Student Testimonials
Latine and Hispanic Heritage Month 2025
Latine students are only 12% of national study abroad students. At USF, Latine students are about 20% of study abroad students. Below are the testimonios of some recent Latina global scholars that provide important wisdom and inspiration for Latine students thinking of studying abroad.
Alejandra studied abroad for the full 2024-2025 year in Saint Louis University Madrid.
Q: How did you choose your program?
A: I wanted a city that felt alive, full of history, culture, and energy, but also a place where I could still feel connected as a Latina moving there. I quickly realized that even though the language was easy for me, the culture was its own world.
Q: Why is it important for Latine students to study abroad?
A: Being abroad showed me that our perspective as Latinas is valuable and needed, and that the more we put ourselves out there, the more we grow, learn, and inspire others.
Q: Advice for Latine students?
A: I would say it is really important to stay grounded in your roots while embracing everything new, and to be confident in who you are. To any Latina thinking about studying abroad: Do It. Bring your whole self, take up space, share your culture, and chase your passions, the experience will change you in ways you didn't even know you needed.
Drew studied abroad in Summer 2025 on an Honors College program in Budapest, Hungary.
Q: What is the most interesting thing you learned?
A: I learned a lot about Hungary's history and how the country has often found itself in the middle of major political disputes throughout time. It was fascinating to see how its past continues to shape its political landscape today.
Q: What do you wish you knew before going abroad?
A: As a member of the Latine community, it can be difficult to adjust to the independence that comes with going abroad. Many of us have close family ties, and the concern our parents feel can make us hesitant to venture into a completely different culture. However, once I took the chance, I realized how manageable it really was– and how much the university odes to ensure students feel welcomed and safe at all times.
Q: Do you have any advice for other Latine students?
A: My biggest advice is to talk to your professors! Also, don't let cost discourage you: there are many study abroad scholarships available. The study abroad office does a great job of informing students about these opportunities and even helps you with the application process.
Q: Final question! Why do you think it's important for Latine students to study abroad?
A: To gain knowledge across different fields and cultures. In today's world, it's crucial for us Latinos to feel that we've earned our place in academic and global spaces– not that it's simply given to us. Studying abroad allows us to learn from other cultures while also sharing our own, showing the world the diversity and strength within the Latine community.
Q: How did you choose your program?
A: I decided where to go based on language requirements (I already speak Spanish). I also needed to make sure I could continue taking my pre-med courses.
Q: What's an interesting thing you learned about yourself?
A:The most interesting thing I learned was how comfortable and independent you feel after a while abroad. I was very homesick in the beginning and anxious I wouldn't make any friends. A week later I made new friends and slowly began to adapt to the lifestyle in Spain.
Q: Why is it important for Latine Students to study abroad?
A: This is an opportunity that does not come easily. I look back and I think how lucky I am to not only receive a high education but I get to continue that education in another country. I look back and see how proud not just my mom is but my grandparents and family who didn't get the chance to get a higher education but also see the world as I have. I'm creating a new opportunity for myself and creating a new and higher standard for my future porque si se puede!
Amber studied abroad at Saint Louis University Madrid in Spring 2025
Q: How did you decide where to go abroad?
A: I decided to go to Copenhagen because I wanted to maintain the city life but was drawn to the slower pace and closer-knit community it offered. I was also intrigued by their statistics on happiness and wellbeing.
Q: Advice for Latine students?
A: Get involved in activities beyond what your study abroad program offers and take initiative in seeking affinity groups or local events. My other advice is to find one thing that brings you comfort or reminds you of home. Representing my identity abroad was so fulfilling and made me feel infinitely better about being far away from family and friends.
Q: Why is it important for Latine students to study abroad?
A: Although culturally it can seem selfish and frivolous to study abroad, for me it was so important to expand my horizons and learn from other cultures I had never been exposed to. Seeing places my parents have never seen and taking up space where I might not always belong felt incredible.
Chelsea studied abroad on the DIS Copenhagen program Fall 2024.