Standing in Miami International Airport with her suitcase in hand and heart racing, 21-year-old Catherine Hoynack questioned her decision to study abroad. The experience had always sounded like a dream to her, but facing it alone felt overwhelming. She didn’t know anyone. She didn’t know what to expect. All she had was a plane ticket to Italy and a fear of the unknown.
Hoynack, a University of Miami student who spent summer 2025 studying in Florence, was on the verge of not going.
“I almost didn’t do it,” she said. “I was terrified before I left. I didn’t know anyone, I didn’t know what to expect, but once I got there and settled in, it became one of the best experiences of my life.”
Looking back, she encourages other students to embrace uncertainty rather than run from it.
“Say yes to everything,” she said. “Try something new every day. Even if you’re scared at first, that’s OK. Everyone is. But once you’re there, you’ll wonder why you ever hesitated.”
Hoynack’s story is one to which many UM students can relate. Studying abroad can feel overwhelming at first, but for those who take the leap, it often turns out to be a life-changing journey.
Whether it’s a semester in Paris, a summer in Florence, or an exchange in Tokyo, studying abroad is more than a temporary escape from Coral Gables. It’s an opportunity for students to explore new cultures, gain independence and grow in ways that can’t always happen inside a classroom or at home.
But turning that dream into reality takes planning, flexibility and the right mindset. Here’s how students at UM can prepare for the experience of a lifetime.
“The first thing I ask is, have you spoken with your Cane Navigator?” said Camila Macias, an advisor in the study abroad office. “The earlier you plan, the easier it will be to fit study abroad into your academic schedule.”
Macias feels students should work with their academic advisors to save electives or cognates for study abroad semesters. These types of courses are easier to substitute with international classes, which helps simplify the approval process.
Once a student knows which requirements they can fulfill abroad, the next step is choosing a program. UM offers semester-long UPrograms, more independent partner exchange programs and UM faculty-led summer trips.
“If you want a built-in support system and to travel with a group of UM students, UPrograms are the best fit,” Macias explained. “If you’re more independent and want to choose your own housing and explore at your own pace, partner exchange might be right for you.”
Programs in cities in Spain, like Barcelona and Madrid are some of the most popular, but space is limited.
“We look at GPA, your essay and especially your reason for choosing a location,” Macias said. “If you’re a Spanish major applying to Madrid because you need certain classes, that strengthens your application.”
She encouraged students to rank at least three program choices and to understand that once accepted, switching between them is not allowed.
“Students sometimes want to change their placement if their friends end up in a different city,” she said. “But once you’re admitted, that’s it. You need to be sure of your preferences when you apply.”
Logistical challenges don’t end with program selection. Once abroad, students often realize that packing wisely is just as important.
“Everyone always overpacks,” said Alejandra Grijak, an assistant director in UM’s study abroad office. “You’ll collect things while you’re there and probably won’t wear half the stuff you bring.”
Grijak, who oversees programs in regions including Asia, Africa and Latin America, recalled that students often underestimate the emotional side of studying abroad.
“Keep routines from home, even small ones. They can help with stability and culture shock,” she said. “Students should be adventurous but also grounded. It’s OK to feel uncomfortable or homesick.”
Grijak recommended researching local customs and transportation ahead of time and always using the buddy system when going out. She also reminds students that academic responsibilities remain important.
“It’s still school, even if it’s abroad,” she stated. “Weekend trips are fun, but you need to plan around your classes. Delayed flights or missed connections can turn into big problems.”
Students who have gone through it echoed much of that advice.
“Going into abroad, you have to be open to everything,” said Colin Forster, who studied in Barcelona. “It’s a new world, a new place, and everyone’s kind of in the same boat. Just go with the flow.”
Forster found comfort in scrolling TikTok before leaving, picking up travel tips from influencers, and learning how to blend in with the local culture. “It helped me feel prepared, even if I didn’t know exactly what to expect,” he said.
Brenna Philp, who studied in Paris in spring 2025, added that the key is to stay fully present.
“Everybody told me it would be the best experience of my life, and it really was,” she exclaimed. “But only because I went in with an open mind and took in every moment. Paris is amazing, and I didn’t want to waste a single day.”
Philp also advised others to pack neutrals, avoid overpacking and make time to explore after class. “You’re only abroad once. Go to the museum, even if you think it won’t be interesting. You won’t regret making the most of it.”
For students still weighing whether to go abroad, the message from those who have done it is clear: the fear is real, but so is the reward.
“It’s OK to be nervous,” Hoynack said. “That’s part of what makes it meaningful.”
Because for students willing to step outside their comfort zone, the world has a lot to offer. Sometimes, all it takes is a suitcase, a little courage and a one-way ticket to something unforgettable.
words_mikayla reich. photo_catherine hoynack, umiami study abroad, mikayla reich, colin forster, brenna philp.
Follow our Social Media:
