Have you ever had an interest in studying abroad but did not want to go away for a whole semester? If so, you’re in luck! The College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (ACES) and the University of Illinois offer a wide range of short-term study abroad programs.

Mira Laroyia, a junior agricultural and biological engineering major and ACES study abroad intern, has taken part in one of these experiences. Through the Global Sustainability Scholars program, she traveled to Trinidad and Tobago during winter break of her freshman year.

The group worked with two different organizations, one was focused on turtle restoration and conservation where they were educated about how turtles are tagged.

The other organization was focused on forest fire mitigation, how the fires are snuffed out, and why the fires occur in the first place.

Luckily for Laroyia, the experiences she had with these organizations were directly applicable to job interviews she had later on.

“In one of my interviews a while ago I was given a case about forest fires and natural disasters. Because I had been to Trinidad and learned about this, I was able to use my knowledge and use this real-life experience to help me stand out,” she said.

Preparation for studying abroad is going to be different depending on where you decide to go. Nevertheless, there are some universal truths to making sure you have the best experience you possibly can.

“Doing research on your own is really important. I wish I had done more of this before I had gone. They had festivals and events going on that I didn’t even realize were happening. I would have loved to read up more and ask people more questions,” Laroyia said.

While the corresponding program classes you will take at the university will give you as much information as possible to succeed, it doesn’t hurt to take some time and get some extra information about your destination. Having a better understanding of historical context, traditions and customs, and a foreign culture overall will inevitably help to make your experience as beneficial as possible.

Another one of the greatest parts of studying abroad at this university is the opportunity to make lifelong friends right here at school.

“Travel really brings you closer. We learned so much about each other, and now we’re all great friends.” she said in reference to the other members of the program.

“I haven’t had a class with them since freshman year, but I’m literally going to hang out with them later today!”

For more information and resources about ACES study abroad opportunities, visit the link below.

https://aces.illinois.edu/academics/study-abroad