For many Mercer University students, studying abroad is considered a hallmark of their education. Through traditional study abroad programs and serving-learning opportunities like Mercer On Mission, undergraduate students have the chance to travel to new countries, immerse themselves in a new culture, and expand their knowledge in their academic field. In turn, many gain a better understanding of the world that helps inform the rest of their professional and personal lives.
Despite the vast number of Mercer students and faculty who have been impacted by studying abroad, Dr. Chinekwu Obidoa, professor of global health studies and Africana studies, and Dr. Eimad Houry, professor emeritus of political science, found there was no publicly accessible collection of stories from Mercer students about their study abroad experiences. Also, no text-based resource on how to leverage the impact of experiences abroad from Mercer alumni had been published.
Dr. Obidoa and Dr. Houry’s book, titled How Studying Abroad Changed My Life: Tips and Strategies for a Transformative Experience, was published by Mercer University Press in March 2025.
The edited volume is a collection of essays from Mercer alumni and faculty that highlight the value of experiences abroad. It also provides practical tips and strategies for conceptualizing and planning impactful study abroad and internship experiences for students.
“During trips abroad, professors try to focus your learning on specific course goals; meanwhile, there are a lot of other things you end up encountering. How do you leverage the incredible, multifaceted experience for something tangible and useful in your life? How do we move from basic learning to deep transformation?” Dr. Obidoa said. “This book presents tips and strategies that students can engage with before, during and after studying abroad so that their sacred experience is not wasted. It is about helping young people leverage the impact of their study abroad experience for transformation.”
Dr. Houry, who retired in spring 2024, is no stranger to the value of studying abroad. As a former international student who has studied abroad in the United Kingdom and the United States, his experience made him committed to expanding the opportunity to Mercer students. While at Mercer, he pioneered the creation of the international affairs program and led 28 programs that included traveling to the Middle East, Africa and East Asia.
Dr. Obidoa has led several study abroad programs at Mercer, including trips to Bermuda, Morocco and Portugal, among others. As a student who studied abroad herself, she recognizes the value and impact of programs that allow students to immerse themselves in a new environment. While collecting testimonials from former students, she found that many of them became more cognizant of the world around them and grew more accepting of others through their study abroad experience. Through their stories, she hopes readers will be inspired to commit to becoming a global citizen who is welcoming and tolerant in an increasingly complex and diverse world.
In the book, Dr. Obidoa and Dr. Houry identify five “domains of impact” of study abroad experiences for Mercer students. After returning home, students develop a better understanding of themselves and their purpose, new skills and attitudes, a new perspective on the world and its issues, a greater capacity for critical reflection and questioning, and a positive change of the habits and behavior.
“Throughout these stories you will hear students reflect on their valuable experiences abroad,” said Emily Dunn, assistant director of global education at Mercer.
Dr. Obidoa said she and Dr. Houry wanted to tap into that power of storytelling.
“We’re always connected to stories from people we don’t even know, and sometimes these stories move, change and inspire us,” she said. “But it’s one thing to showcase stories. It’s another to write stories that are used for teaching. This book is also a pedagogical resource that teachers and universities can use to prepare students to travel abroad.”
Dr. Obidoa said she has watched the culture of study aboard at Mercer change over time. With resources like the Office of Global Engagement and investment in assisting students with applying for funding to study abroad through the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship and Global Leader Scholarship, more students than ever can afford the opportunity to travel abroad and join a program that supplements their learning in their field of study, she said.
“When I first came to Mercer 12 years ago, there was hardly any funding or support for students seeking to study abroad. Students mostly had to pay out of pocket or find a scholarship. But Mercer has really done a 180 when it comes to supporting students to study abroad,” she said. “Not only have they continued to emphasize it, but the options have multiplied. With more offerings, there’s a message being sent to students that this is an important aspect of their education.”
Mercer has been recognized as both a Gilman Top Producing Institution and a Gilman Greatest Growth Institution for its role in broadening the student population that studies abroad overall, as well as in areas of priority achievement.
The Office of Global Engagement’s commitment to student learning abroad was also evident in their support of this book project, Dr. Obidoa said. The office is hosting study abroad week Sept. 15-18. For more information, contact Dunn at dunn_ea@mercer.edu.
“This book serves as a testament to the profound and enduring personal and professional impact that study abroad experiences have had, and continue to have, on a substantial number of Mercer alumni who have engaged in diverse study abroad experiences across various countries, including South Africa, Tanzania, Hong Kong, Taiwan and the United Arab Emirates,” Dr. Houry said. “We sincerely hope that this book will inspire both students and faculty to continue advocating for studying abroad as an exceptionally valuable avenue for academic and personal growth.”
Felix Jelen, assistant vice president of global education, said Dr. Obidoa and Dr. Houry’s collection showcases how study abroad programs can be an effective, meaningful aspect of a college education.
“Mercer University expects real and tangible value for our students from their study abroad experiences. Global education is as diverse as our student population, combining academics, research and service in a variety of combinations and in many global locations,” he said. “Student experiences abroad inform their worldview, inspiring the development of perspectives and skill sets that serve them long after they return home. This volume is a testament to the Mercer approach — one which distinguishes our educational experience.”
Dr. Craig McMahan, University minister and director of Mercer On Mission said that “these inspiring stories will surely fuel the launch of many new international learning initiatives.”
How Studying Abroad Changed My Life can be purchased directly from the Mercer University Press website or from most online booksellers.
