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When Sydney Smith arrived at the University of Wisconsin-Superior from Milltown, Wisconsin, she already knew two things: she loved science and she wanted a future connected to marine biology.
As a senior majoring in environmental science and biology, Smith has spent the past four years balancing a challenging academic schedule, competing as a Yellowjacket volleyball player and serving as a teaching assistant in biology courses. But one of the most transformative experiences of her college career happened more than 2,500 miles from campus.
Study Away Success
Through UW-Superior’s Study Away program, Smith spent the spring 2026 semester of her junior year at the University of the Virgin Islands in St. Thomas. There she immersed herself in marine science, gained hands-on research experience and developed greater confidence and independence.
“I’ve always loved science,” said Smith. “Ever since I was young, it was my favorite subject. I’ve always wanted to be a marine biologist, so I knew that’s what I wanted to pursue.”
That passion made Study Away a priority long before she committed to UW-Superior.
Because UW-Superior does not offer a marine biology major, Smith wanted to ensure she could still explore that interest while remaining part of the university community and volleyball program. UW-Superior International Programs Manager Anya Russom showed her it was possible.
“I knew that was important to me before committing to a school,” Smith said. “I wanted to be able to explore my marine biology interests while still being at Superior, being on the volleyball team and everything like that.”
Searching the System
Using the National Student Exchange database, Smith searched for institutions that aligned with her academic interests. Students can identify schools based on majors and areas of interest, then rank their preferred destinations. The University of the Virgin Islands quickly rose to the top of Smith’s list.
Her semester in St. Thomas exceeded expectations.
“My experience at the University of the Virgin Islands was amazing,” she said. “I learned a lot. I experienced a lot. I had lots of opportunities.”
Among those opportunities was an internship with Reef Response, an organization focused on coral conservation and restoration. The experience allowed Smith to work with coral husbandry and gain hands-on exposure to the kind of work she hopes to pursue professionally.
She also earned her Open Water scuba diving certification and enrolled in an oceanography course, a subject not offered at UW-Superior.
“I just fell in love with that,” she said.
Beyond the Beach
While the Caribbean location may sound like a dream destination, Smith said the experience was much more than sunny beaches and ocean views.
The semester challenged her to navigate an unfamiliar environment, adapt to a new campus and build relationships with people from different backgrounds.
“The Study Away program prepared me for life after Superior by throwing me into the unknown,” Smith said. “I’d never been to the Virgin Islands. I’d never been to the Caribbean. It made me more mature and more confident in who I am.”
Purposeful Perspective
Set to graduate Spring 2027, Smith plans to spend time gaining research experience before pursuing graduate school. Her long-term goal is to earn a master’s degree in marine biology or a related field focused on marine science or sustainability.
Looking back, she encourages other students to consider Study Away opportunities, especially if they are interested in academic experiences not available on their home campus.
“You should absolutely do it,” Smith said. “You learn so much, you meet so many people and make so many connections. If you’re thinking about it, definitely do it.”