From Washington, D.C. to Bumthang, Bhutan, Elizabethtown College students have made the world their classroom. With programs in thirty countries and forty-two cities, as well as winter, summer, and May Term options, each student can pursue his or her passion globally.

Sophomore Matthew Smith spent two weeks in South Africa last May.

Although he hadn’t previously known much about the country, the experience broadened his personal network, brought classroom concepts to life, and transformed his understanding of the College’s motto, “Educate for Service.”

Smith recalled volunteering at an early childhood education center during the trip.

“It made me reconsider investment in developing countries,” Smith said. “I used to be skeptical about the effectiveness of nonviolent approaches, but going to South Africa made me realize you don’t have to end a conflict to be a peacemaker. You can change lives by simply inventing a new way to provide clean water or farm sustainably. Anyone can be a peacemaker.”

Senior Nadia Mourtaj attended the same program as Smith.

The water supply crisis during their trip drew her attention to the difference in problems faced by third- and first-world countries.

“Most sinks did not work, and we had to take five-minute showers to conserve water,” Mourtaj said. “I really appreciate that experience, but I know it isn’t anywhere close to the obstacles low-income South African citizens face daily.”

By contrast, a semester in Spain solidified the desire to live in a city for senior Sarah Pomerantz.

She said studying abroad made her more independent and open.

“I realized I love eating a late dinner and not being as rushed as most Americans,” she said.

Foreign food culture impacted junior Madeline Gingrich, as well.

“Most sit-down restaurants in South Korea won’t seat a lone customer, even if there are no other customers. They don’t let you take leftovers home, either,” she said.

Although students expect cultural differences going abroad, many face unanticipated challenges returning to campus.

“It was difficult talking … about my study abroad experience with people who weren’t there because they just didn’t get it and how much it had impacted me,” Gingrich said. “I frequently bring it up in conversation a year later, and I always wonder if my friends get sick of me talking about it. All I crave is Korean food. I also miss not needing a car to get around the city because everything is close by.”

Studying abroad may change students’ worldviews, career aspirations and interests.

For example, Gingrich prioritizes certain personal values as a result of her experience.

“My time in South Korea taught me to be more respectful of my elders. I am also more conscious of stereotypes, and I make a conscious effort to eliminate them as I go throughout my day,” she said.

Yet, studying abroad is just the beginning. Study Abroad Advisor and Etown alumna Megan Bell, ’14, encourages returning students to apply their knowledge by presenting at Scholarship and Creative Arts Day (SCAD), seeking out local organizations and events and sharing their experiences with others.

“Sharing your experience with other Elizabethtown students creates a richer intellectual environment,” Bell said.

Bell offers guidance and support throughout the application process, as well as connection with program alumni.

For those seeking assurance regarding therapy or medical needs, she also serves as a point of contact between the College and its emergency evacuation and medical insurance provider.

The Study Abroad Office web page details affiliate programs and the process of going abroad.

It also provides links to the Office’s Snapchat, Youtube and Instagram accounts. Students may also visit the Study Abroad Office (studyabroad@etown.edu) in Nicarry 117.

Students who have gone abroad often become lifelong travelers. Gingrich has fallen in love with South Korea and is searching for opportunities to return.

Pomerantz will go to Prague this spring, and Mourtaj plans to study in Barcelona, Spain.

“Never be afraid to go abroad,” Smith said. “The world is the greatest classroom, and it’s always looking for new students.”