Every semester, the Faculty-Led Study Abroad (FLSA) program will share student spotlights, program information and everything you need to know about studying abroad.

Check out the most recent editions below.

Issue 3

Travel Journal – Returnees: Where are they now?

From studying abroad in Ghana to law school. Learn how Amanda DeLaby’s (class of 2023) study abroad experience shaped her academic growth and prepared her for a bright future.

“My name is Amanda DeLaby, and I was a Criminal Justice major at Sacramento State, where I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in May 2020 and later received my masters in May 2023. I was fairly involved on campus during my undergraduate time, both in my sorority, Delta Gamma and in terms of volunteer work. During the fall semester of 2018, I was informed of an opportunity in one of my criminal justice classes to study abroad on a faculty-led trip to Ghana, Africa, in July of 2019. The course being offered was a comparative criminal justice course, in which we would look at prisons, court systems, alternative dispute resolution options and the police system in Ghana and compare those systems to the systems here in America. The course sounded (and ended up being) incredible. I was extremely hesitant at first to leave the country with a group of people I did not know and to go to a country I had never thought of traveling to; however the professors, Dr. Nicole Fox and Dr. Ernest Uwazie, hosted a series of pre-course meetings which we discussed cultural norms and expectations. These pre-course meetings truly made me feel at ease and ready to set off on this adventure! Studying abroad and immersing myself in the Ghanaian culture was an unforgettable experience and one I do not hesitate to brag about. While in Ghana, we toured several criminal justice facilities, including a domestic violence center, police station, prison, courthouse, and even sat in on an alternative dispute resolution hearing where we were able to see a landlord-tenant dispute handled within the community.

Throughout the study abroad course, I constantly relied on Dr. Fox to ensure our safety and to facilitate a learning environment and experience unlike no other I had experienced. During these two weeks I built an incredible relationship with both professors, and Dr. Fox explained the criminal justice graduate program to me and encouraged me to apply. I had never thought of going to graduate school and didn’t know if I would be cut out for it, but Dr. Fox reassured me and offered to assist me in the application process, and with any questions or concerns I had. If I had not studied abroad, I would not have had the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Fox and I would certainly not have even thought about going to graduate school. Once we returned from the trip, I began to seriously think about graduate school and reached out to Dr. Fox. She assisted me with the application and provided me with reassurance that I can do it while answering my various questions. In Fall of 2019, with the assistance of Dr. Fox I applied to graduate school and was accepted shortly after. I began graduate school in fall of 2020. Without study abroad, I never would have considered going to graduate school, and I am so grateful for my experience studying abroad and pushing me to continue my studies.

Graduate school was drastically different than undergraduate in terms of workload and material. The program is designated to allow students to still work full-time jobs as the courses are three hours at night. Each course is seminar/discussion style, and each student had to be fully prepared each class to discuss the reading material. While working full time, I embarked on the graduate program, I relied heavily on Dr. Fox as I felt comfortable asking her for help due to my study abroad experience and asked her to be my thesis advisor. Dr. Fox and I worked closely and in spring of 2023, I successfully defended my thesis and graduated with my master’s in criminal justice from Sacramento State in May 2023. Writing and editing a thesis for over two years had waves of emotions, but finally finishing the thesis was a huge relief and a major life accomplishment, which would not have been possible had I not studied abroad and built relationships with incredible professors who would end up being my thesis chair and second reader.

During my time studying abroad and working on my thesis, I still had a continued passion for law and justice and knew that I wanted to go to law school at some point in my future. While finishing up my thesis, I decided to apply to law school. Again, with Dr. Fox’s assistance I applied to law school and was accepted to start in Fall of 2023. Having studied abroad, built connections and graduated from graduate school I was a preferred candidate for law school and my experiences allowed me to excel in my first year of law school. I am now in my second year, and absolutely love it. I would certainly not have continued my education to receive my master’s degree and would not have attended law school had I not taken a leap of faith and joined the Ghana Study Abroad trip. I am so grateful and thankful for the opportunities I have been given and am so excited to use my education to make a difference in the crazy world we live in today. If you have the ability to study abroad- DO IT! Studying abroad changed my life, and it will change yours too. Thank you for reading.”

Issue 2

Student Testimonials

We’re excited to share testimonials from our fellow Hornets who recently participated in our programs. Here’s what they had to say about their positive experiences in the Italy/Art 4 program:

“I was part of the winter 2025 Italy faculty lead study abroad. I am an Interior Architecture and Film Studies student and seeing so many things that I have learned in courses in real life was so surreal. I was fortunate enough to be around amazing classmates and staff, helping each other navigate this new country for most of us.  I would encourage everyone to be part of the study abroad, especially these short-term courses, as I would say they are adequate time between a good learning experience and a lot of personal growth as well.” — Viviana Garcia, Italy/Art 4 2025

Read more student testimonials from the Faculty-Led Study Abroad program here.

Below are the insights from students in the Modern Greek Language program:

“Thank you so much for your vision to create this Greek class, for the constant ’sunshine’ in your faces, your positive outlook, your supportive and memorable methods of teaching. The opportunity to connect again with the lyricism, the beauty and the poetry of the Greek language has been a gift. (And, yes, I believe the grammar creates poetry! Every day in Greek class is a positive day. I’ve already learned so much.” — Linda S., Greek 6B, Spring 2025

Read more student testimonials for the Modern Greek program here.

Resources & Support

Below are some helpful reminders for the many Hornets travelling abroad on a faculty-led program in Summer 2025:

1. Passport and Visa: Make sure you have your passport ready and check if a visa is required for your travel. If you are an F-1 student, please contact your international student advisor before leaving the U.S. In order to qualify to study abroad, F-1 students must: 

• Have a valid F-1 visa to be able to return to the U.S. after the program is over
• Have received a new Form I-20 with a travel endorsement
• Have maintained status

2. Travel insurance form (FTIP): Please submit your form and travel itinerary to Gabriel Hernandez before the deadline. 
3. Pre-departure orientation: Plan on attending the mandatory orientation scheduled for Friday, May 2, 2025, from 1-3 p.m. at the Global Lounge – located in the Library Breezeway right next to the Grumpy Mule. Parents/Support network are welcome to attend.  
4. Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): Create your STEP account before you travel by visiting the US Department of State website. This is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals to enroll their trip abroad so the Department of State can accurately and quickly contact them in case of emergency. 
5. Health and Safety: Stay informed about health and safety abroad. The following resources will provide you with additional and current information about international health and safety issues:

• U.S. State Department
• U.S. State Department, Bureau of Diplomatic Security (OSAC)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• World Health Organization

Issue 1

Study Abroad Day is February 24th!

Join us in celebrating Study Abroad Day, a special day that highlights the transformative power of international education. Whether you’re dreaming of exploring new cultures, expanding your academic horizons, or developing skills for a globalized world, this is your chance to learn more about study abroad opportunities at Sac State.

In this spring edition of Hornet Travels, we hope you’ll find useful information to help you prepare for your own study abroad adventure and tools to help you tell your study abroad story.

Whether you’re curious about study abroad opportunities, preparing for your future international adventure, or back in the Hive, we want you to feel supported every step of the way.

Winter & Spring Program Spotlights

• Art 4: In January, our Hornets experienced art in person in Italy and used the cities of Rome and Florence as their classroom. Led by Dr. Rachel Miller, the program focused on the art of the Italian peninsula from the ancient period to the year 1800. Visits to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican, and Palazzo Medici were some of the highlights of this program.

• Modern Greek Language (Greek 6A & 6B): This is proof that we don’t necessarily have to leave campus to experience a new culture. Students enrolled in this virtual study abroad program are learning the Modern Greek language from professors who teach at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and engaging with their students. 

Did you know? 

Studying abroad doesn’t have to be a financial burden. By planning in advance and applying for financial aid and scholarships, you can turn your dream of studying abroad into a reality. Become familiar with the many different scholarship options and apply early.

Gilman Scholarship: The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program (Gilman Program) enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, providing them with skills critical to our national security and economic prosperity. To be eligible for the Gilman Program, applicants must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the time of application or provide proof that they will be receiving a Pell Grant during the term of their study abroad program or internship. The March 2025 deadline application will open in mid-January 2025.

Gilman-McCain Scholarship: The Gilman-McCain Scholarship provides awards of $5,000 for child and spousal dependents of active or activated United States military personnel during the time of application to study or intern abroad on credit-bearing programs. Check out their website for more information and application deadlines.

Returnees

Global experiences are more valuable than ever. Studying abroad enriches your academic experience, offering fresh perspectives that enhance both your studies and career potential. It also boosts your competitiveness in the job market. Learning how to highlight your study abroad experience will definitely set you apart from other candidates.

1. Update Your Resume: Add your study abroad program under education, including skills gained, personal growth, and cross-cultural competencies developed. Also, highlight all relevant academic or professional experiences. Don’t forget to add any community engagement or organizations you joined during your time abroad.
2. Share on LinkedIn: Create a detailed post or write an article describing the program, lessons learned, and how it enhanced your personal and professional growth.
3. Create a Portfolio or Blog: Showcase photos, reflections, or projects completed during the program to document your experiences.
4. Present to Peers or Clubs: Share insights from your time abroad with campus organizations, classes, or study abroad fairs to inspire others.
5. Integrate into Interviews: Explain how your study abroad program aligned with your major, highlighting the effect of international education on your academic growth. Highlight how the experience improved cultural awareness, adaptability, and problem-solving skills — traits valued by employers. Don’t forget to mention the challenges you faced and how you overcame them, and discuss how you plan to apply the knowledge and experiences gained abroad to advance your career goals.
6. Develop a Digital Story: Use photos, videos, or journals to create a short presentation or video summarizing your journey and its impact.
7. Write for Campus Publications: Submit an article or reflection about your experience to the university newspaper or website.

Contact Us

For questions or more information about faculty-led programs, please contact Gabriel Hernandez.

Are you ready for your own study-abroad adventure? At Sac State, we guarantee you will find a program that is right for you. If you are interested in short-term programs, please check out our upcoming programs here.

Ready for a semester or a full academic year abroad? International Programs & Global Engagement (IPGE) has more than one hundred options for you to check out.