Studying abroad was easily one of the best choices I have made during my college career. A few summers ago, I traveled to France with the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics on the International Food and Farm Culture study abroad. It has really amazed me that I have been asked about my experience in France in almost every interview I have had since then.
In hindsight, studying abroad 
really enriched who I am as an individual. International experience gives you a deeper understanding of your own culture. For example, I’ll always remember a conversation I had with my host family over a dinner of escargot. We were discussing strange foods in my culture. I casually mentioned that in the west, people eat Rocky Mountain Oysters. I’ll never forget the look on their faces! I will always be thankful for the abundance of public restrooms in the United States, because in France, many restrooms were pay to play.
I’ll be forever grateful for the enrichment that studying abroad brought to my life. I am more confident in myself traveling now than I was before my trip. Over winter break, I will be traveling to Ecuador to learn more about the biodiversity of birds and endangered species. I am really looking forward to this experience.
The University of Wyoming really encourages studying abroad. If you are concerned about taking time out of your degree program to study abroad, there are many short-term study abroad opportunities. The College of Agriculture is very supportive of studying abroad. I have been fortunate enough to receive a Beyond the Classroom grant to help fund both experience. I would encourage all students to at least look into studying abroad. It will change your life.
– Rachel Purdy