Study Abroad in Wales

Alexis Karolin, an Honors Tutorial College history major used her Undergraduate Experiential Learning Award to support study abroad in Swansea, Wales. She traveled alone and stayed in a student accommodation unit at Swansea University. She spent her time studying three very diverse history modules, each focused on different time periods. These modules included The Welsh Century, Revolutionary and Napoleonic Europe, and Women and Gender in Medieval Wales. Alexis was a part of an exchange program, so while she was away in Wales, Alexis’ parents hosted several exchange students from Europe.  

Throughout the semester, Alexis was expected to conduct research on a topic that was somehow related to the class’ lectures and seminars. Alexis found herself to be most interested in researching gender and women within modern and medieval Wales and France. She felt that she learned many important lessons during her exchange trip, some not pertaining to academics. “The most important thing I did on this trip was learn how to be independent and take care of myself. I managed my finances, did grocery shopping, and cooked for myself, all of which taught me how to live on my own.”  

“This has definitely given me a transnational perspective on the world, something that I hope to use in my coursework as I continue my time at OU. It has also inspired me to seek other cross-cultural opportunities and I would love to go abroad again.” Alexis learned about the culture of the people in Swansea by volunteering. She also had a preexisting passion for dance that she had wished to expand upon, so she joined the Swansea University Dance Society and practiced various styles of dance in preparation for the annual showcase.  

Alexis felt the best part of this trip was meeting people from around the world from different cultural backgrounds and getting to share United States culture. For those who are interested in this experience, Alexis advises that they “go for it - international travel and going alone is something very intimidating but it will make you a better and more confident person. And when you get to your site, explore every opportunity, say yes to everything, and continue to learn even outside the classroom.” 

For information about the Undergraduate Experiential Learning Award, visit the Undergraduate Experiential Learning office’s funding page or contact experiential.learning@ohio.edu.