Whitman Helped Me Explore the World on a Student Budget

Growing up in a working-class family, I never had the opportunity to travel much, let alone go overseas! During my college search, I knew I would love to study abroad, and I intentionally researched schools that offered the opportunity to spend a semester in another country. In this, I found out that Whitman not only encourages students to study abroad but also provides the support needed, making it incredibly easy to do so! That, paired with my financial aid offer, was a big reason why I chose Whitman.

During my first year on campus, I attended a First Steps meeting held by the Off-Campus Studies (OCS) office. I learned about the range of study abroad options, from experiential programs to direct enrollment in overseas universities and American study centers. One of the most important things I learned in that session was that all Whitman-awarded financial aid can be applied to off-campus programs! They even adjusts your financial aid based on the cost of your study-abroad program, factoring in the cost of plane tickets, housing in your host city, and personal expenses. This was a huge relief, knowing that Whitman made sure this opportunity was open to anyone interested in global education.

After that initial meeting, I began considering my options. I looked at programs that interested me academically. As a History major, I made sure to consider those that would allow me to take courses for my major so I wouldn’t fall behind. Through my classes at Whitman, I developed an academic interest in the SWANA region, or Southwest Asia and North Africa. So I looked at programs that would take me there. Eventually, I chose a program in Rabat, Morocco, which allowed me to study history, religion, and Arabic in a region that deeply interested me.

Whitman had supported me every step of the way, with initial planning, application advice, and transferring my financial aid to the study abroad program. During the process of deciding on a program and applying to study abroad, I had individual meetings with staff in Whitman’s OCS office. They helped me consider different programs, learn about scholarships and financial aid, and fill out the application for the Institute for the International Education of Students.

In January 2024, I finally flew to Morocco! Rabat was the perfect destination for me, especially when it came to affordability. I lived with a host family, and my wonderful host mother, Salima, fed me three delicious meals every day, helping cut down on food costs. Food was seriously cheap when I did eat outside the house, whether it be my daily coffee from a café near my homestay or sandwiches from street food vendors!

Traveling within Morocco was also incredibly affordable. While in the country, I embraced the train system, taking weekend trips to Marrakesh, Tangier, Essaouira and Chefchaouen. I never spent more than $20 USD on a train ticket, and accommodations in the various cities were typically $8-$11 USD, which covered a nice hostel with a delicious breakfast. My program also took us on a few trips, including a weekend excursion to a village in the Atlas Mountains, camping in the Sahara, and a few days in southern Spain. Over the course of a semester, I had gone from never leaving the country to traveling across multiple continents. I felt like my world had been suddenly expanded.

Looking back, I feel so lucky that my dream of studying abroad became a reality, thanks to Whitman! Support from the college—both financially and logistically—alongside the affordability of Morocco, allowed me to experience a new country and culture and make unforgettable memories. Studying abroad is an adventure that every student deserves, and Whitman is ready to help you make it happen.

If you’re a working-class student with dreams of studying abroad, know it’s possible if you come to Whitman! Reach out to the OCS office, explore the variety of affordable destinations, and learn about ways to save money ahead of your trip. Studying abroad is an amazing addition to a liberal arts education. Plus, it is an incredible adventure of a lifetime.

Isabella Hill ’25 (she/her) is a History major and Senior Admissions Intern from Boise, Idaho. She prefers hot weather to cold in Walla Walla, unless it’s the middle of August, then she would tell you she prefers the winters. Check out what students love about the weather in Walla Walla.