 12 months living in England and exploring the beautiful English countryside of Northwest England with its dazzling Lake District and Wales impressive peaks of Snowdonia. Studying abroad broadened my perception of the global community and encouraged me to become a more independent engaging individual with the bigger world around me. Chester will enable you to take a glance in a meshing of old world Victorian charm and the influx of modern sentiments of an ever changing British culture. Please do not hesitate to pick my brain with inquiries about what it was like to "become a Brit" for 12 months, or anything that may help you. My experiences in Chester have forever changed my life. Study abroad can discover and open new paths in your life that you never would have anticipated. It will leave you expecting the unexpected.Attached is also a picture of me from the lake district.
I am a double major in Dance and Applied Mathematics at UM. Last year I spent my year studying abroad at Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand. Living in Wellington was an amazing experience for me when I was able to study dance in a metropolitan city known as the cultural capital of New Zealand. Studying abroad allowed me to gain a new perspective on the culture of New Zealand that reached far beyond any information I had learned from books or in a classroom setting. After spending a year abroad I have also gained new insight on how my native culture is perceived from the outside world. I enjoyed every aspect of studying abroad- from sharing a flat with students from all over the world; to gaining new insight on my studies at a foreign university; to taking advantage of inexpensive travel to new locations around the South Pacific. After completing my experience in New Zealand, I encourage every UM student to take advantage of the opportunity to study abroad!
My name is Brandon Printz. I spent a year in Linz, Austria where I studied at the Johannes Kepler Universität. My experiences treated me well, and I can claim a high level of learning in, and outside of the classroom. It was simply fantastic to learn to speak German with the locals, and to learn economics from professors who had used their experiences in business. Studying culture in business was also very fruitful as it gave me the chance to implement it right away. Middle-Europe is so full of culture of all sorts, it is amazing to see firsthand. Though certainly a lot of work, I also had some time to play. A world-class BMX dirt jumping park sat just outside of my residence, and Linz is fairly central on the continent of Europe. Weekends were spent riding the high-speed rail or aircraft to see other places, or outside enjoying Austria. I have a great many photos of my adventures during my exchange year.
I studied abroad for the Spring 2008 semester in Buenos Aires, Argentina at Universidad del Salvador. This experience has been the highlight of my college career thus far. I was able to study Spanish, meet great friends, travel to new places, and get to know the awesome city that is Buenos Aires. My study abroad experience has only strengthened my interest and appreciation for different cultures. Argentina has so much to offer and I hope to go back soon. I can encourage anyone who is interested in studying abroad to make it happen. You will not regret it!
