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How was the experience of studying abroad and what was it like?
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Lisa’s Answer
I had the option to attend a local university (10 minutes from my home) or to move to Scotland (5hr drive form home).
I choose to move to Scotland and it was the best decision for me. As part of my university degree, I spent 3 yrs studying in Scotland and 1 yr studying in Germany
Moving away from home, spending 1 yr in Germany was an extremely positive experience and I feel it really made me the person I am today. I live in the university accommodation and quickly got to know my neighbours and fellow students - many of us were studying abroad so it was a support to have others to go through the experience of studying abroad. I learned how to be independent, I joined in activities, I got a job in a fast food place -being open to immerse yourself and use it as an opportunity to learn and experience new things!
Even though I wouldn't change a thing, and it was such a great time, those first few weeks in a foreign country were tough - not being able to go and see my family when I wanted, feeling alone, struggling to communicate - but that in some way also made me more determined to stick out.
My recommendation would be to prepare yourself - if you are considering going abroad, research about the area; find out about social activities you could join - this is really helpful to meet new people with a common interest. It is slightly different today than when I went - there was no facetime/video calling; international calls were mega expensive so when you did call it was only for a couple of minutes. So know that you have the means to keep in touch with friends and family whilst you are embracing new things. My parents booked their holidays for that year to Germany so we had something to look forward to which also helped. My friends also came out to stay with me for weekends.
I choose to move to Scotland and it was the best decision for me. As part of my university degree, I spent 3 yrs studying in Scotland and 1 yr studying in Germany
Moving away from home, spending 1 yr in Germany was an extremely positive experience and I feel it really made me the person I am today. I live in the university accommodation and quickly got to know my neighbours and fellow students - many of us were studying abroad so it was a support to have others to go through the experience of studying abroad. I learned how to be independent, I joined in activities, I got a job in a fast food place -being open to immerse yourself and use it as an opportunity to learn and experience new things!
Even though I wouldn't change a thing, and it was such a great time, those first few weeks in a foreign country were tough - not being able to go and see my family when I wanted, feeling alone, struggling to communicate - but that in some way also made me more determined to stick out.
My recommendation would be to prepare yourself - if you are considering going abroad, research about the area; find out about social activities you could join - this is really helpful to meet new people with a common interest. It is slightly different today than when I went - there was no facetime/video calling; international calls were mega expensive so when you did call it was only for a couple of minutes. So know that you have the means to keep in touch with friends and family whilst you are embracing new things. My parents booked their holidays for that year to Germany so we had something to look forward to which also helped. My friends also came out to stay with me for weekends.
Updated
Claire’s Answer
Hi Laverna! I spent two semesters in Spain - spring 2017 in Barcelona and spring 2018 in Sevilla. I was a Business/Spanish double major, which allowed for plenty of flexibility and options for classes to transfer back.
My semester in Barcelona was during my sophomore year in college. My classes in this program were all in English, which was helpful so I didn't feel quite so lost! I was pretty shy when I started college, and very nervous that I would make no friends and be on my own for the duration of the semester. This (fortunately) was not the case - the school had a club and different events for international students, and we had a variety of group work in class (which also gave a chance to get to know my fellow students!) The classes were a mix of students from Spain, across Europe, and the US. I made friends I was able to do a few short weekend trips with, and also got much more comfortable being on my own and independent. My favorite memories are actually of wandering around Barcelona and exploring on my own, as I hadn't previously had the confidence or opportunity for this.
My semester in Sevilla was during my junior year - I was much more confident entering this program due to the previous semester in Barcelona. My classes in this program were all in Spanish, and I lived with a host family as well. This helped me feel much more like a part of the community - I was able to spend Semana Santa and Feria with them (two big events in the spring!) and my language skills greatly improved (I'm not a native Spanish speaker, so this was a great opportunity for full language immersion). While I'm not a perfect Spanish speaker (or English speaker, for that matter) I did become much more comfortable making mistakes and much less stressed about each individual verb or word choice. In addition to getting to know my host family, I was again able to make some friends in my program to hang out with when we weren't in class.
Overall my time abroad helped me become much more confident and independent. It widened my perspectives and exposed me to different traditions. Regardless of the location you select, I would highly recommend a study abroad program - it helps you continue to grow and learn about yourself and a small piece of the rest of the world!
My semester in Barcelona was during my sophomore year in college. My classes in this program were all in English, which was helpful so I didn't feel quite so lost! I was pretty shy when I started college, and very nervous that I would make no friends and be on my own for the duration of the semester. This (fortunately) was not the case - the school had a club and different events for international students, and we had a variety of group work in class (which also gave a chance to get to know my fellow students!) The classes were a mix of students from Spain, across Europe, and the US. I made friends I was able to do a few short weekend trips with, and also got much more comfortable being on my own and independent. My favorite memories are actually of wandering around Barcelona and exploring on my own, as I hadn't previously had the confidence or opportunity for this.
My semester in Sevilla was during my junior year - I was much more confident entering this program due to the previous semester in Barcelona. My classes in this program were all in Spanish, and I lived with a host family as well. This helped me feel much more like a part of the community - I was able to spend Semana Santa and Feria with them (two big events in the spring!) and my language skills greatly improved (I'm not a native Spanish speaker, so this was a great opportunity for full language immersion). While I'm not a perfect Spanish speaker (or English speaker, for that matter) I did become much more comfortable making mistakes and much less stressed about each individual verb or word choice. In addition to getting to know my host family, I was again able to make some friends in my program to hang out with when we weren't in class.
Overall my time abroad helped me become much more confident and independent. It widened my perspectives and exposed me to different traditions. Regardless of the location you select, I would highly recommend a study abroad program - it helps you continue to grow and learn about yourself and a small piece of the rest of the world!
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Ramona’s Answer
Great question, Laverna! My study abroad experience in Germany was a life changing event. Prior to going to Germany, I was unsure of what I wanted to study and where I wanted to live. By going to another country, I developed life skills that I would not have gained at 20 if I were still living at home. I was able to learn a new language, embrace the culture, appreciate what it offered, and meet lifelong friends. Upon completion of my year abroad, I was able to focus on my studies in International Relations and Business. It served as a great foundation for future International assignments and living in Mexico. I believe that one year abroad shaped who I am today. I hope you get the opportunity to experience it for yourself. Good luck.
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Julie’s Answer
Life changing in the best of ways! You see your own country and culture in a whole new light. You also learn about yourself. I bet you may find you are more resourceful, stronger, and capable than you may see yourself today after studying abroad. Even if you stay only a matter of weeks, the experience will afford you more perspective when working with others who are different from you. I found that not only in learning another language, but just living outside my own culture and country has allowed me to help so many people throughout my life who are experiencing a completely new environment or even myself when faced with a new team, new job, new assignment -- you already know how to navigate not only to survive but to thrive!
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Craig’s Answer
This will undoubtedly broaden your mind , skills in language and culture and help you in your life and career
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Kimberly Rochelle’s Answer
A life changing experience...:). You learn about yourself in a new place, new way of life in the country you are studying. I studied in Spain in fall 1993 for a semester in Sevilla. I took classes in Spanish and stayed with a host family. I was a little nervous going and took some time to adjust to the time zones, etc. With all of the apps now like Babbel, Google Translate, etc. I hope it helps a person connect with others who live in the area.
You have to be open to learning and you will make mistakes. Learning and studying abroad takes courage in getting one's out of the comfort zone, help build some skills like adaptability and initiatives. It will also helps prepare you to work with others who may have a different background than you. Don't be afraid to reach out and learn about the food, arts... it gives you a perspective of how others live and reflect on your own life.
I hope you consider studying abroad. I stayed a semester. There are now other options to study abroad- stay a week, year or summer. If you want to talk some more, let me know.
Kim Sakil
You have to be open to learning and you will make mistakes. Learning and studying abroad takes courage in getting one's out of the comfort zone, help build some skills like adaptability and initiatives. It will also helps prepare you to work with others who may have a different background than you. Don't be afraid to reach out and learn about the food, arts... it gives you a perspective of how others live and reflect on your own life.
I hope you consider studying abroad. I stayed a semester. There are now other options to study abroad- stay a week, year or summer. If you want to talk some more, let me know.
Kim Sakil
Updated
Cindy’s Answer
No matter how long you chose to study abroad you will always come back with more skill sets and experience. I recently went on a 2 week study abroad trip to South Africa. In those 2 weeks I experienced so much. It was a life changing experience. I had the opportunity to work at a elementary school and taught students Math, English and Science. I also had the opportunity to build a website for the school. There are a lot of learning opportunities when studying abroad. I enjoyed seeing the countries culture and learning about the country as well. Definitely take the opportunity to study abroad.