Cultural awareness. Personal independence. Unexpected moments of joy. The opportunity to study abroad, exploring a new culture while furthering their education, has brought all that and more to Roanoke College students.
In honor of International Education Week, we talked with Maroons who were able to live and study in Argentina, Ireland, Korea, Italy and Spain — a slice of the 50+ countries around the world where Roanoke has partners. Read on to learn more about some of their favorite memories, see travel photos and hear from them about how the chance to embark on an international adventure helped them learn and grow.
High-Flying Adventure
Autumn Goff ’24
Majors: Spanish and Spanish Education
Hometown: Vinton, VA
Traveled To: Argentina
As a double major in Spanish and Spanish Education, Goff has a passion for bilingualism and knew studying abroad would be an incredible opportunity to hone the language skills she’ll use in her future career as a teacher.
But she didn’t realize all the new heights she’d conquer. On a weekend trip with friends, she was persuaded to go paragliding, sailing high above the peaks of the Andes. “It was breathtaking,” she said. “One of my favorite memories from going abroad. I think I will always consider Buenos Aires to be like a second home to me.”
Scroll through the gallery above to see more from Autumn Goff ’24.
Erin Go Bragh
Becca Moorman ’24
Major: Communication Studies
Hometown: Superior, CO
Traveled To: Ireland
Moorman set off for the Emerald Isle excited to take in its beauty and immerse herself firsthand in another culture. She returned with a bevy of new friends who hail, not only from Ireland, but from around the world.
“We were people from all different places and backgrounds, and I still talk to them every day,” she said. “I was able to expand my own views so much by meeting so many new people from different walks of life. We became super closer in our time.”
Scroll through the gallery above to see more from Becca Moorman ’24.
Seoul Searching
Lindsay Twining ’24
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Owings, MD
Traveled To: Korea
Twining’s semester abroad took her halfway around the world to Seoul, a city of nearly 10 million, where she dove in to learn how to navigate new customs and surroundings. She emerged from her time in the bustling metropolis with a new sense of confidence and a deeper appreciation for daily life overseas.
“My favorite part of studying abroad was getting to freely explore Seoul,” she said. “I love traveling and experiencing diverse places. I definitely recommend it.”
Scroll through the gallery above to see more from Lindsay Twining ’24.
Cultural Coffee Exchange
Paige Fisher ’24
Major: Business Administration
Hometown: Wynnewood, PA
Traveled To: Italy
Living in the heart of Florence, Fisher would make a daily pilgrimage to a little coffee shop around the corner from her apartment for a cup of the country’s famous espresso. She grew to become one of the cafe’s regulars — more so than she realized.
One morning, she built up the confidence to place her order in Italian. “To my surprise, the entire coffee bar, including both the staff and customers, applauded and cheered,” she said. “It was a moment of genuine happiness and pride that I'll remember, even if they may not."
Scroll through the gallery above to see more from Paige Fisher ’24.
Hola, Bonjour, Hello
Zoe Pitney ’25
Major: Elementary Education
Hometown: Hermiston, OR
Traveled To: Spain
In addition to making friends from around the world, Pitney was able to use her semester overseas as a springboard for a larger international adventure, traveling across neighboring countries to soak up as much as she could while there.
“I always knew I wanted to experience life in another country, and study abroad provided the perfect opportunity for me to do so,” she said. “While in Spain, I was able to travel to multiple other countries, immersing myself in many cultures. That was one of the best experiences for me.”