Male Students in Study Abroad - Alumni Ambassador Conor Horgan Speaks Out

This week CEA Alumni Ambassador and recent graduate from the University of Pittsburgh, Conor Horgan, concludes our Male Students in Study Abroad series. In this final post, he shares his newly developed global perspective from his time abroad with us in Seville, Spain, during the Spring 2012 semester.

CEA: Why did you choose to study abroad with CEA?

Conor: I chose to study abroad with CEA because they offered everything that I was looking for with a study abroad program. The program was located in the city I wanted to go to, offered interesting excursions, and was affordable. Additionally, I wanted to meet other students from different schools, so that's another reason I chose CEA instead of a program offered through my university.

CEA: What skills did you learn or improve on during your time abroad?

Conor: I didn't know any Spanish before I went to Seville, so between CEA classes and interacting with the locals, I was able to learn a decent amount of Spanish.

CEA: How have you changed because of your abroad experience?

Conor: Studying abroad has given me a different perspective on many different things in life. For example, I was fortunate to meet a number of great friends that I still keep in touch with nearly a year later.

CEA: How has your study abroad experience impacted your life, academics, and/or future career goals?

Conor: Before I studied abroad I wasn't sure that I wanted to leave my hometown after I graduated college. Studying abroad has shown me how valuable it can be to step out of your comfort zone and as a graduating senior, almost all of the jobs I've applied to have been away from my hometown.

CEA: In your opinion, why don't more male students study abroad?

Conor: I believe that males don't study abroad as much as females because once males find a situation they're comfortable with they tend to stay there.

CEA: Why do you think it's important for male students/all students to study abroad?

Conor: I believe it's important for male students to study abroad in order to experience new things and see what the rest of the world has to offer.

CEA: What are some study abroad myths you can debunk for other male students considering study abroad?

Conor:
1. The large female population isn't a bad thing.  Trust me on this one, guys.

2. You won't be missing anything all that significant back at your school in the United States. Seeing different cities all around the world for a semester is a lot better of a time than taking the same classes and going to the same social events back at your home university.

CEA: If you could give any piece of advice to other male students considering study abroad, what would it be?

Conor: Try something new and study abroad for a semester. Not only will you not regret it, but studying abroad will end up being one of the most unique and amazing experiences of your life.

Conor Horgan served as an Alumni Ambassador his senior year and recently graduated from the University of Pittsburgh. He studied abroad with CEA in Seville, Spain, during the Spring 2012 semester. 

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