Forty-Something, Studying Abroad, and Finally Saying Yes

I’m currently in Finland, and I still can’t believe I get to say that out loud. I’m elated. This vacation feels long overdue, but it’s also so much more than a getaway. It’s an opportunity to explore a new country with intention, curiosity, and purpose beyond leisure for two weeks.

As much as I already miss my two beautiful girls, this is something I’ve wanted to experience for a very long time. And there’s something deeply satisfying about being able to say to myself: I made this happen.

Our itinerary has been packed with opportunities to explore Helsinki alongside an amazing guide from our sister college. Every day has felt like a mix of learning, adventure, and truly stepping outside of my comfort zone.

And if I’m being honest, there’s a part of me that keeps thinking about how unexpected this all feels.

Who would’ve thought that a forty-something Master of Social Work student would finally get the chance to study abroad? So many people experience this in their late teens or early twenties, but for some of us, life takes a different route. Sometimes it’s finances. Sometimes it’s family responsibilities. Sometimes the opportunity simply never comes at the “traditional” time, but at the right time.

Out of the 17 students on this trip, I’m the oldest student—and also the only Black student. In fact, there were no other people of color on the trip. At first, I won’t lie, that felt a little intimidating. But as someone who has often found herself navigating predominantly white spaces, I’ve learned that there’s usually an adjustment period. There’s discomfort at first, and then slowly, you begin finding your rhythm.

From Albany to Toronto, then Reykjavík, and finally Helsinki, I found my sweet spot through lighthearted conversations, humor, and simply allowing myself to be present.

This experience has also made me think deeply about study abroad opportunities for mature students.

There are so many adults returning to school later in life who never get the chance to participate in programs like this—even when the opportunity exists. Many are balancing careers, parenting, caregiving, finances, or simply trying to rebuild their lives through education.

Before leaving, I posted on Threads about being a forty-something student studying abroad, and the response honestly surprised me. Thousands of people liked the post, commented, or reached out privately with questions.

And almost every conversation shared a common theme: fear, lack of support, childcare concerns, or financial limitations. I understand all of it.

But I also want more mature students to know that they deserve experiences like this too. Even if you’re the oldest student in the group. Even if you feel out of place at first. Even if your path looked different from everyone else’s. You belong there too.

Sometimes you may even realize you’re closer in age to your professors than your classmates, but honestly, talk to them. Connect with people anyway. Show up anyway.

I waited a long time for this opportunity. And now that it’s here, I’m fully embracing it.

So if you’re over 40 and thinking about studying abroad, consider this your sign to look into it. It may feel scary, unconventional, or even unrealistic at first, but sometimes the most meaningful experiences happen when we finally allow ourselves to say yes.