What is it really like to study abroad as a GW student? Four students share their stories, challenges, and favorite moments from Paris, Seoul, Cape Town, and London.
Paris: Olivia Bennett, Political Science
Olivia spent the spring semester at Sciences Po in Paris, studying European politics and international relations.
"I chose Paris because I wanted to be at the center of European policymaking. Sciences Po was academically intense — the grading system is completely different from GW, and the French approach to political theory is much more philosophical. It took me a month to adjust, but by the end I was writing papers I never could have written at GW."
"My favorite moment was attending a debate at the National Assembly. A professor arranged it for our class, and we sat in the gallery watching French parliament in action. It made everything I was studying feel real."
Seoul: Andrew Park, International Business
Andrew studied at Yonsei University in Seoul for the full academic year.
"Going to Seoul was about connecting with my heritage and studying in one of the most dynamic business environments in the world. Yonsei's business program is incredible — we visited companies like Samsung and LG, and the networking events connected me with Korean business professionals who are still mentors today."
"The biggest challenge was the language. I grew up hearing Korean but never studied it formally. I took language classes every semester and by the end I could hold conversations. The friendships I made through the language exchange program were the best part of my experience."
Cape Town: Zara Williams, Public Health
Zara spent the spring semester at the University of Cape Town, focusing on community health and public policy.
"Cape Town changed how I see everything. I was studying public health, and UCT's program includes a community practicum where you work with local health organizations. I was placed at a clinic in Khayelitsha, a township outside Cape Town. The healthcare challenges there are enormous, but the community resilience is even bigger."
"It was not always easy. Load shedding meant the power went out for hours every day. I had to adjust to a completely different pace of life. But the people I met — my classmates, my clinic colleagues, the families I worked with — taught me more than any classroom ever could."
London: Ethan Cole, Journalism
Ethan studied at King's College London for the fall semester.
"London is a journalist's dream. I was there during a general election, and the political energy was electric. I interned at a small media outlet through GW's partnership program, and I got to cover rallies, write articles, and even sit in on an editorial meeting at a national newspaper."
"The thing nobody tells you about studying abroad is how much you grow as a person. I navigated a new city, made friends from all over the world, and learned to be comfortable being uncomfortable. I came back to GW more confident, more curious, and more aware of how big the world is."
Planning Your Own Study Abroad
GW offers over 50 study abroad programs in 30 countries. The Study Abroad Office in the Elliott School can help you find a program that fits your major and timeline. Programs are available for a semester, a full year, or short-term summer sessions.
Financial aid transfers to most approved programs, and the Student Association offers two $1,000 study abroad scholarships each semester. Applications open in October for spring programs and March for fall programs.
Studying abroad is one of the most transformative experiences you can have at GW. If you are even slightly curious, go to an info session. You will not regret it.
