Discover Yourself, Discover The World
Photo by Mōhailani Peloso
Turn dreams into destinations with the support of Pacific’s Study Abroad Office
College life brings challenges, and balancing classes, assignments, and responsibilities often leads to stress and anxiety. Yet college is also the perfect time to explore, to step outside of routine, and to discover new perspectives. At the University of the Pacific, the Study Abroad Office offers students the chance to do just that by turning the world into their classroom. With more than 100 programs across 50 countries, the office connects students to global experiences that can enrich their education and transform their lives.
For many, the idea of studying abroad can feel intimidating. Questions about cost, logistics, and being far from home often hold students back. That is why the Study Abroad Office exists, not only to guide participants through the process, but also to inspire them to see the possibilities. According to Advisor Madeline Brown, a Pacific alumni and former study abroad student herself, the impact of these programs goes far beyond academics. This opportunity helps students figure out their lifestyles, develop personally, discover their interests, understand who they are, and decide what they want to do professionally.
Brown recalls her time abroad defined her college journey. She studied in Spain during her sophomore year, a journey that taught her lessons she still carries today. “In Spain, people value time and happiness,” she explained. “There is no reason to rush, students can relax, enjoy culture, and take something meaningful away from every moment.” For her, studying abroad was not just about classes; it was about learning a new way of life.
Now, as an advisor, she uses her own story to encourage students who may feel nervous about leaving their comfort zones. Her advice is simple but powerful: “Students will never know if they do not ask. Nothing changes unless they make that change.” She stresses that students do not have to figure it out alone. Advisors in the office are there to listen, answer questions, and help create a plan that works for each individual.
The Study Abroad Office recently introduced VIA TRM, a new online system that simplifies applications. This innovation has made applying less stressful and more accessible for every participant. Instead of dealing with scattered forms and confusing steps, students can now find everything they need in one place. Brown knows how much of a difference this makes: “Back when I applied, it was confusing if students were not constantly asking questions. Now, that problem is gone, the system makes everything significantly simpler.”
Interest in studying abroad at Pacific has been growing at a record pace. The office has expanded its outreach and programming, with impressive results. For example, a recent Chile experiential learning trip, offered to first-year students free of cost, attracted nearly one hundred applicants. In past years, only seven to ten students studied abroad in a typical semester, but now interest in just one program can exceed that number many times over. The office continues to build momentum, working to make study abroad known and accessible for every student. As Brown says, “Students would never have as much freedom, resources and as much time as a student in college.” She encourages students to take the chance and find the best program for them while putting all her effort into her job.“I love my work because I rarely give bad news,” she says. “All I am doing is encouraging students and motivating them and teaching them what study abroad is, explaining to them that the tuition and expenses are nothing to be scared of.”
These expanding options ensure students can find programs that match both passion and profession. Opportunities at institutions such as Cambridge University are being added to an already impressive list of international programs. These new connections promise to give Pacific students even more choices to tailor their study abroad experience to their academic goals and personal dreams.
Brown leaves students with one final message, an invitation to believe in themselves and take a leap that could change their lives forever: “Believe in yourself. Invest in your future. The potential life change you will experience is worth so much more than anything else. Be brave, be courageous, and you will never regret it. We are here to help.”
The Study Abroad Office is more than just a resource, the Study Abroad Office serves as a getaway. For students willing to take the first step, whether that is attending an information session, meeting with an advisor, or just stopping by to ask a question, the journey can begin today. The world is waiting, and the Study Abroad Office at the University of the Pacific is ready to help every student discover it and create a new lifestyle.