Q: Initially, what made you decide to study abroad? Why did you choose your program?
A: I decided to study abroad because I wanted change in my life and wanted to explore a different culture/ country. And this experience gave me exactly that! I visited 7 countries and 14 cities during my time abroad. I learned so much about myself, even went on some trips solo and was able to learn about all the different cultures. It was genuinely an unforgettable experience.
Q: What was the highlight of your study abroad experience?
A: The highlight of my study abroad experience was riding a camel in Morocco, Marrakesh, it felt so unreal!
Q: What was your greatest challenge abroad and how did you overcome it?
A: My greatest challenge abroad was getting comfortable being in uncomfortable situations. Many times I struggled with the language barrier and made my self esteem go down because I would get embarrassed but I slowly learned that’s part of the experience. Along with trying to find my people while abroad, I didn’t have the typical study abroad experience of partying and going out because those are not things I’m interested in, but I still had an unforgettable experience without the party life.
Q: How did your coursework abroad compare to your courses at UC Merced?
A: It was a challenge for me, only some classes have midterms and mine didn’t so it was just one final exam at the end of the semester. My classes had no homework and all, so when it came to taking the exam I struggled knowing what to study since there wasn’t assignments to prepare me and retain the information from lectures.
Q: What did you gain from your study abroad experience?
A: I gained more independence, being in situations and figuring it out all by myself. Going to different countries and cities by myself which I never in my life thought I would ever do because of how scary it sounds but I did it and am proud of myself. I learned to be more confident and make conversations with strangers. I also learned about different cultures and how different it is from mine.
Q: What advice do you have for students considering study abroad?
A: DO IT!!! You will not regret it!! I will not lie and sit here and say it isn’t scary in the beginning because of how much change you experience but at the end you are going to be so grateful and happy you decided to study abroad. This experience allows you to see the world and travel. Life is too short to stay in your hometown and not see the world!!
Q: Describe a typical day abroad.
A: I wake up and get ready for the day. I walk over to the bakery next to my apartment and grab a chocolate croissant. Walk to the metro station and get on a tram to get to school. Go to lecture and take notes. After go to the local pizzeria near school and get a 3€ slice of pizza. Go for a walk to the Duomo and get gelato. Go back home:)
Q: If you could go anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go and why?
A: I would go to Thailand. I would love to experience their culture and meet the elephants. After traveling to a few different countries it has made me realize how much more of the world I want to see.
