Study Abroad – Study Away Student Experiences
Bimmy -
Health in Ecuador - Summer 2026
Through this study abroad program to Ecuador I had the opportunity to view social determinants of health in action for many Ecuadorian communities. During our trip we saw communities facing barriers to healthcare such as no transportation to and from the mountain communities to a nearby clinic, difficulty with access to medications, and making medical appointments. Through working with the children's foundation for down syndrome, we saw what caring for a vulnerable population looks like while working to meet the children's developmental needs. By touring the university and the public hospital with the UDLA nursing students, I began to see the parallels between our healthcare system in the US and the one in Ecuador, and also where standards of care can differ based on patient wait times, staffing, and protocols. Coming back to the US, I have a deeper appreciation for what it means to advocate for the vulnerable populations we work with, the power we have as healthcare professionals in making change for our communities, and how to be creative in addressing the challenges and barriers our patients face in accessing care. This is a program I will forever carry and I'm glad I got to be a part of an experience that shaped my perspective moving forward in my career!
Serena -
Health in Ecuador - Summer 2026
One of the most meaningful experiences I had while in Ecuador was working alongside the nursing students at the Universidad de las Américas (UDLA). This experience allowed me to compare nursing education and clinical practice in Ecuador with what I have experienced as a nursing student at Shoreline. I was especially impressed by UDLA’s advanced simulation technology and facilities. While simulation in the United States often relies heavily on mannequins, I had the opportunity to work with real people as patients, which made the experience feel much more realistic and allowed me to strengthen my communication and interpersonal skills in addition to my clinical skills. I also noticed differences in the nurse-to-patient ratios and hospital resources. In the United States, nurses generally care for fewer patients at one time, allowing for more patient-centered care, while the nurses and students I observed in Ecuador often worked with larger patient assignments. Additionally, I noticed that hospitals in the United States generally have access to more advanced equipment and technology, such as an MRI machine. Experiencing these differences firsthand helped me recognize that, although nursing practice can look very different depending on the country and available resources, the importance of teamwork, adaptability, communication, and compassionate patient-centered care remains universal.
Shoreline College nursing students and Universidad de las Americas nursing students spent a full day together, touring the school facilities and a public hospital, and collaborating during a simulation lab. This experience was a highlight for the Shoreline students during the 10-day, Social Determinants of Health in Ecuador program.
Marisa -
Costa Rica - Summer 2025
My experience studying abroad in Costa Rica was amazing in every way. I was so impressed with Intercultura Language School. My teachers were outstanding and I enjoyed every class - they made classes fun with interactive activities, multimedia, and plenty of time for speaking/listening practice (which was a goal of mine). Staying with my host family in Heredia was wonderful and I so enjoyed our conversations around the dinner table as well as the opportunities I had to practice Spanish. Spending time with them was a true highlight as I have many fond memories. I also love the way that Intercultura would incorporate local culture and context into our class curriculum, the various activities they organized outside of class to celebrate and teach us about Costa Rican holidays/history, and optional excursions to nearby towns. I started the program at a beginning level and plan to continue learning and practicing Spanish to use at work, with friends, and beyond - this trip was the perfect launch into that journey. I also took advantage of the Latin dance classes regularly at the Heredia campus which was one of my favorite things. One pleasant surprise for me was how much I enjoyed meeting people from all over the world learning Spanish at the school. It was inspiring to hear people's motivations and stories. Lastly, while my main goals were around learning language and culture, I loved the many amazing excursions that were organized for us - I did many things I never imagined I would do in my life, like white water rafting. The trip pushed me out of my comfort zone in that regard and I'm so glad for it. I also loved seeing interesting animals and so many beautiful landscapes and sites throughout the country (we traveled all over and I can't believe how much we did/saw within just one month!). This trip was life changing and one of the best decisions I could have made.
Lana
Lyon, France – Fall 2024
My study abroad experience in France was unbelievable. This was a dream come true in many ways. For one, I had an amazing opportunity to live with a roommate and a loving host family. My host family helped us practice French and assisted with our homework most days. Their care and hospitality were so genuine, and they exceeded all of our expectations for what our experience in France would be like. My roommate and I took the bus and metro to school every day, and when we arrived home, their beautiful dogs would come to greet us! My favorite part of the day was dinner. It was always filled with laughter and love. I truly felt at home. We sometimes had crêpe parties, which were amazing. The room would fill with the sweet scent of crêpe batter and music (they listened to most of the songs we knew, which was surprising!). Beyond the phenomenal host family experience, I also enjoyed the school we attended. I didn’t know what to expect with the daily school routines, but we all adapted pretty easily. Our days after school consisted of taking the metro to new, gorgeous cities and towns. On the weekends, we traveled farther away to places like Switzerland or Paris. The opportunities to travel were endless. My favorite part of the trip was going to old cafés in Lyon with my friends. We did this quite often, and it was very relaxing and special. We would sit and talk for hours. I would do this program again because it not only provided me with a wonderful host family, but also helped me grow closer to the person I want to be.
Isaac
Costa Rica Summer 2024
My experience is Costa Rica was so valuable. Living in Heredia and Samara with host families was such an immersive experience. I learned plenty of Spanish not just because of the curriculum but also because I had the ability to practice at home and in daily life. I’m also so glad I got to meet the people in my cohort of Washingtonians, it was such a cool and unique group of people. We all came from different walks of life, and it was because of the program that our paths crossed. As much as I liked practicing Spanish, I would say that my favorite part of the program was the excursions that were planned out for us. The views were breath taking, the animals were cool, and being able to experience all that with good people was just a cherry on top. I kind of came into the program not knowing what to expect and being a bit nervous going on a trip like this on my own, but it ended up being the best choice I ever made.
Rebecca
Japan Fall 2022
Studying abroad was the most incredible experience in my lifetime so far, and I am so glad that I did it. We got the opportunity to live in a Japanese apartment and travel around by bus and train, visit the local grocery store, go to college at a Japanese university and attend school festivals and activities as if we were a local. I feel that living in a foreign country for a long period of time is a very important way to truly experience the culture, and I am very glad that I had the opportunity to have this experience rather than just traveling to Japan as a tourist for a few weeks, because honestly even a few months did not feel like enough time. Not only was the experience of being in Japan absolutely breathtaking, but I was able to make so many new friends from the program and also from Japan that I still stay in touch with regularly. Studying abroad is an amazing way to really experience the world and meet new people, and I feel that it is something everyone should do in their lifetime.
Prince
South Africa Summer 2015
When traveling to another country, you must remain open minded and willing to adapt to the environment in which you enter. On this trip there were a plethora of different environments that we explored, so adapting was a crucial element. Most importantly, humbling yourself and constantly inquiring about selected topics, products, and situations is what makes the journey incredible! It takes you out of your comfort zone and enables you to adapt rather than simply roam as a foreigner.
My favorite part was meeting all of the beautiful, loving, and phenomenal people from South Africa! I fell in love with that country due to the people. The views were astounding and I enjoyed every one of them, but the people are what make a country what is it.
I had an incredible time! Would go back next month if possible! Couldn't have had a better professor to lead us! I pray that Dr. J continues this program as long as possible!
Brenna
South Africa Summer 2015
I learned how privileged I am to be American, and more importantly, white, in today's world. I saw a lot of parallels between the post-apartheid system and the way America sets up race barriers. Really eye-opening.
I really enjoyed seeing how much young people cared about their immediate communities (neighbors, classmates, family & friends), their larger communities (groups they were a part of, their town/city) and the entire country in itself. Anyone from age five to twenty-five that we came across was super literate and well-versed in the history of their country, and would do anything to prevent something like apartheid from happening again / clean up the remnants still left from the apartheid era. They all really cared about what's happening socially and politically, and seeing that was refreshing, coming from a place (*cough* USA *cough*) where a lot of people talk the talk but don't walk the walk.
It really, REALLY inspired me to get more involved in the issues that I'm passionate about and showed me that you really can make a difference if you speak out and educate others on what you believe is important and right. Also, South Africa is the most beautiful place in the world. My breath was stolen by the Indian ocean and rolling valleys of the Eastern Cape on multiple occasions. It was amazing to see the serenity of a country that has been so much and very artistically inspiring.
Lynn
Jamaica Summer 2014
Please consider submitting your own words or photographs! The format is up to you. Past examples have included journal entries, articles, and web pages. Contact studyabroad@shoreline.edu to submit your experience.