For Oakland University students, studying abroad offers more than just a change of scenery — it’s a chance to expand their worldviews, gain cultural awareness and experience hands-on learning in new environments.
Oakland’s Office of International Education offers more than 300 programs in over 45 countries, giving students the opportunity to study in locations ranging from Italy, Morocco and Australia.
“We design our programs to be beneficial to the students we have,” Alex Zimmerman, director of International Education, said. “Many of our students haven’t traveled much — even outside of Michigan, so this gives them the chance to experience the world in a way they haven’t before.”
OU’s faculty-led programs are among the most popular options. These shorter trips, typically lasting two to six weeks, allow students to travel with classmates and professors.
“You go as a group of Oakland students with a faculty leader and another staff member,” Priscilla Arciniega, study abroad coordinator, said. “Students feel more secure because they’re going with familiar faces.”
For those looking for longer immersion, OU also partners with organizations such as CIEE and GEO to offer semester and year-long experiences. Programs range across disciplines, from language study and art to business and health sciences, with credits that align with OU degree paths.
Financial accessibility remains a top priority. Most financial aid and scholarships apply to study abroad, and OU distributes over $100,000 annually in additional funding.
“We’ve had students whose entire costs were covered by scholarships,” Zimmerman said. “Many more receive partial funding.”
OU students who have traveled abroad describe their experiences as transformative.
Crystal Orser, who studied in Greece and Costa Rica, said the trips were “nothing short of incredible and life changing.” As a theater major, she found the experience gave her a deeper appreciation for the arts.
“Seeing how theatre, dance, and performance are universal languages was moving,” Orser said. “OU has been extremely generous in scholarships and support.”
Gabriella Barczys participated in the two-week Tuder Intruders: Cross and Crown program in London.
“The experience opened my mind to new perspectives and taught me how to adapt to a new environment while exploring historic sites and engaging with locals,” Barczys said. “OU made sure everyone felt safe, informed, and connected.”
In Morocco, student August Wicker described living with a host family and exploring Rabat, Casablanca and Marrakech.
“Being immersed in Moroccan culture, art, and architecture was magical,” Wicker said. “The people were peaceful and welcoming, and their art was beautiful.”
Audrey Stemen, who studied in Barcelona, shared how the program pushed her beyond her comfort zone.
“I practiced my Spanish every day, even when I didn’t want to,” Stemen said. “OU supported me with scholarships and advisors who made the process simple. I would do it again a million times.”
Whether spending a few weeks or an entire semester abroad, OU students gained experiences that shape their academic and personal growth.
“Students come back with a greater sense of what they want to do after they graduate,” Zimmerman said. “They’re more confident and capable of navigating new environments.”
To learn more about upcoming programs or available scholarships, visit oakland.edu/ie or stop by the Office of International Education on campus.
