Study Abroad Student Testimonials

"Dr. Maldari is a phenomenal professor, and did a wonderful job with helping us comfortably experience the shocks of being abroad. Being able to stay in Italy for one month, really opened my eyes on what peace really feels like. I loved visiting all the different places to eat, numerous churches, and of course the gorgeous scenery. No matter where I walked, there was always something beautiful to look at. Outside of our class time, we luckily got to visit Padua, Milan, and Venice, which were all amazing and fun to experience - especially with my friends/classmates!" Kris' Study Abroad Tips (PDF)

"I would say the biggest highlight for me was the celebration of the friendship between Fitchburg, Mass and Kleve, Germany...It showed me how people will happily go above and beyond. Studying abroad has given me the opportunity to see and listen to the stories that are hidden, and it has widened my perspective on life. I highly encourage anyone to study abroad while they're a student."

"Nothing compares to being physically standing where so many events that marked our history happened. That feeling when I think, "Oof, I have been there". I am grateful and honored for the opportunity."

"I have peace and serenity in the land of the rising sun. The shrine, the culture, and the people of Japan were great and the food was awesome."

"Studying abroad isn’t comparable to anything else. I was able to see environmental issues that I learned about in the classroom at the same time as seeing a new country, trying local foods, meeting new people, and visiting Machu Picchu."

"Having to learn and experience a whole different culture in another country is such a fascinating idea. Coming to Japan, I’ve met so many amazing people, made beautiful memories with them, explored lots of fascinating places, and ate amazing food. I am so grateful to have this opportunity to travel and to be a part of the study abroad program. I would definitely visit again!"

"As an older or non-traditional student, I missed out on the normal college things and studying abroad with Fitchburg State gave me that experience. I learned so much about others but more importantly, I learned more about myself.  I learned to climb the mountains, to try new foods, to listen to other people and that life is too short to not enjoy it."  

"Coming to Hawai'i, I was unsure if I could get a real cultural experience while still being in the U.S. What I've learned though is that culture isn't about location it's about the people you meet."

"Every part of my exchange program at Reitaku University was my favorite, and it’s one of the most unique and unforgettable experiences I have had, and I can’t wait go again."

"Living in Italy for three wonderful weeks seemed so surreal to me. I was learning while having fun, I learned in and outside of the classroom. I had the opportunity to stay in a country full of history, arts and some exotics foods."

"Studying abroad is an irreplaceable experience. Few people come back unchanged or unaffected by it. Sorrento became my home quicker than I thought it ever would."

"Visiting various game companies and seeing games that are a work in progress definitely shed light to my eyes on the reality of game design. Though everyone had their own separate desk and workspace there was definitely unity because of how everything being worked on was going to be part of a whole video game."