Spending a month in France and Morocco gave Mikiah Fant, a third-year student studying sociology, the chance to truly immerse herself in two different cultures. Studying Arabic history, visiting mosques and learning about immigration law made the experience both academically stimulating and personally meaningful.
“What made it most memorable was how the classroom and cultural experiences connected, giving me a deeper understanding of each place,” said Fant.
For Fant, studying abroad was about seeing how history and law shape people’s lives.
“It was important for me to go abroad because I wanted to see how history and law shape people’s lives in different cultural contexts,” she said. “Being in Morocco and France allowed me to learn about immigration firsthand, not just through textbooks. It also gave me a stronger appreciation for perspectives outside of my own.”
The experience helped Fant discover how adaptable and open-minded she could be.
“I learned that I can adapt quickly and stay open-minded even when faced with new customs and expectations,” Fant explained, “Exploring cities, communicating across language barriers and studying challenging topics showed me I’m resilient and curious. I also realized how much I value cultural exchange and connecting with people through shared experiences.”
Adjusting to cultural differences and managing a demanding study schedule were among the biggest challenges.
“One challenge was adjusting to cultural differences, like communication styles and expectations around daily life,” said Fant. “Another was balancing the fast pace of study from learning Arabic history to examining immigration law, while still trying to soak in the cultural experience. Overcoming these challenges made me more confident and flexible.”
The program also shaped Fant’s academic and professional goals.
“Studying abroad confirmed that I want to include global perspectives in my career,” she said. “Exploring immigration law in particular made me more certain that I want to pursue international relations with a focus on human rights and sociological issues. This experience showed me that cross-cultural understanding will be essential to the path I choose.”
