Up, up, and away: UNO students share their past and future study abroad experiences | News

This article was featured in our latest print edition, which was released on Dec. 9. Pick up a copy at almost any building on either campus or check out our e-edition under the tab above. 

For most, studying abroad feels like a faraway fantasy. But the University of Nebraska at Omaha offers a vast range of different experiences for students to take advantage of. Whether someone is looking for a budget-friendly experience or has their eyes set on a certain country, there are many opportunities to explore.

Summer Dingman is a senior majoring in English. She is planning to study abroad in Barcelona in spring of 2026.

Dingman was drawn to the idea of studying in Europe because of how accessible travel is. She wanted to be able to spend her time somewhere that was walkable.

She is also minoring in Spanish and wanted to have an opportunity to practice the language.

“I have had so many professors and teachers recommend studying abroad in a language-immersive environment to really practice fluency,” Dingman said.

When it came to planning, she spent most of her time searching for a university and program that best fit her. She also had to consider where the universities were, and if she could see herself living in that area.

Dingman decided to apply to the University of Barcelona and did so through UNO’s study abroad portal.

Shortly after, the Global Learning Adviser for International Programs at UNO, Song Yue, reached out to her to start the process.

Dingman was able to get in touch with another UNO student who was going to the University of Barcelona as well.

“I’ve been taking Spanish courses since kindergarten, so this feels like a great opportunity to solidify my reading, listening and speaking abilities,” Dingman said.

As part of her Visa process, Dingman will have to travel to the International Consulate of Spain in Chicago to obtain the required documents and answer any questions they have.

Although Dingman is finding the whole process to be nerve-wracking, she knows it will all be worth it when everything falls into place.

Dingman recommended that others try to take advantage of the resources UNO provides.

“Even just a meeting with someone at the study abroad office to get more information can be a step in the direction of a once in a lifetime experience,” Dingman said.

Brynn Haer is a senior double majoring in library science and English.

Haer studied abroad in spring of 2024 in Bulgaria. She was based in Blagoevgrad, a town an hour away from Bulgaria’s capital Sofia.

“[It was a] very small community, [and a] very small college,” Haer said.

Haer went through an organization called International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) Study Abroad that partners with UNO. She said it was a more “budget friendly way to study abroad.”

Through ISEP, Haer was able to pick up to ten universities, and Bulgaria was her third or fourth choice.

On the list, instead of being labelled as Bulgaria, the option simply said Eastern Europe.

Haer attended an American university in Bulgaria. She felt like it gave her a different experience than most others who study abroad.

She was able to meet people from all over Europe that attended the same school as her, but most of the students were Bulgarian.

“Making friends was easy, because we all spoke a shared language,” Haer said.

Many of the locals in the town Haer lived in did not speak English. Going to the grocery store or going out to eat made the language barrier very apparent.

“It was a bit of a culture shock,” Haer said.

After several months she got used to being in Bulgaria. She found herself in a routine that she enjoyed.

“It felt like I was truly living there,” she said.

Before she left to study abroad, Haer worried about leaving her family and friends behind.

“Getting ready for it was nerve-wracking, and there was a lot of build up,” Haer said.

But in reality, she found the anticipation to be much harder than when she was actually abroad. She was just so excited to finally be there.

Haer was able to meet the other exchange students who had similar experiences to her.

“I feel like I’ve taken bits and pieces of all the people I’ve met over there,” Haer said.

Haer’s roommate was also from UNO, and they shared their study abroad experience. After the school year ended, they travelled around Europe for a bit.

Haer was searching for an experience to “spread her wings” and rely on herself. Though she is thankful for her support system, she wanted to see what things would be like if she was on her own.

“I just wanted to learn more about myself and gain more independence,” Haer said.

Haer encouraged others to explore their options when it comes to studying abroad. Whether it is something they are dead set on, or just mildly interested, she urged them to take a chance.

“There’s always a route for you to take,” Haer said.