Monmouth Signature Programs
Monmouth in London:
Haley Tischler, Psychology, London Fall 2023, Graduation: May 2025
Studying abroad changed my life and opened doors to so many incredible opportunities for my personal, academic, and professional growth. The semester I spent in London is one I will cherish for the rest of my life. I was the first person in my family to travel, study, and work outside of the US, making this journey extremely special to me. I learned so much about myself and made friends from all around the world. I made so many amazing memories, and I miss my study abroad experience every day! I’m so grateful that I made this decision for myself, and I love getting to encourage other students to embark on their own international journeys.
Sunny Decker, Psychology, London Fall 2023, Graduation: May 2025
Studying abroad in London was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Spending a semester immersed in such a vibrant, multicultural city gave me the confidence to step outside my comfort zone in ways I never thought was possible. Interning at Healthwatch during my semester abroad provided an incredible chance to dive into the world of international public health. I spent my days conducting site visits and documenting patient experiences within London’s National Health Service (NHS). My work directly contributed to projects addressing healthcare disparities—particularly around maternity care and vaccine awareness—leaving me feeling like I had truly made an impact.
At the University of Westminster, my classes explored the intersections of globalization, history, and urban life, all while using the city itself as a classroom. Whether I was studying in historic libraries, grabbing coffee along the Thames, or attending lectures near iconic landmarks, I felt constantly inspired. I made it a point to explore every corner of the city—spending afternoons in Camden Market, museum-hopping in South Kensington, walking through the colorful streets of Notting Hill, and even catching theatre performances in the West End. London quickly became a second home to me.
But it wasn’t all work! London introduced me to lifelong friends from every corner of the globe—friendships that led to an unforgettable summer traveling across Europe. Whether I was navigating unfamiliar streets in Prague, sampling pastries in France, or getting lost in the charm of Germany’s medieval towns, every adventure reinforced my love for travel and cultural exchange. My semester abroad sparked a passion for exploring, learning, and connecting with others that continues to fuel my academic and personal growth today.
Cheyenne Fair, Criminal Justice, London Spring 2023, Graduation: May 2025
Having the opportunity to study abroad is something I will cherish forever. I remember during the pre-departure meetings all of the study abroad alumni would light up when talking about their experiences. From seeing their enthusiasm, I made it my goal to make the most out of my own journey. Not only was I able to call London my home for a few months, but I was also able to travel all around Europe such as Switzerland, Poland, Italy, the Netherlands, and more. Throughout this journey, I developed a stronger sense of independence—adapting to a new country, learning to budget, and even cooking meals for myself and friends. Immersing myself in a different education system and forming friendships with people from all over the world deepened my global perspective. My instincts even improved after accidentally getting lost and separated from my friends in Paris (don’t worry—I found them again safe and sound)! I truly believe every college student should take full advantage of the study abroad program. I feel that the faculty and mentors provided exceptional guidance, ensuring I was well-prepared for both the adventure abroad and the transition back home. This experience shaped me in ways I never expected, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Gillian Sepp, Chemistry, London Spring 2024, Graduation: May 2026
I knew I wanted to study abroad in London from the moment I heard about the possibility. During my first semester at Monmouth, I reached out to the Global Education Office to start planning. A lot of science majors think studying abroad isn’t an option for them, but it absolutely is! Studying in London was an unbelievably amazing experience, and I encourage everyone to go if they can! Before leaving for London, I was incredibly excited but also a little nervous about going to a new country for such a long time- especially since it was my first time ever leaving the US. Thankfully, my amazing Global Education Mentor, Cheyenne, answered all of my questions and eased my worries. Hearing about her experiences and the amazing memories she made reassured me that I made the right choice. Looking back, she was absolutely right! I wouldn’t trade my time in London for anything.
Monmouth in Sorrento:
Ava Niemczyk, Nursing, Sorrento Italy Summer 2025, Graduation: May 2027
Studying abroad was the best experience of my life and has changed me forever. Studying abroad has been a dream of mine since I was a child that I didn’t know would be possible as a nursing major, and the experience was even better than I ever imagined, and the support from the Global Education office and Monmouth helped tremendously. From living in another country, I found my identity as I was on my own in another country, learning how to navigate life and explore new adventures. I tried so many new things abroad, visited so many places and it opened my eyes to different cultures and allowed me to grow so much as an individual, becoming more independent and confident. Before Sorrento, I had never even left the country, had only flown on a plane once since that trip so I was nervous to be so far away from home. Getting out of my comfort zone and studying abroad has led me to now travel more than I ever have and learn how to navigate trains, planes, buses, and book trips and travel from studying abroad. Studying abroad allowed me to travel to so many new places, meet amazing people, and try new things and has motivated me to continue to keep traveling. I truly feel that Studying Abroad, living in Italy was the most life-changing choice I made and would recommend it to everyone! Sorrento, Italy will always be a home to me, and my memories and experience abroad will stay with me forever and I can’t wait to continue to travel and see more of the world!
Nora O’Rourke, Music Industry Major, Communications Minor, Sorrento Italy Spring 2024, Graduation: May 2025
Studying abroad was something I’ve always dreamed of doing when I got to college. While I wasn’t sure exactly where I wanted to spend a semester, I knew it was an experience I couldn’t pass up. On the very first day of freshman year, I met Gillian, my best friend. As a second generation Italian, she too had always dreamed of studying abroad. After quickly forming an inseparable bond, we decided to take on the adventure of studying abroad together. In the months leading up to our departure date, I worked closely with my advisor and the wonderful women in the Global Education office to finalize my class schedule, Visa application, and travel paperwork. Having a busy fall semester made me a little nervous about traveling that spring. However, i was paired with an LGEM to discuss the study abroad experience, and hearing his tories, and witnessing his excitement, despite already having spent a semester abroad, really sparked my enthusiasm. I was surrounded by a supportive network of people who genuinely wanted me to succeed, which helped ease my nerves. Monmouth’s program stands out because we traveled as a group to Italy, with even a faculty member accompanying and spending the first week with us. We were treated to private cooking classes, city tours, travel orientations, language workshops, and culture shock tips, all led by Italian locals. This truly made me feel comfortable enough to thrive in this city for an entire semester. Being in Italy, I got to learn some of the language, and a lot of their cultural traditions that I neve knew before. I even had the opportunity to visit other countries while on weekend breaks. Looking back, I wouldn’t change one thing about my experience. I got to connect with a culture I never had any familiarity with, make friends I never would have met, and try so many new foods, my previous picky self wouldn’t have tried.
Monmouth in Florence:
Monmouth in Cadiz:
Isabella Arieno, Psychology, Cádiz, Spain; Summer 2024, Graduation: Fall 2025
Studying abroad has helped me immensely with opening myself up to new opportunities. I was nervous at first because it was my first time being away from my family for so long, but this experience helped me gain confidence in myself and a sense of independence I never knew I could have. I met so many great people and had so many cultural conversations with those I met abroad, which helped me gain a new appreciation of where I’m from and how others around the world live. The excursions also sent me on trips that I never would have thought I’d be interested in and taught me so much about Spain. Though my classes were just about learning Spanish, my professors included Spanish culture into our lessons, making the classes more meaningful and impactful. I’m so glad I pushed myself and allowed myself to be open to such new and unique experiences.
Amy Inoa, Marketing, Cádiz, Spain; Summer 2024, Graduation: Fall 2025
Studying abroad in Cadiz, Spain was one of the most amazing and fulfilling experiences of my life. Spain had always been a place I dreamed of visiting, and getting to live there for six weeks made that dream even more special. Cadiz is such a beautiful and welcoming city, full of charm, history, and energy. Every day felt like an adventure, whether I was wandering through the cobble stone streets, spending afternoons by the beach, or discovering new cafes with friends.
Living with a host family made the experience even more personal. It gave me the chance to live like a local and truly immerse myself in Spanish culture. My host parents treated me as one of their own, and by the time I left, they felt like another family. Sharing meals, stories, and daily routines with them helped me connect with the culture on a deeper level and made Cadiz feel like home.
Academically, I gained so much from my time there. Being surrounded by the language every day made my Spanish improve faster than I ever expected. The professors and advisors in my program were incredibly kind, helpful, and patient. They made learning feel meaningful, and the connections I built with them are ones I still value and keep up with today. One of the most meaningful parts of my time abroad was working with the Don Bosco Foundation through one of my Mundo Lengua courses. We spent time mentoring local kids in the foundation, helping with activities, and sharing stories about our lives. Many of them came from difficult circumstances, yet their energy and optimism were so inspiring. The experience reminded me of the importance of connection and perspective, and how much we can learn from others when we take the time to listen and be present.
I also had the chance to travel throughout Spain, visiting Seville, Granada, Barcelona, and the small towns surrounding Cadiz. Each city had its own culture, pace, and beauty, and exploring them gave me a deeper appreciation for how diverse and rich Spain truly is. My summer in Cadiz was more than just a study abroad trip. It gave me confidence, perspective, and a genuine appreciation for living outside my comfort zone. I came home with better Spanish, new friendships, and memories that will stay with me forever. Cadiz will always feel like a second home! <3
Monmouth in Australia:
Monmouth Global Seminars
International Global Adventure Education, Costa Rica:
Daniel Fontanella, Biology w. Concentration in Molecular Cell Physiology & Chemistry w. Concentration in Advanced Chemistry, Florence Summer 2024, Costa Rica 2025, London Spring 2026, Graduation: Spring 2027
Studying abroad has been one of the most fulfilling experiences, not just through my time at Monmouth, but of my entire life. Getting to see other cultures in countries other than my own, not only educates me on life outside of the United States, but it makes me more open minded and appreciative of the differences between myself and others. While the studying aspect of studying abroad is important, it really is the abroad part that makes the whole experience worthwhile. Fully being immersed in a place that is foreign to what we’ve lived with our whole lives makes it difficult to adapt at times, but it can also be so freeing when you accept this new way of life. I’ve luckily been able to study abroad twice so far, for a month in Florence over the summer in 2024, and in Costa Rica over spring break in 2025. I’m also looking forward to living in London this upcoming 2026 Spring semester and seeing how a full semester impacts the way I live my life and way of thinking. As a science major it seems very daunting to try and fit in a semester of study abroad, however it should be made abundantly clear, anyone can study abroad with the proper planning. If I could major in traveling, I would, but science is the next best thing for me 😀