How Last-Minute Study Abroad Defined My Senior Year
For a long time, I didn’t imagine study abroad as part of my college experience. Breaking my routine, leaving campus, and saying goodbye to friends for a semester made me anxious. My pile of worries grew and eventually I dismissed study abroad as simply not for me.
By junior year I was rethinking my decision. In late spring I realized that I let my worries grow so big that I had thrown aside an experience I truly wanted. In fact, the next four months would become my favorite part of senior year.
Redefining senior year
As I planned to spend fall semester abroad, I worried about missing some of my college “lasts,” unaware of how many “firsts” I would experience instead.
In Prague I held a bald eagle, tried glassblowing, worked with a Czech tech company, and ate amazing food. I knew I’d soon move from college to the real world, so I savored every moment to try something new—just because I could.
I walked away with skills directly aligned with my target career in user experience design.
Choosing professional experience
When I researched my options for studying abroad, professional development was at the top of my list. Like many seniors, I felt pressure to gain experience for my resume, which made the opportunity to work with a Czech company—part of the IFSA Tech Career Accelerator program —especially appealing.
To complete the required challenge project, I worked with a team of three other students to validate a business idea through user and market research. In the end, we presented a data-backed business model to the company—and I walked away with skills directly aligned with my target career in user experience design.
Looking back, this was one of my favorite parts of study abroad. I’m not sure freshman-me would have prioritized an experience like this.
Breaking out of my routine
By senior year, life on campus had become predictable. I had settled in too deeply and became afraid to step outside of my routine.
Study abroad pushed me to seek change. I adapted to a new culture, met new people, and said yes to new experiences. Even a grocery run pushed me out of my comfort zone as different ingredients led me to try new meals.
When I returned home, I appreciated the comfort of my routine without becoming stagnant. I said yes more often, explored my city, and even found myself with a new drive to apply for internships. It was the push I needed in my senior year.
No such thing as too late
The last-minute decision to spend a semester in Prague led to a semester full of new experiences, friends, and growth. I came back with a sense of confidence that made my final months on campus even more meaningful.
Yes, planning is important. But don’t let that mean ruling study abroad out too soon. Plan, research, and say yes. Better late than never!
Anika S. | University of Minnesota | IFSA Tech Career Accelerator, Prague | Fall 2025