Anabelle Denton

Scotland: Nature, Creativity, and Well-Being Across the LifeSpan | Summer 2025

Semester in Spain | Spring 2025

Guatemala: New Dukes Abroad: Navigating New Experiences | Summer 2024

"Hey! My name is Anabelle Denton. I am a junior Psychology major from Virginia Beach. Coming into college, studying abroad was at the top of my bucket list. I was eager to see the world, learn about different cultures, and experience everything. I am so grateful I have had the opportunity to study abroad three times. I participated in the New Dukes in Guatemala program, where I found my confidence and learned how to build connections with my peers, professors, and hosts. Next, I spent my second semester in Salamanca, Spain. I was challenged in ways I never could have prepared for, but I also learned and grew more than I ever could have predicted. I took my first solo weekend trip, which sparked a new level of the travel bug and led to a month bouncing around Europe the following summer. Finally, I participated in the Scotland: Wellness, Nature, and Creativity psychology program. This trip was incredibly reflective and helped me to decide what I wanted to study. I truly believe studying abroad is one of the most impactful experiences you can have. The more you put into the trip, the more you will get out of it, so my biggest piece of advice is to go in with an open mind and embrace everything. "How are you ever gonna know if you never even try?" This quote has followed me through life and applies extremely well to study abroad. Take the trip, meet the people, see the world, and do the things you never imagined you would. You never know what might be waiting for you."

Email: dentonaa@jmu.edu

Chloe Schwartz

Semester in Spain | Summer 2026

"Hi! My name is Chloe Schwartz, and I am a junior here at JMU. I am a Psychology major with minors in Medical Spanish and Honors Interdisciplinary Studies. After graduation, I hope to attend a graduate program in psychology. This past summer, I had the amazing opportunity to study abroad through JMU's Semester in Spain program.

My hometown is Arlington, VA, and I have enjoyed the privilege of experiencing the diverse culture of our nation's capital right at home. I have always been interested in exploring other cultures and becoming a global learner, but before coming to JMU, I had never considered making study abroad part of my college experience. I assumed studying abroad would be expensive, challenging, and difficult to work into my class schedule. While these are certainly factors to consider when studying abroad, I was pleasantly surprised by the flexibility my program provided. I would argue that the benefits I gained from studying abroad far outweighed these considerations.

As a freshman, my curiosity about studying abroad was sparked when I participated in a one-week "Taste of Study Abroad" program hosted by the Office of Family Engagement. The program encouraged family members to join students, and I was lucky enough to attend with my grandmother. Over the course of the week, we spent in Spain, I formed meaningful friendships with other students, got to know program faculty, and began to recognize studying abroad as an incredible privilege. The on-site team, my new friends, and my grandmother all encouraged me to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I finally decided to take the leap.

I was incredibly drawn to what I experienced in Spain: immersion in a foreign culture, a rich language landscape, and beautiful architecture and history. I submitted my application to the Semester in Spain program as soon as it opened.

Upon arriving in Spain, I knew I was about to have a life-changing experience. I took classes in Spanish at the University of Salamanca and reveled in the beautiful walk to class through the historic downtown. I explored the city in my free time and sampled a variety of Spanish foods in the town square. I formed wonderful friendships within my JMU group, spending afternoons at the pool and weekends traveling on group excursions. My time in Salamanca was enriching and something I will never forget. I felt like I truly lived there rather than simply visiting.

If I could offer one recommendation to other college students, it would be to push past your assumptions and take the time to learn more. It might just take you somewhere new!"

Email: schwa2cl@jmu.edu

Imaan Ghuman

Semester in Spain | Spring 2025

"Hi! I'm Imaan Ghuman and am a senior studying Economics & Political Science. My family is from Lahore, Pakistan, and living there for several years sparked my curiosity about the world. That curiosity led me to Salamanca, and my semester there became one of the highlights of my life.

The city is beautiful and full of history, and with traditions and festivals happening constantly, I was able to fully immerse myself in Spanish culture. When else could you take flamenco classes in Granada, eat paella in Valencia, and walk the same halls scholars have for 800 years, all while calling Spain home for a few months? Getting past the language barrier took time, but the more I put myself out there, the more I connected with the locals around me, and I still keep in close touch with them today! Living abroad pulled me out of the bubble we so easily fall into in college, and seeing how much history and life existed long before us was so grounding. I came home with a whole new outlook on the world.

To anyone thinking about going: take the leap, and don’t let nerves about the unknown hold you back from an experience you'll cherish forever! It won't always be easy, but the growth you gain abroad is something no textbook can give you. Opportunities like this don’t come around often, especially at such a young age, so stay present and enjoy it. I know it's cliché, but not a day goes by that I don't think about my time abroad. I never thought I'd be one of those people who says that until I lived it, and soon you'll be saying it too!"

Email: ghumanix@jmu.edu

Madison Livengood

Taiwan: History and Political Science | Summer 2026

Japan: JMU in Kyoto and Tokyo | Summer 2024

"Hi everyone! My name is Madi Livengood, and I'm from Yorktown, Virginia. I'm a senior International Affairs major with a concentration in Comparative Studies in Asia. I have minors in Asian Studies, History, and Creative Writing. After graduation, I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in International Relations with a focus on East Asian Security and Stability. I've had the incredible privilege of studying and representing JMU abroad four times in three separate countries, and I wouldn't be the person I am today without each of these amazing experiences.

With each opportunity abroad, I was able to learn more about myself and the world around me. Immersing yourself in other cultures, food, and languages teaches you more than you could ever imagine. The people you meet along the way show you a side of life that you never thought existed, and I carry their memory with me everywhere I go.

One of the most important lessons I learned through study abroad is flexibility. Not everything will be perfect or run as smoothly as you might have imagined it. I tell everyone who asks me about my time abroad that spontaneity and going with the flow gives you more lasting memories than hours of scrolling on a travel planning website could. When the 'quick walk' up the street turns into a two-hour-long hike across a mountain range in the rain, you learn to adapt, problem solve, and appreciate the little things each new place has to offer. Even when I tell my story, I beg people to go out and experience the world themselves. Leaving home for a while might be scary, but there truly is nothing like experiencing life in a new country. Take this as a sign to go out and explore because the world is just waiting for you to discover it!"

Email: livengmp@jmu.edu

Saray Mejia

Semester in Spain | Summer 2024

"Hi! My name is Saray Mejia, and I am from Alexandria, VA. I am currently a Health Sciences major with a minor in Medical Spanish. In the summer of 2024, I had the amazing opportunity of studying abroad in Salamanca, Spain, an experience that became one of the most meaningful parts of my college journey. Throughout my time in Salamanca, I was able to immerse myself in the Spanish culture, strengthen my language skills, explore new places, and build friendships that made the experience even more memorable. Studying abroad pushed me outside of my comfort zone in ways I did not expect. It taught me to become more independent, embrace uncertainty, and appreciate perspectives different from my own. My biggest piece of advice to anyone considering studying abroad is to take the opportunity, even if it feels intimidating at first. Be open to meeting new people, trying unfamiliar things, and allowing yourself to grow throughout the experience. Some of the most meaningful memories come from the unexpected moments, and you will return home with a different perspective, lifelong friendships, and a better understanding of yourself."

Email: mejia2se@jmu.edu

Ary Wootten

Sweden and Denmark: Design Craft | Summer 2025

Japan: Art and Architecture | Summer 2024

"Hello!! My name is Zachary Wootten, but most people call me Ary! I am a senior Architectural Design student with minors in Honors/Thesis and Art History.

For me, studying abroad has been a defining part of my journey, taking me from Cambridge University to Japan, Sweden, and Denmark. This year, I am excited to join the JMU Global Ambassador team as an Outreach Assistant for the 2026–2027 academic year! Through my experiences abroad, I've gained new perspectives and outlooks on life that were once limited to screens and television. I've had the opportunity to witness famous landmarks firsthand, experience new cultural flavors, and meet incredible people whom I still consider dear friends. I am incredibly grateful not only to have witnessed these wonders in person but also to have embraced the opportunities to learn, grow, and connect with different cultures. My study abroad experiences have taught me what it truly means to be a visitor: to approach unfamiliar places with curiosity, embrace new perspectives, and make the most of every journey!"

Email: woottezn@jmu.edu

Catalina Schuab

Clara Fernandez

Keegan Polson

Argentina: Political and Urban Culture, and Spanish Language | Summer 2025

"Hi, my name is Keegan Polson! I am a Geography major with minors in Spanish, Entrepreneurship, and Honors, and I have studied abroad in Argentina and Uruguay in July of 2025. I am from Northern Virginia, originally Alexandria, but now I live in Round Hill, Virginia, which is a super small town if you know where that is. I am very passionate about traveling, experiencing the new and uncomfortable, and learning all about things different from what I am used to! I will always go for a coffee, especially a McDonald's Iced Coffee; those hold a special place with me. I enjoy learning languages and currently can speak Spanish as a second language. Come test me. :)

Traveling internationally changed my life as it opened my eyes to a whole new culture, pace, and way of life halfway across the globe. I know many people have their routines and I have mine, of course, but breaking this routine and truly immersing yourself while abroad is something I cannot encourage enough. If you see a small local store or there is a unique food you come across while traveling, absolutely go for it and don't be afraid to get out there and do things even if they are not the popular thing to do."

Email: polsonka@jmu.edu

 
PollyAnna Smith

Semester in Florence | Spring 2026

"Hi! My name is PollyAnna Smith, and I am from Richmond, Virginia. I am a junior Communication Studies major with a concentration in Cultural Communication. I have had the privilege of studying abroad in Florence, Italy, during the Spring '26 semester. Growing up, I always knew I wanted to study abroad, and when I came to JMU, I was so excited to learn that they offer so many amazing programs. This experience has had such an impact on my life, and I am so grateful for it. I grew in my spontaneity and independence, which I have continued to practice since coming back home and to JMU. Living in Florence allowed for new experiences every day. With the ability to walk everywhere, there is so much opportunity to explore and stumble upon new places each day. In my free time, I enjoyed trying different cafes, sitting outside on the Santo Spirito church steps, shopping, appreciating art all around the city, and eating Italian cuisine. One of the highlights of my semester is the friendships I made with people who go to the same school as me. Getting to share experiences and life together in a different country and then coming back to Harrisonburg altogether has been so special. The best thing I learned while being abroad is how important it is to do things for yourself and to try new things, even if it seems super intimidating. I would encourage anyone to study abroad, especially in Florence. Apply and go global!!!"

Email: smith4pg@jmu.edu

William Odell

Semester in Scotland | Summer 2025

"Hey everyone! My name is William Odell and I am a Junior Anthropology major and a Geology minor. I’m from Manassas, VA and have been fortunate to study abroad twice. I’m excited for my third trip this winter when I’ll visit Guatemala.

When I attended a study abroad fair and saw all the options, I knew I wanted to apply. During my semester in Scotland, my desire to immerse myself in the culture and make the most of my trip led me to venture out on my own. While it can be intimidating, I gained confidence by planning a train route, staying overnight, and navigating a new city entirely by myself. The independence I gained through planning and adapting also increased my resilience, and I can say I changed and grew so much during that trip.

In Taiwan, I enjoyed participating in cultural demonstrations and learning about their traditions. Whether learning how to make traditional food or meeting the Atayal, I will always remember my time in Taiwan and the kind people who shared their culture.

I’m a foodie and really enjoyed trying the local food during both my trips. Interacting with locals made me feel part of their community. I am thankful for the new perspectives I’ve gained from my travels and know they’ve helped me be a better person. I have a greater understanding of other cultures. I encourage everyone to apply for a study abroad program. I also want to offer this advice: don’t take yourself too seriously. Volunteer to assist the local guide in a demonstration, try the local food, ask questions. Make the most of this amazing opportunity abroad. You’ll learn so much about yourself and make unforgettable memories!"

Email: odellwa@jmu.edu