Are you interested in traveling and seeing the world? Is there somewhere you have always wanted to visit, but never had the opportunity? Ohio University offers countless year-round, opportunities to visit other countries while earning college credit. Most students come back beaming, unable to stop talking about all the interesting people and places they met while abroad. Many return with new influences and perspectives—a finer appreciation for the art or music or food of a place they traveled to. And many come back to Ohio with a greater appreciation of international style and fashion, as well as a redefined self-style.

Ryan Gandee, a student at Ohio University who studied abroad in Australia in 2005, noticed that even though the United States and Australia have many similar cultural aspects, they managed to have quite different fashion styles. Gandee described the general style as very laid back, and noted that everyone seemed “a lot more fashionable [than Americans].”

“I think the difference with Australia came from the personality of the people,” Gandee said. “Everyone was the surfer, beach type meaning they were all very laid back and it was reflected in their style.” He also said that there was a larger European influence on clothing, though it was still distinctly Australian. 

Another study abroad student noted that her experience was definitely not as casual as at home. Maureen Magee, a graduate student at Ohio University, studied in Botswana during the summer of 2006. She often got the feeling that she was not dressed appropriately. “I often felt underdressed,” she said. “I only brought a few clothes with me as I went backpacking after the program. I did not bring any nice shoes, and people have very nice shoes in Gaborone!” Clothing was mostly trendy, and things were very westernized. Though ethnic garments were worn for some of the special occasions and ceremonies, usually jeans and a tee shirt were apt, Magee said. 

Both interviewees noted that living with such bold clothing choices helped them figure out their own style. Gandee found that when he came home he was much more willing to dress how he truly wanted to. “It felt like it was how I always wanted to dress but I could never really find it here in America,” he said. “The style was often chaotic and random at times and they just went with it, which made it unique.”

For some, traveling is an amazing way of developing their true style; for you, it may be as simple as examining your style stereotype and trying to think outside of it. Instead of locking yourself into one look, try expanding and taking influence from other students and cultures. You might be surprised at how your style is reshaped, and how much you love it!