The annual migration of hundreds of first-year and transfer students from campus to countries around the world has begun. On Friday, seven Preview classes left Arcadia University to catch flights to Brussels, Belgium; Barcelona, Spain; Dublin, Ireland; London, England; San José, Costa Rica; and Seoul, South Korea. The remaining three Preview classes leave on Saturday for Athens, Greece; Edinburgh, Scotland; and Paris, France.

Preview is a unique opportunity for students to preview the world their first year at Arcadia by enrolling in a two-credit course taken in Glenside during the spring semester with a travel component over spring break.

For many students, this trip marks a first.

“This is my first time going to Europe, and I’m a little bit nervous about the plane ride, I’m not even going to lie, but I’ll get over it,” said Matthew Willis ’27, who’s heading to Spain with the Comida y Cultura: Food and Culture in Barcelona class. “We heard that the food is supposed to be really good. And we’re going to have a whole bunch of lunches, and we’re even going to get a dinner one of the nights.”

Olivia Schott ’27, Alexandra Smith ’27, and Kayla Hance ’27 were feeling some nerves mixed in with their excitement on Friday ahead of their trip to Brussels with their Multicultural Belgium: A Decolonial View of the Heart of Europe class. When asked what they were most looking forward to, they responded, “Just being in a new place and getting to see a new area.” “Getting to see the different cultures and the different areas when we get to explore.” “Seeing new cultures and new foods.”

Anjali Dyer ’27 leaves on Saturday for Athens with the Greece: Myths and Civilization class. “I’m excited to see the world, experience a new culture, and make new memories with my friends that I hope to hold on to forever!” Dyer said.

The groups return to Glenside on March 15 and 16. At that time, students – and for the first time, faculty and staff leaders of Preview courses – are encouraged to submit their best photos and videos from their time abroad into the Preview Photo and Video Contest for a chance to win prizes such as travel vouchers and Amazon gift cards. The submission deadline is April 5, and winners will be announced at Global Expo on April 12.