By Grace Schroller ’26
As seniors prepare for graduation and reflect on their journey here at Doane, some of their favorite memories and experiences that have stuck with them all would be their study abroad journeys. Students who are able to take this opportunity, come back to Doane with an eagerness to share their experience with others.
Doane helps prepare students for studying abroad through pre-departure sessions, where Tim Burge, Director of International Programs at Doane, walks through important information regarding visas, budgeting, scholarships and more. Students are also required to pass a pre-health examination through the Health and Wellness Center. Doane also develops many international trips of their own through various programs. The English, psychology, Spanish, theatre, philosophy, and sociology departments are some of the programs that put on faculty-led study abroad trips.
Grace Schroller ’26, has studied abroad twice, both of which contributed to her experience at Doane. She studied fashion marketing in Milan, Italy, at the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in the summer of 2024. The following year she traveled abroad with the English department to London, UK, where she studied literature around London in early May.
While in Milan, she enjoyed gaining a new perspective of the material she was learning while also being culturally enriched at the same time. This experience led to her wanting to study abroad again, so when the opportunity arose to study literature in London she wanted to do it all over again.
“I knew no one going into my study abroad experience, which really forced me out of my shell and made me super independent,” Schroller said. “This was one of the best decisions I made, as I met great lifelong friends, learned a lot about myself, as well as my passions in the process.”
Jake Parsley ’26, studied abroad for four weeks during the summer of 2025. He studied Spanish while in Costa Rica.
“From studying abroad, I learned how to be uncomfortable, being in a country that speaks another language is a challenge, and I learned to view the situation as an opportunity instead of a hindrance,” Parsley said.
Jamey Rhea ’26, studied Spanish and sociology in Argentina for about six months in the spring and summer of 2025. He was able to improve his Spanish skills. While in Argentina, Rhea also met his now-girlfriend, Casandra, and they’re close to celebrating their one-year anniversary.
“I felt like I was able to understand who I was, removed from all the social context of home,” Rhea said.
Trenton Johansen ’26, went to South Africa in late May to early June of 2025 as part of the Doane Choir international tour for three weeks. The choir learned about the culture and heritage of South Africa through locals, museums and Robben Island.
While on their trip, they collaborated with two local choirs, Isibane Se Africa and The Soweto Gospel Choir. They also got to go on safari drives as well as general sightseeing around Cape Town.
“I gained a better cultural understanding of South Africa, as well as an appreciation for the things we consider normal, but are luxuries for some parts of South Africa,” Johansen said.
Mariah Sliva ’26, studied in Chile over winter break for about three weeks. She took a class on the culture and cuisine in Chile. Sliva learned about the country’s history and how it’s represented through the foods they eat. She also learned how to adapt to a new culture and tackle challenges as they came. It wasn’t always easy, but she had a lot of people who helped her throughout the trip.
“I had never been abroad before this experience and I’m so grateful that I got the chance to travel somewhere so cool,” Sliva said. “ I loved trying new things, meeting new people, and finding a new adventure every day.”
Brayden Boehle ’26, studied Spanish while abroad in Costa Rica for four weeks during the summer of 2025. Boehle gained a more conversational and useful level of Spanish, all while learning more about Costa Rican culture.
“I encourage everyone to study abroad if they get the chance to,” Boehle said. “It was an incredible opportunity made so easy by Doane University.”
