The TRIO/SSS would like to highlight four students who have been pursuing their studies off campus! All from different years, majors, and programs, this newsletter shares their personal experiences to help inspire current and future TRIO students considering Off-Campus Studies!
Mya Pieper ‘28
Camera and Media Studies major & French minor
French and Francophone Studies in Paris
How did you prepare for your OCS?
I had an extensive period of packing about a week before my trip, because I was so worried I would forget something. I also went to my bank and called my cell phone company to make sure I wasn’t going to be completely lost abroad with no money or phone. Honestly, though, it’s impossible to prepare for every element of the trip, because you really don’t feel the change in environment until it’s right in front of you. Personally, everything (my phone, my money, my emotional state) was easier to figure out once I arrived in Paris, so there’s no need to worry beforehand. Also, I do recommend making a video diary before the trip because I cannot wait to look back at mine once the program ends.
What did you learn about yourself during this experience?
I feel like I’ve learned how to be confident in myself in Paris. Since we have host families, I’m not living with other students, and we are all scattered across the city, so I’ve had a lot of independence in how I want to spend my time. The first week, I felt very scared to speak with locals and use a foreign language, but by now it feels really cool to navigate the city with confidence. I also have been able to indulge in a lot of things I love, like taking photos and drawing. These people cannot get a pencil or a phone out of my hand, I tell ya!
Favorite Off-Campus Studies Memory?
On the trip, we had some group dinners where everyone ate together at a restaurant, and one of my favorite memories was just talking and laughing with my friends in the program. It’s simple, but those unexpected memories have been the best for me 🙂
What advice would you give to other students who want or plan to go on OCS? Especially students who may feel unsure, underprepared, or nervous.
It’s natural to feel nervous, and personally I was a wreck before I got on the plane because it was my first time leaving the US. However, once I arrived, I realized that everyone feels that way, even the people who had traveled before. It’s a crazy feeling to leave your home for so long, but everyone in the program is in it together, and I have found a lot of support within my OCS group!
Brook Desta ‘26
Economics major & Statistics and Data Science minor
Film and Literature Culture in Mumbai and Seoul
How did you prepare for your OCS?
I went to the OCS meetings and completed the OCS checklist. Otherwise, Instagram was helpful too for finding places to go!
Favorite Off-Campus Studies Memory?
We went on a group walk through the indigenous Warli community in Mumbai, learned about their culture, and how to paint rock art from a local painter named Dinesh. Also, shout out to AJ, the pie dog, who followed/completed the entire walk with us. You will be missed, my Shayla.
What advice would you give to other students who want or plan to go on OCS? Especially students who may feel unsure, underprepared, or nervous.
Just do it, and if you can, take a friend with you. There are so many memories and adventures awaiting you!
Lejla Mehmedovic ‘27
Economics major & Public Policy minor
(Beyond) Nationalism and Xenophobia in Eastern and Central Europe: A Cultural and Political Perspective
How did you prepare for your OCS?
I asked other students for advice on what to bring and how to juggle classes while enjoying being in a new place! They offered me advice and pointers, while also sharing their experiences and what they wish they would have done differently. I think talking to students who have gone on OCS before is one of the best ways to gain insights and prepare yourself for what’s ahead.
What did you learn about yourself during this experience?
While being abroad in Romania and taking excursions to Transylvania, followed by Serbia and Bosnia, I learned about how important it is to rest. When you spend extended periods of time with the same group of people in almost every context, feeling burned out is normal. It is important that you take the time you need to recharge so you can maximize your OCS experience.
Favorite Off-Campus Studies Memory?
My favorite OCS memory is the cruise on the Danube in Belgrade, Serbia. I met the Serbian tour guide there and connected with her about Serbia’s relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina. The next day, she gifted me a vintage book about the beauty of Bosnia. My heart was full; her kind act showed how there can be unity, peace, and collaboration between Serbs and Bosniaks.
What advice would you give to other students who want or plan to go on OCS? Especially students who may feel unsure, underprepared, or nervous.
It is completely normal to feel nervous before studying abroad, and everyone going on the program is likely feeling the same way. My advice is to be open-minded to making new friends and trying new things. By doing so, you will be prepared to take advantage of all the lovely experiences an OCS program has to offer alongside other Carls interested in doing the same!
Chris Seiders ‘28
Philosophy, German major & Theater minor
German Studies in Austria
How did you prepare for your OCS?
Honestly, I didn’t really prepare. I bought a bunch of extra books (mostly in German) because I figured I’d get through them in my spare time. I wanted to come in blind to a new place so as not to have unnecessary biases or misconceptions. I just wanted have an adventure!
What did you learn about yourself during this experience?
I’m a little too accident-prone. I also am too reliant on easy access to protein at school, haha.
Favorite Off-Campus Studies Memory?
I spent a couple of days exploring all of Zagreb. It was soooooo much fun. I found a specific translation of a book I love in a cute little bookstore and at a boatload of Burek. I also have had a lot of funny discussions with random strangers in Vienna and made a couple of local friends too!
What advice would you give to other students who want or plan to go on OCS? Especially students who may feel unsure, underprepared, or nervous.
Do it. If you don’t want to prepare, don’t stress about it. The school kind of just gives you the training wheels already. All you need is to just be prepared to socialize (bonus points if you like yapping at strangers in other languages!).