December 14, 2023
Meghan O’Toole
What our students learned abroad this year
Wiktoria Pedryc ’24 in Italy
This year, Foresters went far and wide to deepen their studies and expand their horizons through the College’s study abroad program.
In 2023, 100 Lake Forest College students studied in 23 countries and 40 cities.
Here’s what they learned.
Embracing a new culture in Spain
Margaret Murphy ’24, a history major with minors in Spanish and museum studies, studied abroad this semester in Barcelona, Spain.
“Being able to study abroad in Barcelona at LCI Barcelona and living in a homestay has allowed me to fully immerse myself in the culture and have experiences I didn’t think I would ever have just a year ago. I’ve been able to take courses about Spanish cuisine, Communication for Development, the Past and Present of Spain, and an accelerated intermediate/advanced Spanish class. The combination of classes has immersed me in Spanish cultures from different regions, helped me learn about history that we don’t traditionally learn about in the US, and expanded my Spanish.”
Overcoming language barriers and loneliness in South Korea
Tenzin Tsomo ’25, a computer science major with a neuroscience minor, studied abroad at the University of Seoul in South Korea.
“The three months began bitterly initially as I was alone in a new country and the language was completely unfamiliar despite the countless Duolingo lessons. I struggled to order food, cabs, and even access my own accommodation. I found myself quite unsure about the big decision I’d made. But as time went on, the problems shrank compared to the excitement and the wonder Seoul brought to me.”
Achieving lifelong dreams in Uruguay
Sociology and anthropology major, Spanish and Latin American studies minor Claire Churchill ’24 studied abroad this semester in the USAC Montevideo, Uruguay program.
“During our mid-semester break, I completed a lifelong dream of mine and spent a week backpacking in Patagonia. I trekked over 40 miles while carrying all my gear in Chile’s beautiful Torres del Paine national park. I couldn’t help but stop every few minutes to marvel at the towering mountains around me. The days were long but incredibly rewarding.”
Adopting a globally responsible mindset in Greece
Monika Gago ’24, an education and communication double major, studied abroad this semester at the American College of Greece.
“Adjusting to a new culture was initially challenging, but it taught me resilience and adaptability. I’ve learned to appreciate the beauty of differences and have grown more open-minded. My personal growth involves overcoming language barriers and learning to communicate effectively in a foreign environment. It’s a journey of self-discovery and self-confidence. One element of the program that has had a profound impact on me is the emphasis on cultural exchange and community engagement. It has allowed me to become a global citizen, fostering a sense of responsibility toward the world.”
“Studying abroad has allowed me to become a global citizen, fostering a sense of responsibility toward the world.”
Cycling into active lifestyles in the Netherlands
Mays Hussein ’25, a neuroscience major, studied abroad at Leiden University in the Netherlands.
“Waking up and biking to my classes each day has not only been an environmentally friendly choice but has also allowed me to appreciate my health in a whole new way. The simple act of pedaling through picturesque streets, alongside canals and historic buildings, has become a cherished part of my daily routine, reminding me to prioritize physical well-being.”
Expanding academic horizons in Italy
Wiktoria Pedryc ’24, a double major in psychology and philosophy with a minor in economics, studied abroad at Università degli Studi di Pavia in Italy.
“I took a wide range of master’s level courses in psychology and neuroscience, which are a great preparation for the graduate school curriculum and lifestyle. I had the chance to get involved in cognitive psychology research on language and memory, gain exposure to the realia of psychotherapy, and discuss moral decision making with forensic neuroscientists who are involved in solving some of the biggest crimes in Italy.”
Learning a martial art in Thailand
Kotryna Andriuskeviciute ’24, a neuroscience and Asian studies (Chinese) double major, studied abroad in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
“My Muay Thai class has been the highlight of this trip. I have always been fascinated with martial arts, and getting to learn Muay Thai in its country of origin has been extremely rewarding. The coach made every day in the gym an exciting experience. While he was serious about teaching us the basic principles, moves and combos of Muay Thai, he would also joke around with us, introduce us to his Thai students. Seeing our coach enjoy teaching us has motivated me and my friends to come back even after the official class is over.”
Finding common ground with different cultures in Japan
Holly Rosales ’23, an environmental studies major, studied abroad in Tokyo, Japan.
“In Japan, I felt nostalgic to a world I did not grow up in. I think there are some similarities though; with each meal, I remembered my mom’s own cooking and found myself sending her pictures of everything I ate, both food and knowledge. As a woman of color and daughter of immigrants, navigating my education abroad reinforced my understanding of my pursuit for a degree as I exist in an identity of intersectionality. As I navigated the foreign language, learned about creating substantive changes in policy and immersed myself into a different culture during my time abroad, I looked to perspectives of stewardship, disciplines on the environment and real people with an open-mindedness to establish a greater appreciation for diversity despite all the hardships that inevitably followed. It’s important to have hard conversations in a school setting, it’s the first step to making things better.”
Loving getting lost in France
Data science major and business and entrepreneurship minor Lubasi Sikwibele ’ 24 studied abroad in France.
“The bus became my unexpected classroom. Each bus trip was like tuning into a reality TV show of European travelers. There was the beard-guy engrossed in Dostoevsky, Spanish teens gabbing away, and the knitting lady whose needles clicked a rhythmic soundtrack. We were all lost and found in our narratives, all aboard the same bus. Getting lost on the bus wasn’t a screw-up. It was a weird, wonderful dive into a culture. It was about figuring things out, laughing at my blunders, and living a real-life coming-of-age flick, complete with scenic backdrops and an unfinishable baguette. Getting lost never felt so right!”
Discovering the benefits of a strong public transit system in England
Education and history double major Aidan Horn ’25 studied abroad at the University of Roehampton in England.
“Going from driving a car every day to using public transit was a big shift. However, I have learned how to navigate the city and discovered a new sense of freedom and a very real understanding of the word patience.”
Connecting with creatures in Australia
Hunter Lestelle ’24, a politics major with a double minor in legal studies and entrepreneurship, studied abroad at Western Sydney University in Australia.
“Getting close to a kangaroo has been on my bucket list for a lifetime. Visiting the Featherdale Wildlife Park was a dream come true and there could not have been a more perfect place to meet Australian animals. I got some amazing photos with the kangaroos. A fellow study-abroad peer and I even took a picture with a koala. Other animals I saw there were penguins, quokka, Tasmanian devil, cassowary, crocodile, and echidna.”
Sharing music and joy in Ireland
Emma Zagaiski ’24, a religion major, studied abroad at the University College Cork in Ireland.
“The best part about Ireland is the musicians. Traditional music is very big here, and on most nights of the week all you have to do is wander the city center and you will easily find an open pub with live music playing. My favorite is attending the smaller gigs because everyone will be huddled around the musicians, and even if you don’t know most of the people there, there is always a sort of feeling of togetherness. Often, others will join in or start to dance.”
Participating in a study abroad program, whether to study, intern, research or volunteer, can be a life-changing experience.
At Lake Forest College, we understand that our students have individual learning goals, which is why we have such a robust set of approved study abroad and domestic study away programs—over 250 options in 70 countries.
To learn more about study abroad at Lake Forest College, visit the Global Engagement Office.