Newcastle, Australia
Completing a semester abroad allowed me to gain perspectives no class or lecture could have prepared me for. In and out of the classroom, I learned invaluable skills for my future career, education, and in my personal development. Being able to live abroad is truly a once in a lifetime experience that I hope all UMF students can do!
KT Lebakken, University of Newcastle – Fall 2024
Gwilym R. Roberts Study Abroad Scholarship Recipient
Le Mans, France
UMF Faculty-Led Travel Course – May 2024
View France Travel Course Presentation
Galway, Ireland
Willow Betz, University of Galway – Spring 2024
View Willow’s Study Abroad Presentation
Akita, Japan
September of 2023 I got the opportunity to study abroad in Akita Japan! It was the best
experience I have ever had in my college career. I got the chance to learn the Japanese
language and the culture. During this study abroad, I got to make many friends from all over the
world, in which I flew out to see them again even after coming back home. One of the best
experiences I have done in Japan was having my photography displayed in one of the most well
known cities in Japan, Tokyo! I had never had my photos displayed before and I now get to say
that my first time was in Japan.
Through this experience my love for Japan and its culture grew and after I finish at the
University of Maine Farmington, I plan on returning and building my own career back in the
Akita Prefecture. I would have not had this opportunity without UMF and the Global Education
Council (GEC). Thank you for your support in the experience!
Rebecca Nirza, Akita International University – Fall 2023
Gwilym R. Roberts Study Abroad Scholarship Recipient
View Becca’s Study Abroad Presentation
Akita, Japan
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August Tartamella, Akita International University – Fall 2023
View August’s Study Abroad Presentation
Edinburgh, Scotland
Choosing to study abroad in Scotland was one of the best decisions of my life. I’ve always been interested in visiting and living in another country, so I made it a point to look into the programs offered at UMF. I ultimately decided on studying at the University of Edinburgh through the partnership company API, and they made my time abroad enjoyable and relatively seamless. I was well-supported by my program advisors and other students within my API cohort, never feeling truly unsafe or worried. I was able to live with a mix of UoE students and other Americans through API, and I am happy to say that I am still close friends with them today.
I took three courses at UoE that I was able to transfer for credit at UMF, and they each had something different to offer that expanded my cultural understanding of the world. I also got to go on multiple trips within the UK and mainland Europe during my time there – some with my program and some on my own. Being across the Atlantic opened up a lot of doors when it came to traveling on a budget! I was able to explore city life in different parts of Europe, and it ultimately made me interested in pursuing international career options. Being abroad helped me discover new parts of myself, and since returning, I feel much more confident as an independent young adult.