Students gathered Thursday night in the Harper Center to hear the tales of past study abroad students. From bungee jumping to country-hopping to celebrating with the locals at Oktoberfest, each student had his or her own special memories to share with prospective study abroad participants. The study abroad panel was composed of host-site locations in Latin America, Europe and Africa.

Each of the panelists’ experiences differed from one another. Students traveled through a variety of organizations; some were Creighton sponsored, such as the Institute for Latin American Concern, and others went through associate programs, like International Studies Abroad and International Student Exchange Programs. The level of cultural immersion and classroom experience varied from place to place.

Each student shared with potential travelers his or her reasons for study abroad, experiences and favorite moments.

“I wanted to get out of Omaha and travel somewhere new,” said Business junior Vishal Pahel, who studied abroad in Bulgaria.

“Why not? What better time to do it?” said second-year Law student Sarah Breen, who studied in the Dominican Republic.

The panel helped answer questions regarding what to bring, money issues, transportation and language barriers. Some students entered their host countries only knowing the basics of the native language, while others were working to increase fluency in a major language. But the students all agreed on one thing: “Go! You won’t regret it.”