When Allison Dobrinski heard about PennWest's study abroad trip to Scandinavia, a classmate's simple encouragement—"I'm going. You should go"—was all she needed. The history and pre-law student from the California campus made a spontaneous decision that would prove transformative.

"I had just left a relationship that I felt was holding me back," Allison recalls. "It was kind of spur of the moment. A couple months before the trip, I signed up last minute."

Her journey through Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Norway began with challenges. It was her first time leaving the country. She became ill shortly after arrival and learned her grandfather had passed away while she was on the flight over.

Yet nothing could dampen her determination to embrace the experience. "Nothing was going to take my happiness away," she says. "I was going to enjoy it no matter what."

The twelve day adventure revealed unique aspects of each country's culture. "They're so close, but they're so unique once you're inside of them," Allison explains. She explored diverse experiences—from singing karaoke at an Irish pub in Denmark to marveling at magnificent libraries. An unexpected highlight came when what she thought would be a simple ferry turned out to be "a mini cruise ship," adding another dimension to her travels.

Allison studied food culture, comparing Danish cuisine to Southwestern Pennsylvania's for a research paper, while also gaining fresh perspectives on public transportation and government services. "I sometimes now kind of push for cooler libraries because of it," she says, noting how the experience changed her civic outlook.

Perhaps most valuable were the connections formed. Though Allison knew only one person superficially before departing, she quickly bonded with the entire group, including Dr. Madden, who supported her through her illness.

"I feel like I have such a strong shared bond with them," she reflects. "Even if I don't see them all the time, I just will forever remember that group. It was so enjoyable with funny, unique characters."

Today, Allison encourages others to seize similar opportunities, insisting that even seemingly small moments—like trying a memorable hot dog at a street stand—can become unexpectedly profound. Her favorite discovery? Stockholm's cobblestone streets, flower vendors, and picturesque coffee shops that felt "straight out of a movie."

PennWest's study abroad experiences, like Allison's trip through Scandinavia, offer students the chance to form deep connections with classmates and faculty while experiencing new cultures firsthand—even for those who have never traveled internationally before.