Madeleine Butler, a third-year honors environmental sciences student with minors in oceanography and political science, says studying abroad in college was an opportunity to “get out into the field, get my hands dirty and experience a different culture.”
“When in life is it going to be easier to live in another country than during college?” says Madeleine. “You're never going to have this much support to go abroad and have a built-in community. Going at this stage in my life felt like the best opportunity!”
This past fall, Madeleine spent a “life-changing semester studying abroad” at Bangor University in Wales, U.K. Selecting an abroad program felt “daunting at first,” but guidance from advisors helped her find the right fit. Bangor is known for ocean science and hands-on learning — both strong matches for Madeleine’s interests.
“Bangor is a welcoming city with small town vibes along the coast. Everybody was so kind and welcoming,” says Madeleine.
Her courses often took her outside and into the field. "Classes were very hands on, with multiple labs and field trips built into the curriculum,” she says.
“In my forest health class, we visited a forest and talked to the manager of that forest about preventing tree diseases and reintroducing native species. In my ocean course on estuaries, we analyzed saltwater to model particle movement using samples collected just a short walk from the lab. What we were studying was often happening right in front of us, which I found super cool.”
Living abroad brought everyday discoveries and new friendships — from learning the difference between mince (ground beef) and mince pie (a sweet fruit pastry) during grocery trips to traveling to new places, meeting new people and learning about the history of Wales and Welsh culture. “It was a lot of fun to make friends across cultures,” she says. “My flatmates and other friends were a big part of my time abroad.”
“Living in a different country far from everything and everyone you know forces you to advocate for yourself and step out of your comfort zone,” says Madeleine. “Going abroad teaches you so much about yourself, other cultures and your own culture.”
Madeleine’s program is predicted to provide around 20 credits to transfer back to Oregon State University, with tuition comparable to a 15-credit term on campus in Corvallis. The HC also counts all credits taken abroad as honors credits, which helps fulfill HC curriculum requirements. Still, additional costs such as airfare, health insurance and program fees added up. The $750 Honors College Experiential Learning Scholarship “helped cover some of those expenses and made studying abroad more accessible.”
“It was incredibly meaningful and impactful to have a scholarship help cover those extra costs,” says Madeleine. “It is awesome that the HC has donors who care about making life-changing experiences like studying abroad available to all students."
As Madeleine heads into her final year at OSU, she is completing her thesis with her former oceanography professor and mentor, Dr. Edward Dever, focused on science communication for the public and revising lab exercises for the introductory physical oceanography course. She also plans to continue as president of the Luther House Campus Ministry and stay active in several campus clubs.
After graduation, Madeleine hopes to fulfill her dream of joining the Peace Corps “to live life a little, give what I can and do something good for the world.” She ultimately hopes to attend law school and pursue a legal career “to make a real and tangible difference in the community and people’s lives.”
Madeleine encourages students to study abroad. “Experience life and do something that may not be possible at another point in your life,” she says. “The cost doesn’t have to be prohibitive. There are many programs, resources and scholarships to help.”
Students interested in Honors College scholarships, including the Experiential Learning Scholarship, can learn more about them on the HC Scholarships page and apply through ScholarDollars. If you would like to support honors scholarships, please consider giving during Dam Proud Day, OSU’s annual day of giving, on April 29. To learn more about volunteer and giving opportunities, please contact HC Director of Development, Kellie Parker, at [email protected].
By: HC Student Writer, Montana Burack
