Navigating Studying Abroad as a Military Teen

Hello fellow Military Teens! My name is Hannah, and I studied abroad for 11 weeks in the summer of 2026 as part of a language intensive in Lyon, France. While studying abroad as a teen is a rewarding and complex experience for everyone, being a military dependent played a key role in how I managed my program. 

I think that a lot of people would assume that military teens handle change well because it is a constant in most of our lives, whether it is moving to a new state or having your community constantly shift, and while that is a great advantage, there are many attributes and resources military teens have that can help you and your study abroad journey!

Knowing your strengths

As I mentioned, as military kids, we know change very well. Although some may handle it differently than others, it is something I am used to. So, when I went abroad to a foreign place with a language I didn't know and no friends, I didn’t feel particularly out of place. I think many Military teens can relate when I say making friends in a new place is never easy; however, it is a process we are very used to, and that helped me establish a community during the few months I was abroad. Being open to hanging out, or even just going on something as simple as a grocery run, helped me bond with my peers. Additionally, being the person who invites everyone over or proposes group hangouts helps create a culture within the group. Although these may not be your lifelong friends, I think military teens understand that friendships that are just for a season are still very impactful in your life.  

Apply for Scholarships

As military dependents, there are a plethora of scholarships available that can make studying abroad much more attainable than you would think. For me, the majority of my funding came from the Gilman-McCain Scholarship for military dependents studying internationally. Scholarships for military dependents are not just resources to be used for studying abroad, but year-round in college as well! I would always be on the lookout for new opportunities and support, especially as an undergraduate student. 

Share what you have learned

Studying abroad is an incredible experience for self-growth and broadening your personal horizons; however, it is also a great opportunity to share the lessons you have learned with your community. The experience does not end when you get home. The most impactful part of my study abroad was the abundance of international people I met. In my classes, I was able to interact with students from a wide range of cultures, not just my host country, and through those relationships I could ask questions and learn about the world in ways I hadn't before. Those interactions helped break down stereotypes and shifted how I view the world! Therefore, when I returned home, I wanted to spread that awareness and what I had learned with my community. My gain in cultural perspectives would have impacted my life regardless; however, sharing my experiences opened space for conversations with my friends and family about culture and assumptions in ways that led to community growth. 

Conclusion

Looking back on my experience, one key concept I take away is community. Whether that be the community that my peers and I created while abroad, the military community that helped support and fund my studies, or the community I got to come home to. Consistently getting to know the people around you and nurturing your relationships is something military teens know well. Never forget your strengths!