NW Missouri Times

Students from Northwest Missouri State University expanded their education by studying abroad during the spring semester in Spain, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, and Mexico.

Mae Killeen, a senior communication major from Omaha, Nebraska, spent her semester at the Universidad de Monterrey in Monterrey, Mexico. Reflecting on her experience, she said, “Being forced to learn an entirely new culture and way of life was the most eye-opening for me. When studying abroad, you literally throw everything you know out the window and relearn everything, whether that be language, customs or simply how you perform daily tasks.” Killeen took courses in Spanish language and Mexican culture along with classes in drawing and socially responsible business practices.

Caitlyn Lapka, a senior Spanish major from Inwood, Iowa, studied at the Universidad de Salamanca in Spain. Her decision to study abroad was made impulsively. “I very impulsively decided to study abroad for a full semester because I wanted to learn more about myself, how to be alone and independent,” she said. “I always knew I wanted to study abroad because I spoke Spanish and wanted to fully immerse myself in the culture.” Lapka participated in an International Business and International Studies program through Experience API Connect. She studied Spanish cinema, Spanish history, international business, and Spanish culture.

Lapka emphasized the practical skills she gained during her time abroad: “I learned a lot about the different types of jobs and internships that are available to people with similar career and study goals as me—the importance of note-taking.” She added that her new approach to note-taking significantly improved her learning experience.

Both students shared memorable experiences from their time overseas. Killeen highlighted her close bond with roommates: “My roommates and I quickly became very close and have been able to travel to the beach and different cities.” Lapka recounted her solo travels across Europe: “I met so many amazing and beautiful people who changed my perspective on life... Not only did I learn so much about different cultures, languages, people and history but I learned so much about myself.”

For more information about study abroad opportunities at Northwest Missouri State University, visit their official website.