Why scroll when you can travel?
By Abigail McConaughy · Contributing Writer
This week presents the last opportunity for students to explore the great wide world through studying abroad this fall.
For a school of its size, Grove City College’s Office of Global Programs (OGP) provides many possibilities for students and faculty to study and serve abroad.
Some of the OGP’s most popular offerings are the faculty-led travel courses, which allow students to get credit for a Grove City course while traveling with their professors to another country. The courses offered are usually classes that all students are required to take, such as SSFT or courses from the humanities core. Many students value getting to see historical sites with the added benefit of learning from their professors’ knowledge and experience.
Senior Isabel Golias spoke highly of her experience taking Christianity in Civilization in England and Scotland. “Travel courses are the ideal kind of trip for students who want to have experience abroad without spending an entire semester away from the community they have formed here at GCC. During the trip, you learn about another culture while growing closer with professors and fellow students you may not have met otherwise,” Golias said.
The OGP also offers semester-long study abroad opportunities. Many exciting destinations and academic opportunities exist outside of the U.S., and the chance to encounter other cultures by immersion in foreign languages and fresh experiences can help students develop innumerable skills.
“The Office of Global Programs here at Grove City is an excellent resource that facilitates growth through providing an opportunity for multicultural learning and experiences. I had the incredible privilege to study abroad in Paris, France last fall,” junior Adam Budzik said.
“It was an eye-opening experience that left me with lasting relationships and a more well-rounded worldview. I encourage every one of my peers to pursue international opportunities that the Office of Global Programs has to offer. The opportunity to enter into another culture and learn is a much-needed exercise in this era. Stop by The OGP if you are interested!” he said.
Along with the lifelong lessons that are initiated by time spent studying abroad, many students’ favorite part of their experience is seeing the historical sites and scenery in the country they stay in.
“I loved exploring Edinburgh, like visiting the castle, walking along the River Leith, visiting the museums and shopping at all the bookstores,” junior Anna Scott said.
Students also enjoy the freedom of being on their own and traversing a new place. “I loved having the freedom to easily explore new cities and even countries outside of my three-day class week!” junior Leyla Zwolinski said.
During their semester abroad, some students receive further cultural experience by being placed with local families.
“While I was studying in Barcelona, I chose to stay with a host family with a roommate. My program (AIFS) placed me with a sweet, retired woman named Eugenia who had lived in Spain her whole life, and in Barcelona for over a decade,” Gilkinson shared.
“My roommate was another U.S. student from my program and was from Minnesota. We got along well and have been keeping in touch! One of the best parts of the host family package is that the families provide breakfast and dinner Monday through Friday. My host mom always made me a sandwich for lunch during the week as well! The food was amazing (and) fresh, and sometimes I even had local Catalan meals, which was a great cultural immersion.
“Another amazing part of the Homestay is the fact that my host mom was an amazing resource for ideas of things to do! She recommended some lesser-known spots and activities, which really helped me experience as well. Overall, my host family experience was one of my favorite parts of my experience in Barcelona!” she said.
Global Studies Coordinator Rachel Anderson advises all students who are thinking about or are currently studying abroad to apply for their passports early and to follow OGP on Instagram. Don’t miss the Feb. 15 deadline for fall 2026 application forms – adventure, alongside invaluable insight into the world, awaits!
