For Poole senior Grace Lowery, high-impact experiences have been a defining part of her college journey. None have been more transformative than studying abroad. As a triple major in operations and supply chain management, global sustainability and development, and Asian language and culture, she has intentionally sought opportunities that push her beyond the classroom. Studying abroad, she says, has done exactly that.

Her first experience took her to Taiwan, a destination that felt both exciting and deeply personal. Having studied Chinese since kindergarten, Lowery saw this as a chance to fully immerse herself in a language and culture she had spent years learning.

“I knew that a Chinese-speaking country was where I wanted to study,” she explains. “And I also knew that living in another country is an opportunity not everyone gets, so I wanted to take full advantage of it.”

While in Taiwan, Lowery didn’t just stay in one place, she explored. Traveling throughout the country, as well as China and Vietnam, she gained a broader understanding of the region’s cultural diversity. Inside and outside the classroom, she strengthened her language skills, even learning to transition from simplified to traditional Chinese characters.

What made Taiwan especially meaningful were the connections she built along the way.

One of those connections began on her very first day during a campus tour. Her guide, Lisa, went out of her way to make Lowery feel welcome at a moment when she could have easily felt alone. That introduction led to friendships that lasted throughout her time abroad and beyond.

Another lasting influence was her Chinese teacher, Mrs. Lin, who provided guidance and encouragement far beyond the classroom. “She didn’t just let me figure things out on my own,” Lowery says. “She checked in, shared resources, and made sure I felt supported the entire time.”

After returning from Taiwan, Lowery chose to challenge herself in a completely new way.

Her second study abroad experience took her to France. This time without the comfort of knowing the language.

“Taiwan was incredible, but I could navigate it with my existing language skills,” she says. “I wanted to put myself in a situation where I had to adapt even more.”

In France, everyday tasks became opportunities for growth. From navigating conversations to adjusting to new cultural norms, Lowery learned to embrace discomfort and approach unfamiliar situations with an open mind. The experience expanded her global perspective even further, reinforcing the importance of adaptability and cultural awareness.

“Seeing these contrasts up close has strengthened my culture competency and helped me understand how global markets function beyond what can be learned in a classroom.”

These global experiences are closely tied to her academic work and future goals. As a Global Corps Scholar, Lowery mentors international students and supports global programming, further strengthening her cultural competency. Studying abroad has allowed her to see firsthand how different countries approach business, communication, and daily life. Insights that directly connect her studies and career goals.

“Experiencing business and daily life in different countries has shown me how differently countries operate compared to the United States,” she says. “Seeing these contrasts up close has strengthened my culture competency and helped me understand how global markets function beyond what can be learned in a classroom.”

Through it all, Lowery has developed skills that go far beyond academics: adaptability, problem-solving, and the ability to work across cultures. These are the kinds of skills that prepare students not just for their first job, but for long-term success in an increasingly global world. 

Lowery’s advice to other students considering studying abroad is simple: be open.

“Don’t be afraid to try new things and talk to new people,” she says. “It’s easy to want to isolate yourself, the people around you are probably feeling the same way. This is a great opportunity to meet new people.”

For Lowery, studying abroad wasn’t just a semester away. It became a defining part of her undergraduate experience, shaping how she sees the world and her place in it.