Student blogs offer a firsthand look at what it’s really like to study abroad. Written by students participating in Temple-led and partner programs around the world, these stories share real experiences, reflections, and insights to help future students explore their options and prepare for their own time abroad. Explore the profiles below and visit the Education Abroad Global Storytellers blog to hear directly from students who’ve been there.

Global Storytellers

The Global Storytellers program provides students with the opportunity to document and share their study abroad experience through blogs, videos, and photo stories. Through real-time storytelling, participants capture academics, daily life, culture, and personal growth, offering an authentic look at studying abroad. Storytellers contribute content throughout their time abroad, developing their voice and perspective while helping future students better understand and connect with the study abroad experience.

Meet the Global Storytellers

  • Ketaki in Canada

    Ketaki Kurwalkar

    • Global Engagement

      • Education Abroad and Overseas Campuses

        • Global Storyteller

          Programs

          • Temple Japan - Kyoto Campus
  • Photo of Anyja in a photobooth in London

    Anyja Sayers

    • Global Engagement

      • Education Abroad and Overseas Campuses

        • Global Storyteller

          Programs

          • Temple Japan - Kyoto Campus
  • Photo of Ethan at the Tufokuji Temple

    Ethan Vordtriede

    • Global Engagement

      • Education Abroad and Overseas Campuses

        • Global Storyteller

          Programs

          • Temple Japan - Kyoto Campus
  • Photo of Ary sitting at a table

    Ary Koch

    • Global Engagement

      • Education Abroad and Overseas Campuses

        • Global Storyteller

          Programs

          • Temple Japan - Kyoto Campus
  • Photo of Bailey in Asia

    Bailey Wallace

    • Global Engagement

      • Education Abroad and Overseas Campuses

        • Global Storyteller

          Programs

          • Temple Japan - Kyoto Campus

Experiencing life in a foreign country is something most people will never get the chance to do. After being given that opportunity through Temple University’s study abroad program, I have become incredibly grateful for both the experience itself and everything that has come with it.

Bailey in Japan

Bailey Wallace

Global Storyteller

Studying abroad continues to teach me to slow down and observe more carefully. Being able to see, feel, and move through these spaces has changed my perspective entirely.

Ketaki in Japan

Ketaki Kurwalkar

Global Storyteller

Culture & Identity Envoys

The Culture and Identity Envoy Program provides students with the opportunity to explore identity, culture, and community while studying abroad through curated cultural experiences and guided reflection. Offered in Temple Rome and now expanded to include Temple Japan, Tokyo, the program brings together a small group of students each semester to engage with both local and campus communities. Envoys participate in group discussions and develop individual reflection projects centered on identity, belonging, and culture, contributing thoughtful perspectives that help future students better understand the study abroad experience.

Meet the Culture & Identity Envoys

  • Heli on a street in Madrid, Spain

    Heli Patel

    • Global Engagement

      • Education Abroad and Overseas Campuses

        • Culture and Identity Envoy

          Programs

          • Temple Rome
  • Gloria headshot

    Gloria Bao

    • Global Engagement

      • Education Abroad and Overseas Campuses

        • Culture and Identity Envoy

          Programs

          • Temple Rome
  • Keisha headshot

    Keisha Henriquez

    • Global Engagement

      • Education Abroad and Overseas Campuses

        • Culture and Identity Envoy

          Programs

          • Temple Rome
  • Photo of Maile in front of a fountain

    Maile Din

    • Global Engagement

      • Education Abroad and Overseas Campuses

        • Culture and Identity Envoy

          Programs

          • Temple Rome

Rome has been, in the past half a month, everything I have expected and some things that I did not. The last thing that I expected to find, though, was hope.

Gloria headshot

Gloria Bao

Culture and Identity Envoy

This experience was exactly what I needed as I am starting my semester abroad. As travelers, it is significant that we try to be respectful and give back to the country that welcomes us.

Photo of Keisha

Keisha Henriquez

Culture and Identity Envoy

Global Green Grant Recipients

Global Green Grant recipients document sustainability-focused projects and initiatives abroad, highlighting environmental issues, community engagement, and responsible global learning.

While studying in Japan, it’s important to embrace sustainability without letting it overshadow the fun of being abroad. Experience all Japan has to offer while respecting the environment there as you would in your home country.

Temple University Logo

Nina Penny

Global Green Grant Recipient

Returned Students: Share Your Experience

If you are a returned student, tell us about your experience overseas! Your stories are key to inspire and encourage other students to study abroad. Share your story by filling out the form below and submitting photos, videos, participating in interviews or a featured profile on our social media. Contact study.abroad@temple.edu for any questions!