We talked to five Gl Bill students who are studying abroad for their full degrees and are using their veteran education benefits. While most are veterans themselves, we also feature April Johnson, who is utilizing her Mother's education benefits (yes, you can do this too!). Check out these featured profiles and see why these veterans and family decided to go abroad, what they like most about where they chose to study, and what they plan to do in the future. With all the available opportunities available to you through the Gi Bill benefit program, you may find your dream degree in a place you've always wanted to visit, or return to.


Joshua Franklin US Marine Corps
American University of Paris
History Major

I found AUP while I was stationed as a Marine Security Guard in Copenhagen, Denmark. I wanted to stay in Europe, and was excited to see that AUP accepted the GI Bill. I have loved my time at AUP. The smaller classes allowed me to develop close relationships with my professors, who have really helped me develop my thoughts and academic skills. The city of Paris could not be a better campus! Beyond the Eiffel Tower and Champs Elysée, there is always something new to discover. I couldn't ask for a better location.

April Marie Johnson
Dependent of retired US Air Force retired mother
International Fashion Academy Paris

Paris! Where else do you study fashion? Everyday here is a new adventure and when I chose overseas I knew I would have more opportunities to meet more people to jump outside my comfort zone, completely. It's hard, but worth it. IFA is an affordable overview of all fashion at a fast pace. They let you explore your creativity while pushing your mind.

Jharrod Meade-Frazier
US Army Combat Veteran
Temple University Japan
Since I came to TUJ in 2012, I have
had the wonderful experience of working closely with expert faculty in International Affairs, Political Science, and Asian Studies. All of these faculty take an active interest in students' educational goals and career ambitions.

Brittany Ziehler
US Air Force, Captain
Edinburgh Napier University Scotland
French Major

I decided to obtain a degree abroad because I've always loved traveling and exploring new places. While in the Air Force, I was fortunate to be stationed in Italy and have the chance to travel extensively, so I couldn't miss out on the opportunity to live overseas again when I found out the GI Bill covered schools abroad. I have my own travel consultation business and decided to get a Masters degree in International Tourism Management at Edinburgh Napier, in order to further my education and knowledge on running my business. I chose Napier because they offered multiple unique tourism post-grad degrees, and because it's in one of my favorite cities in the world, Edinburgh. I figured, what better place to get a degree in International Tourism than in one of the world's top tourism destinations? ENU is an extremely diverse school, and I've met so many students from all over the world, in just my program alone. What I really liked about the school is that they offered so many more degree options than any other school I looked at, that weren't just your typical sciences and humanities. I would highly recommend it to anyone considering studying here.

Jay Schwer
US Army, medically retired
Griffith University Australia
Major Social Work. Planning a Masters Degree in Social Work

This is the second year I have been going to college in Australia. I have lived in Australia for almost 10 years now and I live on the Gold Coast in Queensland. I worked for quite a while making good money, but when the market took a downturn, my partner said I should do something I would enjoy doing. After contemplating for some time, I thought that I would like to help others dealing with issues such as PTSD and other issues from dealing with traumatic experiences. I learned that Griffith University offered the degree I wanted, and is also one of the better schools in Australia. I find the people here

are nice and not afraid to talk or help if needed. The teachers in the school are quite helpful and very knowledgeable in the courses they teach. The campus is nice and is receiving many upgrades to help keep it modern and updated with new structures and equipment to include electronics. All in all, I would have to say it's a great school between the staff and students and campus.