{"id":51782,"date":"2025-05-21T16:59:14","date_gmt":"2025-05-21T06:59:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/?p=51782"},"modified":"2025-05-22T15:32:56","modified_gmt":"2025-05-22T05:32:56","slug":"how-studying-abroad-in-the-us-boosted-my-confidence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/how-studying-abroad-in-the-us-boosted-my-confidence\/","title":{"rendered":"How studying abroad in the US boosted my confidence"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Undergraduate student Paw spent a semester at Washington State University (WSU) in the US. Here&#8217;s why she thinks you should go for it, too&#8230;<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I\u2019ve always believed that immersing yourself in a new environment is one of the best ways to grow, which is why studying abroad was a dream of mine. Exchange seemed like the perfect way to open up new career opportunities, improve my communication skills and build resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, when the chance came to do a semester exchange at Washington State University (WSU), I saw it as a once-in-a-lifetime adventure I had to jump on!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">My first impressions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As soon as I arrived at WSU, I thought it looked just like the American colleges you see in movies. While the academic structure was pretty similar to La Trobe, I noticed some cultural differences. Social gatherings like house parties and student-run clubs felt more deeply embedded in everyday student life, creating a strong and welcoming community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1442\" height=\"666\" src=\"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1000044042-1442x666.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-51790\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1000044042-1442x666.jpg 1442w, https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1000044042-300x139.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1000044042-768x355.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1000044042-1536x709.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1000044042-2048x946.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1000044042-150x69.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1000044042-696x321.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1000044042-1068x493.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1000044042-1920x887.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1000044042-910x420.jpg 910w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1442px) 100vw, 1442px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Overcoming homesickness<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the biggest challenges I faced at the beginning of exchange was homesickness. I didn\u2019t know anyone when I arrived, and it was hard to make new friends at first. It was also harder to travel off campus than I thought it would be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, I quickly realised the key to making the most of this experience was being open and brave. I pushed myself to try everything, whether that meant going to the movies alone, joining student clubs, or even participating in a club recruitment day where I played soccer (as the only female!). It was through these experiences that I slowly built friendships and found my place in the WSU community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Making lifelong friends<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"666\" src=\"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1000044600-500x666.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-51789\" style=\"width:347px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1000044600-500x666.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1000044600-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1000044600-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1000044600-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1000044600-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1000044600-150x200.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1000044600-300x400.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1000044600-696x928.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1000044600-1068x1424.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1000044600-scaled.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1000044600-315x420.jpg 315w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the most rewarding parts of my exchange was meeting and building friendships with other international students. Together, we got to explore American culture while also learning about each other&#8217;s background and stories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I even got to be an intern at the WSU International Center, where I helped plan events for international students. It was such a fulfilling role that let me help others feel welcome while making memories myself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Enjoying the great outdoors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">WSU&#8217;s location was the perfect base to explore the beautiful nature of Washington State. I joined WSU&#8217;s Outdoor Recreation program, which meant I got to go camping and hiking with other students. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I even went on a hiking trip to Three Fingers Mountain (though we didn\u2019t make it to the top \u2013 yet!). Other unforgettable highlights include a relaxing visit to a hot spring in Idaho, a day trip to Spokane and a week-long adventure in Seattle with seven other international students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Personal and career growth<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"666\" src=\"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1000044956-2-500x666.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-51805\" style=\"width:348px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1000044956-2-500x666.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1000044956-2-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1000044956-2-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1000044956-2-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1000044956-2-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1000044956-2-150x200.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1000044956-2-300x400.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1000044956-2-696x928.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1000044956-2-1068x1424.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1000044956-2-315x420.jpg 315w, https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1000044956-2.jpg 1884w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">My biggest takeaway from exchange was how it broadened my perspective and boosted my confidence to tackle unfamiliar environments. It reminded me how adaptable and resilient I can be, as well as how important it is to embrace challenges head-on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not only that, but my experiences made my resume stronger and my career goals clearer. Throughout the semester, I made sure to focus on improving my writing and grammar, knowing that strong communication skills would help in my future career. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Financial support is available<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re thinking of studying abroad but are worried about the cost, don\u2019t let money hold you back! There are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/students\/opportunities\/abroad\/costs-and-funding\">scholarships and grants<\/a> available, and I couldn&#8217;t have gone on exchange without them. In the end, the memories you\u2019ll gain are priceless and this is an experience that money can\u2019t buy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I\u2019m incredibly grateful for my semester at WSU. I learned, I adapted and I made lifelong friends from around the world. If you&#8217;re someone who\u2019s even slightly considering exchange, go for it! The world is full of experiences and waiting for you to take that leap&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Want to have your own life-changing experience? Apply now!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Exchange applications for Semester 1 2026 are now open! <\/strong>Applications&nbsp;close on Monday 16 June 2025, so get in quick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-fe48e5de wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/students\/opportunities\/abroad\/semester-abroad\">APPLY NOW<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:23px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For more information, join one of our<a style=\"font-weight: bold;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/join-a-study-abroad-info-session-and-find-out-how-you-can-study-and-explore-the-world\/\"> Study Abroad info Sessions<\/a>&nbsp;or visit the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/students\/opportunities\/abroad\"><strong>Study Abroad<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Wondering what financial support you can receive to study abroad? The New Colombo Plan Scholarship is now open for applications \u2013 find out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/students\/opportunities\/abroad\/costs-and-funding\">how to apply and explore other funding options <\/a>to make your exchange dreams come true.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Undergraduate student Paw spent a semester at Washington State University (WSU) in the US. Here&#8217;s why she thinks you should go for it, too&#8230; I\u2019ve always believed that immersing yourself [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":131,"featured_media":51784,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_price":"","_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_header":"","_tribe_default_ticket_provider":"","_tribe_ticket_capacity":"0","_ticket_start_date":"","_ticket_end_date":"","_tribe_ticket_show_description":"","_tribe_ticket_show_not_going":false,"_tribe_ticket_use_global_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_global_stock_level":"","_global_stock_mode":"","_global_stock_cap":"","_tribe_rsvp_for_event":"","_tribe_ticket_going_count":"","_tribe_ticket_not_going_count":"","_tribe_tickets_list":"[]","_tribe_ticket_has_attendee_info_fields":false,"_EventAllDay":false,"_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":false,"_EventShowMapLink":false,"_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyCode":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":[],"_EventVenueID":[],"_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueState":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_VenueShowMap":false,"_VenueShowMapLink":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[254,264],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-51782","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-stories","category-abroad"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How studying abroad in the US boosted my confidence - MyLaTrobe<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/how-studying-abroad-in-the-us-boosted-my-confidence\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How studying abroad in the US boosted my confidence - MyLaTrobe\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Undergraduate student Paw spent a semester at Washington State University (WSU) in the US. Here&#8217;s why she thinks you should go for it, too&#8230; I\u2019ve always believed that immersing yourself [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/how-studying-abroad-in-the-us-boosted-my-confidence\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"MyLaTrobe\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-05-21T06:59:14+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-05-22T05:32:56+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1000042520-scaled.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2560\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1180\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Samantha Brigden\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Samantha Brigden\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"4 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.latrobe.edu.au\\\/mylatrobe\\\/how-studying-abroad-in-the-us-boosted-my-confidence\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.latrobe.edu.au\\\/mylatrobe\\\/how-studying-abroad-in-the-us-boosted-my-confidence\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Samantha Brigden\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.latrobe.edu.au\\\/mylatrobe\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/971b50127ff7aad4cb8e7b51dc8a2894\"},\"headline\":\"How studying abroad in the US boosted my confidence\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-05-21T06:59:14+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-05-22T05:32:56+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.latrobe.edu.au\\\/mylatrobe\\\/how-studying-abroad-in-the-us-boosted-my-confidence\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":722,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.latrobe.edu.au\\\/mylatrobe\\\/how-studying-abroad-in-the-us-boosted-my-confidence\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.latrobe.edu.au\\\/mylatrobe\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/1000042520-scaled.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Student Stories\",\"Study Abroad\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-AU\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.latrobe.edu.au\\\/mylatrobe\\\/how-studying-abroad-in-the-us-boosted-my-confidence\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.latrobe.edu.au\\\/mylatrobe\\\/how-studying-abroad-in-the-us-boosted-my-confidence\\\/\",\"name\":\"How studying abroad in the US boosted my confidence - MyLaTrobe\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.latrobe.edu.au\\\/mylatrobe\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.latrobe.edu.au\\\/mylatrobe\\\/how-studying-abroad-in-the-us-boosted-my-confidence\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.latrobe.edu.au\\\/mylatrobe\\\/how-studying-abroad-in-the-us-boosted-my-confidence\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.latrobe.edu.au\\\/mylatrobe\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/1000042520-scaled.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-05-21T06:59:14+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-05-22T05:32:56+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.latrobe.edu.au\\\/mylatrobe\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/971b50127ff7aad4cb8e7b51dc8a2894\"},\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.latrobe.edu.au\\\/mylatrobe\\\/how-studying-abroad-in-the-us-boosted-my-confidence\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-AU\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.latrobe.edu.au\\\/mylatrobe\\\/how-studying-abroad-in-the-us-boosted-my-confidence\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-AU\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.latrobe.edu.au\\\/mylatrobe\\\/how-studying-abroad-in-the-us-boosted-my-confidence\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.latrobe.edu.au\\\/mylatrobe\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/1000042520-scaled.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.latrobe.edu.au\\\/mylatrobe\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/1000042520-scaled.jpg\",\"width\":2560,\"height\":1180,\"caption\":\"A woman looking out at a beautiful view from the top of a hike.\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.latrobe.edu.au\\\/mylatrobe\\\/how-studying-abroad-in-the-us-boosted-my-confidence\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.latrobe.edu.au\\\/mylatrobe\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"How studying abroad in the US boosted my confidence\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.latrobe.edu.au\\\/mylatrobe\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.latrobe.edu.au\\\/mylatrobe\\\/\",\"name\":\"MyLaTrobe\",\"description\":\"For all of your student updates\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.latrobe.edu.au\\\/mylatrobe\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-AU\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.latrobe.edu.au\\\/mylatrobe\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/971b50127ff7aad4cb8e7b51dc8a2894\",\"name\":\"Samantha Brigden\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-AU\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/ac11e8f42ff4bd4e7f022f94e32fe52649608d8260dd4852966713fe0d444e47?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/ac11e8f42ff4bd4e7f022f94e32fe52649608d8260dd4852966713fe0d444e47?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/ac11e8f42ff4bd4e7f022f94e32fe52649608d8260dd4852966713fe0d444e47?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Samantha Brigden\"},\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.latrobe.edu.au\\\/mylatrobe\\\/author\\\/sbrigden\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"How studying abroad in the US boosted my confidence - MyLaTrobe","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/how-studying-abroad-in-the-us-boosted-my-confidence\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"How studying abroad in the US boosted my confidence - MyLaTrobe","og_description":"Undergraduate student Paw spent a semester at Washington State University (WSU) in the US. Here&#8217;s why she thinks you should go for it, too&#8230; I\u2019ve always believed that immersing yourself [&hellip;]","og_url":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/how-studying-abroad-in-the-us-boosted-my-confidence\/","og_site_name":"MyLaTrobe","article_published_time":"2025-05-21T06:59:14+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-05-22T05:32:56+00:00","og_image":[{"width":2560,"height":1180,"url":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1000042520-scaled.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Samantha Brigden","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Samantha Brigden","Est. reading time":"4 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/how-studying-abroad-in-the-us-boosted-my-confidence\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/how-studying-abroad-in-the-us-boosted-my-confidence\/"},"author":{"name":"Samantha Brigden","@id":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/#\/schema\/person\/971b50127ff7aad4cb8e7b51dc8a2894"},"headline":"How studying abroad in the US boosted my confidence","datePublished":"2025-05-21T06:59:14+00:00","dateModified":"2025-05-22T05:32:56+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/how-studying-abroad-in-the-us-boosted-my-confidence\/"},"wordCount":722,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/how-studying-abroad-in-the-us-boosted-my-confidence\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1000042520-scaled.jpg","articleSection":["Student Stories","Study Abroad"],"inLanguage":"en-AU"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/how-studying-abroad-in-the-us-boosted-my-confidence\/","url":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/how-studying-abroad-in-the-us-boosted-my-confidence\/","name":"How studying abroad in the US boosted my confidence - MyLaTrobe","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/how-studying-abroad-in-the-us-boosted-my-confidence\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/how-studying-abroad-in-the-us-boosted-my-confidence\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1000042520-scaled.jpg","datePublished":"2025-05-21T06:59:14+00:00","dateModified":"2025-05-22T05:32:56+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/#\/schema\/person\/971b50127ff7aad4cb8e7b51dc8a2894"},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/how-studying-abroad-in-the-us-boosted-my-confidence\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-AU","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/how-studying-abroad-in-the-us-boosted-my-confidence\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-AU","@id":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/how-studying-abroad-in-the-us-boosted-my-confidence\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1000042520-scaled.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1000042520-scaled.jpg","width":2560,"height":1180,"caption":"A woman looking out at a beautiful view from the top of a hike."},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/how-studying-abroad-in-the-us-boosted-my-confidence\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"How studying abroad in the US boosted my confidence"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/","name":"MyLaTrobe","description":"For all of your student updates","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-AU"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/#\/schema\/person\/971b50127ff7aad4cb8e7b51dc8a2894","name":"Samantha Brigden","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-AU","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ac11e8f42ff4bd4e7f022f94e32fe52649608d8260dd4852966713fe0d444e47?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ac11e8f42ff4bd4e7f022f94e32fe52649608d8260dd4852966713fe0d444e47?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ac11e8f42ff4bd4e7f022f94e32fe52649608d8260dd4852966713fe0d444e47?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Samantha Brigden"},"url":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/author\/sbrigden\/"}]}},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1000042520-scaled.jpg","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/paE3kX-dtc","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51782","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/131"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=51782"}],"version-history":[{"count":21,"href":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51782\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":51819,"href":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51782\/revisions\/51819"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/51784"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=51782"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=51782"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=51782"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}