I had always dreamed of studying abroad since I was little, so of course jumped on the opportunity when coming to Skidmore. I knew that even as an education major I could study abroad, I just needed to be on top of it, taking the right classes and applying on time. I decided to go to Spain, as it was very important to me that I went to a Spanish-speaking country and decided I wanted to be in Europe! I was so excited, but did not really know what to expect. I ended up falling in love with Spain, and loved every minute of the adventure!! I lived with a wonderful family, enjoyed my classes and made great new friends! I also volunteered in a bilingual school and it was such a great learning experience working with my 3rd graders in both Spanish and English. I had the opportunity to travel all around Spain, and even took up Flamenco! I also taught English Conversation classes to adults, which was another great teaching experience. This was the best place to practice my Spanish and I am thankful to say I am now a fluent Spanish speaker. I truly had the time of my life and grew greatly as a person. The experience made me more confident in all that I do and gave me a rich and diverse perspective on life. I am sure in saying that studying abroad is one of the best experiences you can have in life; so get out there, be adventurous, and have the time of your life!!! - Meaghan 2013

One of the greatest accomplishments during my time at Skidmore was pushing myself to go abroad during the fall of my sophomore year. As an education major, I was not sure this was a possibility for me but was determined to have that college "abroad experience" people talked about. I was apprehensive at first and unsure of what to expect; I felt this was an overwhelming undertaking at the time. In hindsight, this was the best decision I ever made for myself and not a day goes by where I don’t recall a fond and familiar memory of a place or interaction I had during my experience in Bath, England. There while studying at Advanced Studies In England, I had the opportunity to teach and learn in a British Primary School in a first and second grade inclusion classroom while taking classes on British educational policy and pedagogy by skilled English educators. I met British students, teachers and professors who each gave me a different perspective and insight into the British system of education. Each week I spent a day in the classroom, getting to know students, the daily routine and the joys and challenges of teaching five and six year olds. In my studies at ASE, I was able to make comparisons to what I knew about education within the United States to what I was seeing and learning about in a British Classroom. This experience allowed me to develop a love for teaching and learning and sparked a passion for education within me. I returned back to Skidmore that next fall with motivation to become the best teacher I could be and to take advantage of every learning experience. I am grateful for this opportunity and will forever see it as one of the happiest times in my life as a student and future teacher. - Betsy 2012

I'm going abroad to Bath, England where I'll have the opportunity to not only take classes that interest me, but to also volunteer in British schools. The program, ASE, is affiliated with Skidmore and the application process was easy. I'm excited to learn about the differences between schools in England and schools in America and to travel! - Melissa 2014

Going abroad was one of the best decisions I have ever made, and was a highlight of my Skidmore career. Studying in Bath, England was an amazing experience, and pushing myself to fully immerse into another culture was eye opening and life changing. Through my abroad experience, I was able to grow as an individual, a student, and a future educator. I became more independent and learned how to embrace my surroundings, taking advantage of all that Bath had to offer. I met so many amazing people through my program and through living in Bath, who were different, interesting, and dynamic. I felt stimulated and engaged while living and studying in England in ways that surpassed what I was capable of experiencing back home. - Tessa 2012

Studying in Bath gave me the opportunity to learn about an education system that is different from our own. Through the Advanced Studies in England program, I was able to take two education courses and also student teach once a week in a British primary school. Through studying the British education system and working in a British school, I was able to gain another perspective with which to develop my own philosophies about teaching. It was fascinating to see the differences and similarities between American and British public education, and I felt so fortunate to be able to jumpstart my student teaching while living in another country. Once back at Skidmore, I felt as though this experience gave me the tools to think critically and engage more fully with my coursework, and eventually with my student teaching practicum. - Tessa 2012

In addition to living in England, my time abroad enabled me to travel to many other countries and experience a multitude of cultures. I feel strongly that this has contributed to my development of a more well-rounded and informed worldview, which I am able to bring into the classroom as both a student and a teacher. Although the prospect of going abroad might sound daunting, I cannot speak highly enough of the experience. Education Majors CAN go abroad... and they should. - Tessa 2012