For Arkansas Tech University student Andrea Peterka, the opportunity to study away in Alaska during the spring 2025 semester has been even more than she hoped for.
“Every experience so far has felt like a dream…even just walking around campus,” said Peterka, who is taking advantage of National Student Exchange (NSE) through ATU to spend this semester at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. “I still have to pinch myself sometimes just to confirm that my life is real. As a nature enthusiast, the outdoor recreation opportunities have been spectacular. Climbing up a frozen waterfall, soaking in an outdoor hot spring surrounded by snow and ice and riding on a dog sled have definitely been some of the highlights.”
Peterka is an ATU junior fisheries and wildlife science student from Hot Springs. When she learned that a study away semester in Alaska would allow her to gain field experience without taking a break from school, it was a perfect fit for her goals.
“Gaining experience outside of my home state is inherently valuable within the field of wildlife science, and the knowledge and experience I’ve gained in interior Alaska directly translates to my desire to work in Arctic botany,” said Peterka. “However, there are so many soft skills that I’ve gained through NSE. The challenge of participating in and contributing to a society that I’m not a part of has encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone time and again, and I can feel myself becoming the person I want to be through these experiences.”
Those interactions with the people of The Last Frontier have provided Peterka with a greater understanding of the world around her.
“One of the most humbling parts of life in Alaska has been the prevalence of indigenous culture,” said Peterka. “As someone who has only ever lived in highly colonialized parts of the world, it’s felt so special to be in a place where native cultures persist. Alaska has had its fair share of injustices toward indigenous peoples, and the fight for their equality is far from over, but the value of these cultures is palpable.”
With all that said, Peterka is more than 3,700 miles from home and in a place that bears little resemblance to Arkansas. She has learned to acknowledge the inherent challenges and embrace them.
“Participating in an exchange isn’t easy, and struggling during the process doesn’t mean you’ve failed,” said Peterka. “I’ve had my fair share of days that I didn’t want to get out of bed, events I was too nervous to attend on my own and times that I said the wrong thing and felt like a total outsider. But this semester has just reaffirmed to me the importance of getting comfortable with feeling uncomfortable. Discomfort leads to growth, and while you may look back on your life and regret not having taken advantage of the opportunity to spend a semester away, you’ll never look back and regret having overcome your own discomfort for the sake of growth.
“NSE is an inherently valuable program, and I strongly encourage everyone to participate,” continued Peterka. “There are so many universities throughout the U.S., including its territories, and Canada that participate, and finding one that fits your individual goals is basically guaranteed. Regardless of whether you want to expand your academic opportunities, explore a new place or just do something different for a semester, going to an out-of-state university will enhance your life as well as your résumé.”
April 30 is the deadline for ATU students to apply for study away through NSE for the fall 2025 semester.
Visit www.atu.edu/studyabroad and www.nse.org to learn more about study abroad and study away opportunities available to Arkansas Tech students.
