For some students, studying abroad is just the beginning of their travel adventures. For Spring 2023 Rome alum, Grace Harris, her time abroad sparked a lifelong love of exploring new places, meeting people, and experiencing different cultures.
Since graduating, Grace has taken her love of travel around the world. From moving to Sydney, Australia, to exploring Southeast Asia and embarking on a four-month solo trip across the globe, she has continued to embrace every opportunity for adventure. Today, she is in Zambia, volunteering in local schools and making a difference in communities along the way.
We caught up with Grace to hear more about her journey since studying abroad, how her experience in Rome influenced her path, and what she’s learned along the way. Read on to learn more about her adventures, life after SAI, and advice for students looking to make the most of their own study abroad experience!
What have you been up to since studying abroad? Can you share any life updates, career milestones, or recent adventures you’ve been on??
My adventure since study abroad has been nothing less than spontaneous! After graduating, I packed my life into a suitcase and moved to Sydney, Australia on a Working Holiday Visa. I ended up loving it so much I applied for a second year and moved to the Outback to work as an Aupair. I traveled all over Australia and then decided it was time to take my travels elsewhere and spent 10 weeks exploring Southeast Asia. My most recent adventure has been a four month solo trip all over the world and I’m currently in Zambia volunteering in schools! If I could give one piece of advice to students about to study abroad it would be say yes to everything! Every weekend trip, every coffee date, every new friend. Put yourself out there as much as possible, strike up a conversation with someone on the train, talk to your classmates like you’ve known them forever. You never know what one conversation or one event could lead to.
What advice would you give to current students preparing to leave for their own study abroad trips?
If I could give one piece of advice to students about to study abroad it would be say yes to everything! Every weekend trip, every coffee date, every new friend. Put yourself out there as much as possible, strike up a conversation with someone on the train, talk to your classmates like you’ve known them forever. You never know what one conversation or one event could lead to.
To catch up with Grace and see what she is up to next, you can find her on her Tiktok @howsweethesound!
Interviewed by: Katie Chappelle, SAI Digital Marketing and Social Media Coordinator
