student stories

Student Stories

May 7, 2025

The Summer Abroad Inclusion, Diversity and Excellence (EDI) Award was created to recognize exceptional students at the University of Toronto who are contributing to the advancement of equity, diversity and inclusion. We are happy to announce these exemplary Summer Abroad participants as members of the 2025 cohort of Summer Abroad award recipients.

If you have any questions you would like to ask about awards granted through Summer Abroad, please contact the Summer Abroad team at summer.abroad@utoronto.ca

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April 29, 2025

To help Students celebrate and share their achievement, we’ve created special LinkedIn graphics you can post on your profile. It’s a great way to highlight your international experience, showcase your global learning journey, and build your professional brand 

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April 29, 2025

Summer Abroad is excited to announce the 2025 Social Media Correspondents for this summer! Our Correspondents play an important role in capturing their favourite memories so that Summer Abroad is able to continue to share their stories through their photos. To view each Social Media Correspondent's biography and 2025 Summer Abroad program, you can scroll down. Make sure you follow the Summer Abroad Instagram Account (@uoftabroad) to stay updated with our Social Media Correspondents adventures!

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March 31, 2025

With summer abroad just around the corner, are you feeling excited, nervous, or just too busy to think about it? No worries—our work-study student Zainab has put together a comprehensive packing guide to help you prepare stress-free!

From absolute essentials like your passport and travel documents to practical necessities like comfortable shoes, toiletries, and study materials, this checklist ensures you won’t forget anything important. Plus, Zainab shares helpful tips based on her own experience abroad!

Travel
February 28, 2025

Preparing for a summer abroad can be both exciting and overwhelming. Zainab has compiled a list of tips from past participants and essential tasks to complete before you embark on your adventure. From saying yes to impromptu plans, and ensuring you have weather-appropriate clothing, these tips will help you make the most of your experience. Additionally, completing necessary tasks and preparing for your course ahead of time will ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey! Read more.. 

Zainab
January 28, 2025

As a Summer Abroad alum, Zainab offers invaluable tips on setting personal goals for the program. By stepping out of your comfort zone and taking initiative, you can significantly enrich your experience abroad. Discover how embracing active participation over passive sightseeing can lead to memorable and impactful experiences!

Personal Goals
January 27, 2025

N.J.Y. shares their unforgettable Summer Abroad journey, where challenges and cultural immersion led to unexpected rewards. From overcoming practical obstacles like hot water disruptions to embracing the Portuguese language in daily life, N.J.Y.'s story highlights the transformative power of stepping out of one's comfort zone. 

Portugal
November 28, 2024

As a past student of the Summer Abroad program in Oxford, Zainab becomes your guide for everything Oxford. From your first arrival to food and transportation, she gives helpful tips and key pointers on what to see and do, all based on her own personal experiences abroad as a UofT student. If you're interested in the Oxford program or are wondering what a day in the life might look like, check out this article and get inspired!

Three photos of Oxford Campus