Welcome to Let's Go Abroad Girls!
Samos, Greece
Have you ever dreamed of going abroad, exploring new places, and making a real impact on wildlife and communities around the world, but have no idea where to start?
This site was created to make that dream feel real. Traveling abroad, especially in wildlife and environmental science, can feel intimidating and overwhelming, but it is also one of the most rewarding and perspective-shaping experiences you can have.
This space is dedicated to empowering women to take that leap. Through shared experiences, resources, and honest insights, my goal is to make opportunities abroad feel more accessible, less intimidating, and truly achievable. Here, you will find guidance, inspiration, and real stories from women who have stepped into the unknown and found something incredible on the other side.
You are capable of more than you think, and your dreams are closer than they seem.
Let’s Go Abroad Girls!
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Resources
Opportunities Abroad
There are opportunities to study, work, intern, and volunteer all over the world. I’ve highlighted smaller Global Non-Profit organizations that may appeal to a wide range of interests across every continent. These opportunities aren’t just for undergraduates, they’re open to all levels, with some designed specifically for graduate students, creating many pathways to go abroad.
Scholarships and Funding Abroad
There are many opportunities available to help fund your experience abroad, whether through your university, government programs, or external scholarships and donors.
Advice
Learn what to expect when applying for programs and scholarships, preparing to leave, living abroad, and returning home. I know it can feel like a lot to take in and navigate though, but I hope that by sharing my experiences and what I wish I had known, it becomes a little easier for you. Happy travels, and I wish you the best of luck! If you have any questions or need help, feel free to reach out, I’ll do my best to help you out!
Sofia Belikov
About Me
I am a third year Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences major, also pursuing a Geographic Information Systems Certificate at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon. This past summer (2025), I had the opportunity to work as a Marine Mammal Acoustics Research Intern with the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation in Agios Konstantinos, Samos, Greece an island in the eastern Aegean Sea for three months.
This experience was incredible, but it also came with challenges that pushed me outside of my comfort zone. I gained research experience in the field, developed technical skills, and had the chance to contribute to marine conservation work in a completely new environment. Living and working abroad also helped me grow personally in more ways than I will ever know.
Yet, it wasn’t always easy. Adjusting to a new country, language barriers, and being far from home was overwhelming at times. Fieldwork was demanding, and balancing research expectations with daily life in a different culture required a lot of determination and adaptability. Financially, it was also a significant commitment. While I was fortunate to receive support through the Gilman Scholarship, a large portion of the experience was self-funded, which made it both a privilege and a challenge to pursue. to get a look into life as a marine mammal researcher in Greece from the unforgettable adventures to the challenges I faced and the real cost behind everything.