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Adult Learners & Nontraditional Students Abroad

A page within International Education & Engagement

While historically the term “nontraditional student” has referred to older students, that term nowadays encompasses much more than just age. A nontraditional student could be 18-year-old students who are going to college while having a full-time job, or taking care of an elderly relative, or even being parents themselves. It could be somebody who decided to go back to college, or even start college for the first time, years after graduating from high school. There are many scenarios where students could be identified as nontraditional students, but the one distinctive factor in all scenarios is that these students face additional struggles because of balancing other concerns with their academic lives.

Quote from Rikki in Germany
Quote from Moss in England

If you are a nontraditional student juggling many responsibilities on a daily basis, it is easy to assume that studying abroad is not an option for you. However, did you know that there are short-term education abroad programs that only last a few weeks? For example, UWL offers faculty-led programs that could last as little as a week over Spring Break, or 4 to 8 weeks over Summer or Winter Break. Additionally, many of the education abroad providers we work with also offer short-term programs. So, do not miss out on this life-changing opportunity!

These are a few things to think about while you are trying to figure out what education abroad program you would like to pursue:

  • How long am I able to be away? A semester or just a few weeks in summer?
  • If you have a job, can I take a leave from my job? For how long?
  • If you are a parent, will I be able to take my kids with me while I study abroad? How about my partner? Will they be able to come?
  • Can I be placed with a host family of similar age or interests?
  • Can I request a single room?
  • If I am unable to be gone for an extended amount of time, how can I maximize my experience in a short-term program?

The answer to these questions will help you get started. To learn more about the education abroad process, we encourage you to attend an Education Abroad 101 session. We are here for you!

Resources

Study Abroad for Adults

Disclaimer

The resources provided on this website are for informational purposes only. They do not constitute an endorsement or approval by UW-La Crosse of any of the products, services, or opinions of the corporation, organization, or individual. UW-La Crosse bears no responsibility for the accuracy,

Moss
Rikki

Moss in England

I am a second degree student getting another degree completely different from my first one. With my initial degree I never studied abroad and regretted it ever since. With my return to college I made sure to look into the study abroad programs that UWL offered and found the London Archaeology trip. Going on this trip greatly expanded my world view on how other countries were both different and similar to my home. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in London and the United Kingdom in general. I learned a lot from my time there and enjoyed the different types of food I could find there, as well as going to museums whenever I wanted and for however long I wanted. Including going to the British Museum for five hours straight.

I was also thankful enough to take a weekend trip to Paris, France and enjoyed seeing even more of Europe while I was there. Studying abroad has been one of the best decisions I've ever made, the only thing I wish I could change is how long I was there. If at any point you are thinking about studying abroad, do it. I promise it is not something you would regret.

Rikki in Germany

As a nontraditional graduate student in my 40s - balancing fulltime work, grad school, and raising two teens - I was nervous about studying abroad program again. Even though I love traveling and studied in Spain as an undergrad, doing something like this later in life felt different. I worried about fitting in, making friends, and whether I’d be accepted by the instructors and students in Germany. I’m so grateful I didn’t let those fears stop me! IEE and program staff in Germany were so encouraging and supportive. Once I arrived in Darmstadt, everything shifted. The people I met were kind, curious, and welcoming! Our group of 65 students came from 12 countries, and the friendships we built ended up being the heart of my experience. I’ll never forget watching Australian students see snow for the first time, last-minute day trips to cathedrals, late night UNO games, bakery stops before class for pastries, or exploring castles that didn’t even feel real. Germany was beautiful, the friendships were unexpected gifts, and the whole experience reminded me how much courage it takes to step outside your routine. I learned I’m more resilient and adaptable than I ever gave myself credit for. If you’re considering studying abroad, at any age, take the leap! You deserve moments like these!

Events

Multiple dates (26 upcoming) Education Abroad 101 Learn how you can study abroad/away!
5 to 7 p.m. Tue, March 3 International Women's Day Celebration
5 to 6 p.m. Wed, March 4 Japan Education & Culture Panel Presented by visiting students from the University of Teacher Education Fukuoka
5 to 9 p.m. Sat, April 18 61st Annual International Banquet
2 to 3 p.m. Tue, April 28 Fulbright U.S. Student Program Group Presentation Session (GPS)

News

Nicole Gullekson uses Fulbright Scholarship to enhance knowledge and expand student opportunities. Living and learning abroad Posted 12:14 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025 UWL’s Nicole Gullekson bridges cultures, strengthens partnerships during semester in Slovakia Read more about Living and learning abroad Emily Taylor My travels to Croatia Posted 4:02 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025 Student shares summer study abroad experience Read more about My travels to Croatia UWL's International Education & Engagement Office has received the 2025 Academic Staff Program Excellence Award, in recognition of their efforts to create global connections at UWL. A global impact Posted 9:36 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025 International Education & Engagement receives 2025 Academic Staff Program Excellence Award Read more about A global impact Lauryn Wiesman is starting her senior year at UWL in the fall. She is majoring in Spanish education and teaching English to speakers of other languages. Building a future with bilingualism Posted 1:31 p.m. Tuesday, June 17, 2025 Wiesman prepares to teach and support English learners with heart and fluency Read more about Building a future with bilingualism Kaaviyashri Saraboji is a first-year graduate student from India studying software engineering. She won UWL's Annual 3 Minute Grad Project competition in March for her presentation on AI-Driven System to Prevent Animal-Vehicle Collisions. Nature-inspired innovation Posted 10:56 a.m. Thursday, May 15, 2025 Graduate student uses AI to tackle animal-vehicle collisions Read more about Nature-inspired innovation
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