1. If you had 60 seconds to convince a friend that they should study abroad, what would you say?
It will change you in the best way possible. Around every corner there is a learning opportunity that exists outside the classroom. There is a difference between vacationing somewhere and traveling there on your own. Staying in hostels, going to grocery stores, and finding local hang outs are all a part of learning about the world in YOUR OWN WAY. There is no right or wrong way to do it. I remember that, when I arrived in Prague, I had no idea what to expect. When we got there and stood on the beautiful Charles Bridge, however, I felt so happy and full of life. I couldn’t wait to walk around Prague Square, attempt to talk to locals, and eat the food. Every place you go becomes a part of you. It will be the best adventure of your life. You will broaden your world, your culture, and discover things about yourself you would didn’t know because you challenge yourself to get out of your comfort zone.
2. What was your favorite class abroad?
My favorite class was definitely Spanish, because my teacher made it fun. We were constantly speaking with each other and to her, and she really enjoyed her job and teaching Spanish. Another reason I loved the class so much was because it was filled with international students from all over the world. I made friends from Canada, Kazakhstan, and Romania, and got to know more about their home country through the class and discussions.1. If you learned another language while you were abroad, what tips and tricks can you offer future study abroad students?
The best advice I could ever give someone about learning a new language is practice fearlessly. During my time abroad, I limited my own improvement because I was so afraid of saying the wrong thing. I would always get stuck on vocab or conjugations and halt the whole conversation just trying to figure out the past imperfect of “vivir.” This was totally counterproductive and eventually the person I was speaking to would give up and try to guess what I was saying or worse, speak to me in English. Learning my language fearlessly would have been holding longer conversations with my host mom. Engaging fearlessly would have been going to more places where there were more locals than Americans. Persisting fearlessly would be skipping over a word and powering through the conversation. Even if the syntax is horrible, locals understand what you are saying 99% of the time. However, if they don’t, you can try your hand at explaining yourself a different way. The scary thing was choosing to go abroad in the first place. If you can commit to living your life abroad, then being fearless in learning that language is more than possible.
2. One of the best parts about studying abroad? Getting to travel to other cities and countries! Here are my top travel tips:
-Never pay for taxis. A lot of the smaller cities are incredibly walkable and the ones that aren’t have really extensive and inexpensive public transportation systems. Learn how to navigate them.
-Pay the extra money for the places you are staying. The last thing you want after a long day of being on your feet is to walk 40 minutes to your Airbnb because it was the cheaper choice. It’s better for your overall experience if you’re staying closer to the action, even if it means spending a few more bucks.
-Look for places that have a kitchen. Yes, you’ll want to eat out, but, after a few $15 meals, your wallet won’t let you. In moments like those, a kitchen will save you since you can just swing by the local grocery store and DIY with some pasta and tomato sauce.
-Pay for tours. You’ll really appreciate having somebody else organize your day of tourism for you, and oftentimes you get access to skip the line passes which are much appreciated.
1. What was your favorite class?
My favorite class had to be my photography class. First, Alejandro was a wonderful teacher. You can tell how passionate he is about the topic and that he makes the class not only be interesting but also fun a priority. Photography is something I have always been interested in but have never pursued. This class was perfect for me because it gave me a reason to actually experiment with taking photos. Walking around aimlessly until the perfect picture captured my eye also gave me a chance to explore new parts of the city of Barcelona as well. This class made me realize my love for taking photos and that it is something I want to continue to do when I get back home.
2. How has your study abroad experience shaped you?
My study abroad experience has shaped who I am a lot. The biggest impact that it has had on my life is that it taught me a lot about myself. Studying abroad has made me realize how independent I can be and how much I like challenges. I learned how to plan trips on the fly, pack lightly, and navigate many different public transportation systems. Studying abroad has also really opened my eyes to the world around me. It has shown me that the world is full of amazing, good-hearted people and that there is so much more than what exists in the little bubble of our hometown, school, and friends. Finally, traveling Europe has helped me confirm that one day I would like to move here. I feel as though life here is less about the hustle and bustle and more about enjoying each day as we are given.
1. How has this study abroad experience shaped you?
Studying abroad has shaped me in so many ways! First and foremost, it helped me be more open-minded. Seeing and experiencing different cultures made me realize that there is a lot more to life than the little bubble I lived in. Cultural differences are not weird or irrelevant; they shape who we are. Just because someone else acts or talks differently than me does not make them strange, and that is so cool.
During the CEA trip to Morocco, I saw a completely different culture for the first time in my life. I saw women wearing hijabs, ate delicious lunch at a local family’s house, and rode camels. Those are experiences I had only because I studied abroad.
I learned how to plan trips and be more independent, which are important life-skills I can implement in my life beyond this semester!
2. If you learned another language while you were abroad, what tips and tricks can you offer future study abroad students?
I studied Spanish while abroad, so I tried to immerse myself in the culture as much as possible. I went to salsa classes, intercambios (where you get to meet Spaniards in spots like the LemonRock Café and practice Spanish, while they practice English), watched movies and TV shows in Spanish with Spanish subtitles on Netflix, and listened to Latin American music!
1. How has your study abroad experience impacted your life, academics, and/or future career goals?
I’ve always imagined that I would study abroad. While in high school, my teachers described their own travel experiences, and I thought study abroad would be an amazing opportunity. However, when the time came to apply, I wasn’t sure if I would be a great fit. But here I am now, enjoying it more than I ever knew would be possible! As a very determined double major, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to find a program that would help me complete both of my majors on time. With the help of my advisers and the study abroad office at DePaul University, I was able to find a program that fit my needs perfectly, in a country that I had always wanted to visit. While in Madrid for three months, I was enrolled in three Spanish classes and a Political Science class that both fascinated me and made me work harder than ever. I even practiced speaking Spanish in the classroom. As for my future, I don’t yet know where it will take me. The more of the world I see, the more I realize that majoring in Political Sciences and Spanish has been the right choice for me, as I am closer to my goal of working in the Foreign Service. Nevertheless, there is still so much to learn from the world and all the opportunities that are waiting to be discovered!
2. These places/restaurants/sites were a-may-zing! You should not miss them:
The brilliance of Madrid is that the city is at your fingertips. Embrace all that it has to offer and let the Metra take you on a journey through one Madrid stop after the other. One thing that you cannot miss is taking a Salsa/Bachata class at CoCo Bongo every Monday night. While you will be fully immersed in learning about Latin Dance, you will also be meeting other students from all over the world! It’s a great opportunity to branch out and surround yourself by La Vida Madrileña! After the lesson, grab your new friends and head over to Chocolatería San Ginés, because churros taste the best with a hot chocolate, a good group of friends, and a full night of dancing!
1. If you learned another language while you were abroad, what tips and tricks can you offer future study abroad students?
If you’re trying to learn a foreign language while you’re studying abroad, don’t be afraid to immerse yourself completely in the language! It may seem overwhelming at first, but it WILL get easier and this is the best way to learn. My CEA site and university offered “intercambios,” where you are paired with a local student. This is a great way to make local friends AND learn the language. I had a Spanish friend who I would make every attempt to speak to in Spanish, and if I made a mistake or ever had any questions I knew I could ask her for clarification. Another way I found that really helped me to improve my comprehension was to listen to reggaetón music! They speak really fast and (full disclosure) are not speaking the prim and proper way that you were probably taught. It’s a fun way to better understand colloquial Spanish. If you aren’t looking to learn Spanish, keep an ear out for what the locals listen to!
2. How has your study abroad experience shaped you today?
Anyone who has lived in Spain will tell you the Spanish people live and breathe their favorite phrase: “No pasa nada” (“Don’t worry about it”). For me, as someone who makes a catastrophe of everything, this was, at first, an infuriating mindset to be living amongst. I would feel guilty for hours over forgetting to tell my host mom that I wasn’t eating dinner, but she was never upset. I would anxiously sprint to class if I was just a few minutes behind, but my professors often were usually ten minutes behind me. I would worry that the wait staff wanted us to leave if my friends and I took too long to eat, but the Spanish tend to extend meals to as long as two hours.After sometime around the Spanish, however, I learned that perhaps life is better if you savor it. You should never be in such a rush that you can’t stop for a café con leche. You should never be afraid of getting tapas alone (sometimes that’s the best way to do it!). Most importantly: You should never take anything too seriously.
I used to despise eating alone, and now it’s something I enjoy. That might seem silly to some, but to me, that was huge. No, my anxiety isn’t cured, but studying abroad helped me to see that some of the daily things that I illogically worry about aren’t worth my energy. Eating alone? No pasa nada.
1. How has your study abroad experience shaped you?
My study abroad experience has humbled me and fostered the ability to be present and appreciate my surroundings and the world around me. I was able to meet so many new people and enjoy so many new experiences. For me it really expanded my understanding of the world and I have so much gratitude for my ability to be able to participate in the program. I was able to study, intern, and volunteer.
2. What are your tips for learning Spanish abroad?
-Watch television, listen to music/ podcasts, and/ or read books in the language of your host country.
-Make an effort to integrate yourself in the community (sports team, church, acting troupe, etc.)
-Volunteer!
-Make friends with the locals.
1. If you had 60 seconds to convince a friend that they should study abroad, what would you say?
Studying abroad not only gave me connections around the world, but it helped me connect with myself. I found the true "me" while abroad for 4 months and could not be happier with what I learned about myself. I got to experience a different culture hands on and was given so many opportunities to immerse myself into it. I think studying abroad will have a lifelong impact on me, because I will always remember walking down the streets of San Jose.
2. How has your study abroad experience impacted your life, academics, and/or future career goals?
When I was abroad, I found out that I wanted to help others a lot more than I once believed I did. In the future, I plan on going back to Costa Rica & Nicaragua to teach English to the youth. It was very interesting to me that in order to get a decent job, you had to have a certain English level. I noticed that a lot of those classes were very expensive or not accessible. Therefore, I made it a goal of mine to open a non-profit organization to teach English to the people of Central America. My experience impacted my academics in a way that cannot be put into words. It made me realize we take for granted the education we get at universities in the US.
Adjusting to life abroad in Italy was exciting as well as daunting. I didn't know any Italian before my semester, so learning the language and the local culture was an adventure from day one. The classes I enrolled in with CEA allowed the opportunity for broader education and applying that knowledge to the local culture. Our Italian language and photography classes often took us outside the classroom into the city to practice Italian with the locals and explore the city. We had to order food and gelato in Italian, and we went to the market to complete assignments. The CEA Rome Center provided so much valuable information regarding living in the city and the staff was always ready to answer any questions students might have.
2. What do you wish you knew before going?
There is a stage during the adjustment period abroad that is very hard, and that is completely normal. Personally, I had to overcome several obstacles during my adjustment period, but the CEA staff were always very supportive and the friends I made in the program made things easier. That period eventually passed, and I had the opportunity to travel to a total of nine countries, including the chance to explore more of Italy and fall in love with Rome.
3. What courses were your favorite?
I enrolled in the John Cabot Full Curriculum program so I had two classes with CEA and two at John Cabot University. My favorite class with CEA had to be Photography in Rome because we went out into the city once a week to shoot for three hours. As a photographer myself, I absolutely loved it. Our professor was a professional photographer who shared his knowledge of the craft and was always eager to help students. We explored Rome as well as visited museums around the city.
My favorite class at John Cabot had to be Media, Culture, and Society. As a communications major, I'm fascinated with the ever-evolving world of media, especially global media. My professor was an Italian journalist and my classmates came from countries like Bulgaria, Sweden, Kenya, and Italy. In addition to learning traditional media theory, I loved hearing the perspectives of the other students and how certain media is perceived around the world.
1. How has your study abroad experience shaped you today?
The way that my study abroad experience has shaped me today is that it has made more patient and curious about other cultures and people. This is also an experience that has helped me grow and gain full independence and confidence to pursue new things and to accomplish my life-long goals. I feel that if I did not take this opportunity, my view of the world and of myself would have stayed narrow. I am so much more adventurous and willing to try new things and to embrace people while still maintaining my values and perspectives.
2. One of the best parts about studying abroad? Getting to travel to other cities and countries! Here are my top travel tips:
The best part about studying abroad are being immersed in a new culture and city and learning about the history and influence it has on the people. I recommend that you always go to the museums and landmarks to really learn about the city and culture. It is also nice that Spain is so close to neighboring countries like France, Italy and Morocco, so weekend trips are pretty cheap and easy to plan!
1. If you learned another language while you were abroad, what tips and tricks can you offer future study abroad students?
Besides listening to Spanish music, living with a host family, and watching telenovelas, my best advice for someone trying to learn the second language is to listen—on the metro, in the streets, in restaurants—just listen to what people are saying, how they interact with each other. There is so much value to listening to the native speakers around you. This not only expanded my grammatical skills, but it also helped me pick up dialectal phrases and words.
2. How has your study abroad experience shaped you today?
Before I got on the plane on January 31, 2017, I was the girl who was afraid of her own shadow. I was a doormat and afraid to do things on my own. I was generally fearful for my future. From day one of living in Madrid, I was pushed to do things that were beyond my comfort zone. Between being in a new city, the language barrier, and culture shock, I was forced to grow up in a matter of about a week. I remember calling my mom about a week after I had lived in Madrid, and she told me she had never heard me sound so grown-up. By the time April of my term rolled around, I decided to take a last minute solo trip to Palma de Mallorca and London. This was perhaps the moment that I began to understand how much I had grown from this experience. I realized that I was so capable of being on my own, conquering my fears alone, and being comfortable in my own solitude. Study abroad is not about “finding yourself” as many say. Study abroad is about showing you what you are capable of. I now realize that I can do so much more than I once believed, that I am so much more valuable as a human than I once believed, and, with that in mind, I cannot wait to take that perspective with me for my remaining time in college, for my career, and for the rest of my life.
1. What has your study abroad experience taught you?
Because of my study abroad experience in Granada, Spain, I have a greater understanding for different cultures around the world. After my trip, I travelled to Amsterdam, Dublin, Barcelona, and Madrid, and by living in Granada for the two months previously, I already had a deeper appreciation for different language, food, and lifestyles. I learned that you must be open to all experiences and willing to learn about yourself and others. It is amazing to meet people from different parts of the world and stay in touch over time because you can never have too many connections. Any preconceived notions or stereotypes about different cultures must be deleted from your brain because there are so many good people in the world, and it could be a missed opportunity if you do not open yourself to all types of people and different cultures.
2. What would you tell others about studying abroad?
If I had one minute to convince a friend to study abroad, I would tell them that no matter where they study, they wouldn't regret it. Being a world traveler and studying in a different country gives you newfound appreciations for different ways of life. It is a skill to be able to step outside of your comfort zone and try something new. It can be nerve-wracking at times, but the outcome is so rewarding -- life-time friends, amazing stories, and most importantly, learning about yourself.
1. One of the best parts about studying abroad?
Getting to travel to other cities and countries! Here are my top travel tips:
-Buy your tickets in advance. Otherwise, travel can get pretty expensive!
-Do all you can do when you visit another city. You never know when you'll be back, and you've already made the trip there, so why not take advantage of everything you can?
-If you're worried about cost, there are always plenty of local things to do or day trips to take. You don't have to spend a lot of money to travel!
-Don't be scared to travel alone. If you want to go somewhere, go! Obviously be careful, but traveling alone can be fun and teach you a lot about yourself.
2. How has this study abroad experience shaped you?
My experience has really made me think a lot about who I am and what I want to do with my life. While abroad, I definitely questioned the career path I was on more than once, but in a good way. It really opened my eyes to what is important to me. I am definitely more eager to learn other languages and travel as much as I can because once you know what's out there, you can never get enough. There is just so much to learn about the world that you can only experience by traveling. Study abroad has also made me a more outgoing person. When you're alone in a foreign country, you have to put yourself out there to learn about the culture and meet new people. Speaking in a foreign language is not always the most comfortable thing to do, but you learn to work with what you have and always try because if you don't, you won't gain anything.
1. If you learned another language while you were abroad, what tips and tricks can you offer future study abroad students?
When I first arrived in San José, I think I spoke maybe three words in Spanish. I had studied French in both high school and college, but never any Spanish. I have four big tips for learning a new language while you’re abroad. First, try to learn some before you depart, especially key phrases and vocabulary. Second, bring flashcards with you from home and use them as much as possible. Third, practice as much as you can! It’s easy to talk to friends in your program in English, but try practicing your language with them instead. It also helps a lot to make local friends and practice with them. At first, it’s a bit hard and awkward, but the improvement will blow you mind, and you’ll make life-long friends abroad in the process. Fourth, if you can, use Netflix. At my destination, I watched in English with Spanish subtitles, and it did wonders for me! If you think that you’re ready for it, you can also watch in a foreign language with English subtitles, or just watch in a foreign language alone! You’ll be amazed at how much you pick up.
2. If you had 60 seconds to convince a friend that they should study abroad, what would you say?
The first thing I would say is that it’s one of the best ways to kick off a life full of travel. It’s so cost effective considering how long you’re there and how much you get out of it. And for those of you who say it’s too expensive or who think there aren’t many options for your major, don’t worry. I have the answers! First off, yes, studying abroad can be painfully expensive. But it doesn’t need to be! There are so many different destinations and program types, and those factors can have a big impact on the cost. I personally couldn’t afford most of the options in Europe, but I still found a way to go! I barely spent more money abroad then I would’ve at home, and some students save money by going abroad. For those of you who have difficult majors, there are work-arounds! My major was in the health sciences, and I had a lot of difficulty finding an option that was both affordable for me and useful for my major. So instead, I used my time abroad to work on my minor and my honors coursework. I ended up getting an affordable experience while also getting an academically valuable experience. It’s completely possible on both counts. In addition to all of that, studying abroad does so much for you as a person. You mature in so many ways, from traits like confidence and independence to being able to live off a backpack full of bare necessities. You develop a global awareness and understanding that is completely irreplaceable and highly valuable for the rest of your life.
1. How has your study abroad experience shaped you today?
Since I have gone through the culture shock and reverse culture shock twice now, because I did a Rotary Youth Exchange in high school and then studied abroad in college, I have become extremely adaptable. This is convenient in the workplace, I can adapt to different jobs and tasks quickly. Since I began traveling my senior year of high school I haven’t stopped. I have met people from around the world who have shown me the importance of travel. It has made me a very accepting and welcoming person. I have met people from all diverse backgrounds and religions and I find we can learn a lot from everyone we meet.
2. If you learned another language while you were abroad, what tips and tricks can you offer future study abroad students?
I would recommend focusing on conjugation before arriving to your host country because that is more universal. While learning vocab is nice to have, each country differs a lot; I had to learn a lot of new words just between living in Colombia and then Costa Rica. When I arrived to Colombia on an exchange in high school, I didn’t speak Spanish at all and my host family didn’t speak English. My host sister knew a little written English and wrote a list of the main verbs they used and the slang. When trying to learn a language it is best to immerse yourself into it completely. This means listening to Spanish music, TV, and making friends who you can practice it with (locals who are native speakers of that language are always the best because then you can learn the language and the culture with it). I also found having a host family was very important to me because they taught me most of the Spanish I learned on exchange and were super patient with me.
What was your favorite class abroad?
My favorite class was my intensive Chinese because we could not speak in English at all except for a few words we didn’t know. Speaking Chinese for 2 months straight expanded my vocabulary extensively and helped me learn more than I ever did in a classroom on at my home campus. It gave me the confidence and drive to continue practicing my foreign language even after my program had long ended.
How has your study abroad experience impacted your life, academics, and/or future career goals?
My study abroad experience is more of a personal journey I share with others that helped me figure out what I was passionate about and what I was meant to do with my life. I came into college a criminal justice major with no real direction or passion for the major. However, after I returned from my study abroad program, I was determined to finish out my major and attend grad school for international studies with a concentration in East Asian Studies. I started my journey by interning for the education abroad office on my home campus my senior year and applied to grad schools with strong international backgrounds. Now I am a graduate student attending Texas State University, and I have CEA to thank for helping me find myself and my career path.
1. How has your study abroad experience shaped you today?
I firmly believe that studying abroad benefited me academically, professionally, and personally. Studying abroad broadened my knowledge and perspective in multiple ways. It has expanded my knowledge in my field of study and has helped me become the open-minded and flexible person that every employer is looking for. These experiences have helped me further develop my independence and be prepared to face whatever challenges come my way.
2. How has your study abroad experience impacted your life, academics, and/or future career goals?
Thanks to my study abroad experience, I can enter my professional career with a significant understanding of different cultures and people. After participating in many different study abroad programs, I am more aware of the cultural expectations and norms surrounding me. I have a proper understanding of what is expected of me and how to better “fit in” in the new environment. Finally, the sensitivity I have gained by studying abroad can help me succeed in many different cultures.
The insights I gained from living and studying abroad will assist me in future career opportunities. The instances in which I overcame cultural barriers and challenges will help me differentiate myself from other applicants quickly. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to marvel at the culture and history of many different countries up-close. By bridging the language barriers, I will have a chance to open plenty of doors to my future career. Whether I intend to work in a country where I studied or join an international company that maintains partnerships with those cultures, being able to speak their language and having knowledge of their culture will make me an attractive hire.
1. How has your study abroad experience shaped you today?
I realize that there are not enough words to adequately describe my time abroad. I feel like I have become an entirely different person, a more real and whole me. The opportunities I had while abroad are numerous and extensive, but each had a significant impact on the person I am today. Before going to Spain, I felt confused and unsure of most things in my life, but after coming back, I am sure that my potential is endless and anything is possible if I am sure of myself and my capabilities. The most important things I have learned are that language doesn’t have to be a barrier; family is more important than I ever realized; studies don’t have to be the center of your life as long as you’re doing what you love; and food is a very important part of every culture! I will never forget my time living with my incredible host family in a country so different from my own. I was able to share so many things with them from the simple conversations about activities I did in class to something as complex as my mental health. In high school, I gave a speech to the whole school about my experience with mental disorders and it was one of the hardest things I had to do. I thought I would never do something like that again, but after seeing how understanding a person can be even when there is a language barrier, I’ve found that I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. Living in Granada with my host family truly was an ever-lasting experience that I will cherish forever.
2. If you learned another language while you were abroad, what tips and tricks can you offer future study abroad students?
I would have to say that the best way to learn a language is to fully immerse yourself in it. Not everyone has this kind of opportunity, but if you are lucky to be able to, put in your best effort every day to speak to the natives. And, if you get the chance to live with a host family, talk to them about what you do every day. I also found it helpful to watch game shows with my family because they use a lot of every day vocabulary, and I could ask my host family about the words I didn’t know. The most helpful thing that I did before leaving for my host country was changing my phone to Spanish because it really forced me to learn vocabulary that’s prevalent today.
I loved Florence, Italy. It was a very lively city filled with many things to do and see. I took full advantage of my summer abroad. I enjoyed the easy going nature of the Italian culture, especially the food and lifestyle there. I interned at a cooking school and it had international customers with whom I was able to interact with and share travel experience with. Florence was very international which helped when making new friends. The food and wine class I took helped me learn about the culture even more than I would have one my own.
2. How has your study abroad experience shaped you?
I now know exactly what I want to do, now that I have been abroad. It helped me refocus my goals, and since I didn't know anyone one going into the program, it helped me learn how to do things on my own and made me more eager to leave my comfort zone, meet others, and branch out.
1. How has your study abroad experience shaped you today?
When you spend a long time building something up, it can be hard to tear down. This is true for perceptions, identities, and physical places, too. Having lived in the same house in the same city for eighteen years, I only knew one home. A singular point on the map. And while going to college had begun to shift that perspective in me, studying abroad is what really shook things up and threw out the “one home” absolute in my head once and for all. The first time I opened the door to my home stay in January, it felt like someone else’s house (it was), and I didn’t know how to picture myself coming back there day after day. But, somehow, I did. I made it a home for myself. Not only there, but I began to live in a state of constant “at home-ness” at the end of the day, no matter where I ended up: whether it was in bed at my home stay, in an Airbnb in Malta, sharing a room with strangers at a hostel in Munich, trying to get comfortable on a bus going through the Alps, or stretched out across a row of chairs in the Amsterdam airport. It wasn’t always easy or comfortable, but that’s a big part of how going abroad changed me (and most people, I’m willing to bet): you learn to accept it. Whatever “it” is. When you’re not in the place where you grew up, and people have different ways of life in different corners of the world, you have two choices: turn around, or buckle up and go forward. These were four months of going forward for me, and now I can never go back.
2. If you had 60 seconds to convince a friend that they should study abroad, what would you say?
Imagine opening your eyes one morning and staring out at a place you’ve only seen before in pictures pasted to your ceiling and on cell phone commercials. But instead of just a vacation, you’re there to experience society in its purest form: Make friends from all over the world, buy broccoli at the market, go to school, develop personal cheese preferences, wave “hello” to locals, and become a regular at a café. These are the realities of studying abroad, and they are there and waiting for you to experience in any way that you will. Maybe the hardest part is making up your mind to go and then making the arrangements. I know that’s the case for some. Make the decisions anyway. Pull up a word document on your computer and get a hit list together. Pick up the phone and call your university’s study abroad department and ask for help. I hope you do it. You can make all the plans you want for the future, and it’s quite possible they’ll come true. It’s also possible they won’t and you’ll find yourself making it up as you go. The great thing about college is that it is NOW. These years are alive and they are yours in your hands. If international education and travel are on your “bucket list,” pull them into your reality and make it happen before life starts to shift around after college and gets formed and reformed by careers and families. Only you know what you really want, and if you let it pass you by, no one will be there to cry over lost opportunities with you. That will be your pill to swallow. So, if “traveling someday” is what you want, maybe think about changing it to “traveling next year.”
Being in Argentina was an amazing, unforgettable experience. I feel that I was able to immerse myself in the culture by constantly speaking Spanish with anyone I could outside of my classes (taxi drivers, people on the bus, shop keepers, etc.). Additionally, I went to as many Tango classes and Milongas (social dancing) as I could, which helped me improve as a dancer as well as learn about the history and beauty of Tango. I engorged myself on carne asado, empanadas and dulce de leche which are common foods in Buenos Aires. I chose to stay with a host and I know that I will always be in contact with her because she's wonderful. I walked around as many neighborhoods in Buenos Aires as I could to learn about the beautiful city.
2. What do you wish you had known before going?
I wish I had known how big of a city Buenos Aires was. I didn't have any particular notions about how I was going to get around considering I wanted to save as much money as possible, but the city has great public transport. It just means that I had to be careful about including travel time whenever I needed to get somewhere. I also wish I had brought a raincoat for myself because I didn't realize how rainy it could be during the 'winter' there (which is in June/July/August).
1. What was the best part about studying abroad?
My experience abroad indefinitely widened my cultural and interpersonal state of mind. It also helped me gain a greater understanding of the beauty and dynamic of international travel and diversity. My favorite part about studying abroad was the connections and friendships I made with individuals while abroad. Although I learned plenty of useful information in the classroom, a lot of my learning took place within my interpersonal and intercultural relations with students, civilians and workers that were Paris natives. My top travel tips are to immerse yourself into the culture of the city and country of your study abroad experience. In my experiences, the best way to accomplish a successful intercultural immersion is by meeting individuals native to the country, with a strong familiarity of the culture and society of the given country that will ultimately educate you in a form greater than a classroom setting. Although I wasn’t quite fluent in French, it was very easy to make friends with local Parisians, and was immensely rewarding in the learning experience and expansion of interpersonal connections.
2. How has your study abroad experience shaped you?
After my study abroad experience, I shifted my career goals and interests to better suit a more international and global vision of work. My career goal is to go into Epidemiology, but I am strongly interested in potentially establishing my career outside of the United States because of how impactful my study abroad experience was. During my abroad experience, I found immediate comfort in the concept of living and learning abroad, to a point where I am now yearning to return to that lifestyle and am very interested in potentially living outside of the United States for a much longer time span after my education. After returning to my home university, UC San Diego, I was hired to work as a Student Assistant for the Study Abroad Office on my campus, and have since spoke on behalf of my experiences abroad and the key components of the importance and impact of international education and travel on students like myself. Additionally, my experiences abroad encouraged me to become involved in the international student population at my university, in surrounding myself by students from every continent as well as in sharing my own experiences abroad as an American student. Another impact of my experiences abroad took place in my fundamental understanding of friendship and companionship. Before studying in Paris, I had very poor communication and relationship skills and found it difficult to speak to people and make friends. I was fortunate enough to make numerous friends during my abroad experience, which beautified my experiences abroad in a tremendous way. The experience was life-changing, and I will always be grateful for the opportunities I had in being able to study abroad.
My favorite class had to be Cross-Cultural Management because it taught me that there are many cultural differences when managing or working with people in business. The class helped me be aware of cultural tendencies so that I know how to communicate effectively to get through to employees with different backgrounds because it affects how they work. It even helped me understand some cultural aspects of how people behave right in Barcelona; I was noticing things I learned in class while interacting and living in Barcelona.
2. How has your study abroad experience shaped you?
My experience has shaped me today by broadening my understanding of people from different cultures and how to properly interact with them. I have gained such independence through living in a new place and traveling to 10 countries during my semester abroad, that now I am not fearful of new things. I have a positive outlook on life because I am so thankful to have these experiences that taught me to open up to others and put myself in uncomfortable situations to learn more about people, culture, and the places I went. Studying abroad has given me a thirst for life in which I am always able and willing to handle any situation. I can't wait for my next travelling experience!
1. How has your study abroad experience shaped you today?
My study abroad experience has shaped me in many ways. I learned a lot about who I am during the fifty total days I was abroad. I had never been away for home or from the United States that long during my entire life. It was like an incredible coming of age ceremony. I am twenty, nearly an adult by societal standards, but so far away from truly being one. The experiences I had during my summer in 2017 have left an incredible mark on who I am as a man and how I want to continue to attain that mark in the future. It stoked the embers of a burning desire to travel. I saw seven countries and fourteen cities. I saw people, places, and cultures that 99 percent of my age group has never seen before and maybe never will. But, as I sit here and reflect on the memories and all I saw and did, I cannot help to think....what else is out there? I want to travel more because of this experience. I want to go to Eastern Europe, not just Western Europe where I studied in Barcelona. I do not just want to see Europe, I want to see every continent. I want to see the world. There is so much to see and so much to learn. I want to work hard and achieve success in life so I have the ability to travel.
I also just learned so much that I become a much better-rounded person. I learned to cook while in Europe. I had never really cooked before and I almost had to learn or I wouldn't eat! But I took that skill back with me as some tangible evidence of my growth as a person. Studying abroad really did help shape who I am sitting here today, writing this. I am forever grateful for it.
2. If you had 60 seconds to convince a friend that they should study abroad, what would you say?
I would say I made the choice to study abroad too. I had the debates in my head. Should I do this? I am scared, it may be expensive… whatever fear you had - I had it as well. Despite those concerns, I am sitting here right now imploring you to do this. It is the most incredible experience you will ever have in your life. You will learn so much about who you are, you will gain so many lifelong memories, and you will meet so many amazing people. This is not some study abroad person telling you to do it. I am a student. I am your peer. I am telling you right now that this experience is unparalleled. You have an opportunity to make a lasting impact on your own life! Trust me, if you do it you will not regret it. The only thing you will regret is not taking a chance and studying abroad when you had it. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Take it.