For some, taking a trip is the hallmark of summer. But this year, a group of UMKC students turned that tradition into something that was, for some, entirely new — getting a stamp on their passport.

The group just returned from the first-ever UMKC Study Abroad and Global Engagement–led trip to Québec City, Canada. For many of the students, it wasn’t just their first time participating in a study abroad program, it was their first time leaving the United States, navigating international travel and seeing themselves in a global context.

Students immersed themselves in French-speaking culture through a guided walking tour of Old Québec, a French cooking course, a maple syrup experience, a national park hike and a circus school experience. The group was housed at Université Laval, one of Canada's top research universities, and supported every step of the way by UMKC's Study Abroad and Global Engagement office in partnership with First Generation Student Programs.

Katelyn Kays is a dual major in English and Criminal Justice and Criminology and part of the First Gen Roo program. She said she had always been intrigued by Canada, and this trip was the perfect balance of different and familiar for her first trip abroad.

“I learned a lot about Canadian culture and gained a better understanding of how Canada's government works,” said Kays. “The trip also helped me become more confident in stepping outside my comfort zone, trying new things and embracing opportunities I might have been hesitant to pursue before.”

Gaining that comfort was exactly the point, said Associate Director of Study Abroad Ryan Ourada.

Even though the trip was open to all students, it was designed with first-time international travelers in mind. UMKC Director of International Affairs Mark Daly wanted to organize a trip that was accessible, both logistically and financially, to give students a taste of going on an international trip while building their confidence in stepping outside their normal routine. Quebec City, Ourada said, was the perfect fit.

"Québec City has a very unique culture compared to anywhere else in North America,” Ourada said. “It is very similar to actually going to France, the way the city is designed, the food, the arts, but is a much cheaper location to fly to because it is not as far as France. It's only a short plane ride to get there and you don't need a visa.”

“I was a little nervous beforehand, but it turned out to be an amazing experience and I'm so glad I decided to go,” Kays said. “The trip pushed me outside of my comfort zone in the best way possible and gave me memories that I'll carry with me for years to come.”

With an all-in, low cost of $1,600 including flights, housing, transportation and activities, the program made international travel realistic for students who might not otherwise consider it.

“There are many resources, scholarships and support systems available on campus to help make these opportunities accessible,” said Karina Galeas, a communications student who went on the trip. “Studying abroad is a unique experience that allows you to grow personally and academically, and it is something I believe everyone should experience at least once.”

One thing that was important for the Study Abroad team was to be sure to include first-generation students, who generally opt out of study abroad experiences at higher rates than other students. Accounting major Carlos Mata was one of the First Gen Roo students who went on the trip.

“I think trips like this are important for first-gen students because they give us the chance to experience something we may not have imagined for ourselves before,” Mata said. “For many of us, traveling outside of the country, or studying abroad, can feel out of reach, so having opportunities like this helps make it feel more possible. Being able to travel, explore a new place and learn outside of the classroom can really open your perspective.”

While students certainly had fun, the impact of expanding study abroad goes beyond having a good time. Study abroad participation is linked to higher graduation rates, stronger academic performance and improved career outcomes.

“Navigating an unfamiliar environment, especially one with a different language, builds self-efficacy in ways that are hard to replicate in a classroom,” Ourada said.

Noah Wilson, a graduate student studying business data analytics, has traveled abroad before, but he said this trip reinforced how valuable it is to step outside routine.

“It helped me appreciate different ways of life and showed how travel builds leadership, communication and teamwork skills in ways you can’t get in a classroom,” he said.

“I think experiences like this allow you to learn from others and bring back ideas that can positively influence your own daily life,” said Andrea Valenzuela.

For any student thinking about signing on for the next trip, traveler Ana Lagares has just one piece of advice — do it.

“Exploring a foreign country as a young, first-gen college student is more important that I had ever realized,” Lagares said. “You will experience so many things that, in the end, cultivate into a massive learning experience that stays with you forever.”

Planning is already underway for 2027, with SAGE exploring additional short-term programs designed to expand access and opportunity. If you’re interested in studying abroad, reach out to the Study Abroad and Global Engagement Office.