Brianna Adkins
Indiana University of Pennsylvania / Florence University of the Arts / Spring 2020
What did you learn about yourself while you were abroad?
Everyone says that you learn to be more independent and self-sufficient when you go abroad, and they are right. I learned that sometimes it is nice to do things solo and that I am capable of handling confusing and, at times, stressful situations. Study abroad definitely amplified my desire to explore, learn history, connect with art, and learn a second language. It made me realize my propensity to fall in love with a place… what a wonderful place Florence is to fall in love with.
Gabrielle Bozeman
College of William and Mary/ SIS Intercultural Study Abroad, Siena / Virtual Summer 2021
What are the benefits of a virtual study abroad program?
I took a virtual course because I was not quite comfortable traveling yet. However, taking the class virtually still allowed me to have an amazing experience. I was still able to communicate with native Italian speakers and learn about Siena, the city where the program was held. I highly encourage those who are considering international education but are not comfortable traveling for any reason to take a virtual course. They will be able to gain the experience without the worry of whichever reason they choose not to travel.
Chelsea Branom
Washington State University / Florence University of the Arts / Summer 2021
What did you learn about yourself while you were abroad?
I learned a lot about myself and what I value in life. I learned that experiences and making memories with people is more valuable than any material item. I usually am pretty shy when I am around new people and this really pushed me to be more outgoing. I set a goal when I left home that I wouldn’t say no to anything and try new things. So coming here and doing things that may put me slightly outside of my comfort zone, even something as small as trying new food, was very important to me.
Carly Brister
University of South Carolina / John Cabot University / Fall 2021
How has studying abroad changed/shaped your future career or life goals?
Studying abroad was absolutely essential in shaping decisions for my future. The political science classes I took in the setting of a diverse and committed classroom at JCU solidified my desire to work in that field. It is now my goal to return to Europe to work for the UN in Geneva, Switzerland, which is undoubtedly thanks to my study abroad experience.
Kristina Butler
University of South Carolina / Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona / Summer 2021
What was your favorite thing to do in your host city?
I made it a mission to experience something new every day. Whether it was going to a different museum, getting off the metro at the wrong stop, or discovering a new empanada place around the corner, I continued to take in the city as much as I could. I would walk around 10 miles every day without even realizing it because there was so much to do and so much to see. I loved walking to La Boqueria, the big market filled with vendors ranging from selling dried fruits to cow brains. It was an eye-opening experience to see how locals experienced this market and how different it was from markets back home.
Logan Dawes
Bethany University/ Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona / Spring 202
How has studying abroad changed your future goals?
Studying abroad showed me how much I love traveling. Before my time abroad, I had only been on a plane once before. This just showed me how much of the world there is to see and that I wanted to see it. I want to experience all of the world and different cultures.
Preston Dubberly
University of Mississippi / Florence University of the Arts / Fall 2021
What advice do you have for students considering study abroad?
Research your dream destination and become obsessed with it. Living across the globe seems really daunting at first because you are away from home, friends, or family, but it becomes the most liberating experience. Your confidence and ability to solve problems grows exponentially and you see sights you never even knew existed.
Caroline Elliot
Belmont University / John Cabot University, Rome / Spring 2020
How has studying abroad changed or shaped your future goals?
I have always been unsure about what career I want to pursue. After studying abroad, I realized that I want to work in the international education field or live in Europe for a few years after graduation. I learned that I love living in a different country, interacting with people from different cultures, and through the ambassador experience, I have learned that I love informing others about how to study abroad and why they should.
Samantha Eynon
Muhlenberg College / Florence University of the Arts / Fall 2021
What advice do you have for students considering study abroad?
Studying abroad is a really scary thing to do and is not an easy decision. The closer the semester got, the more scared and nervous I became. When considering studying abroad, I would advise students to think about what they are going to gain from studying abroad. There are so many valuable lessons, opportunities, and life skills that are gained from studying abroad. All of the worry and fear disappears as soon as you arrive in your city and appreciate the experience you are about to embark on
Megan Forbes
Virginia Commonwealth University / Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona / Spring 2020
What did you learn about yourself while you were abroad?
I gained a lot of confidence and passion while I was abroad. Throw yourself into this experience and you will do life-changing things. The people I met and the things I saw have shaped me into who I am today.
Morgan Funk
University of South Carolina / Sant’Anna Institute, Sorrento / Summer 2021
How has studying abroad changed or shaped your future goals?
Participating in an experience as unique and fulfilling as an internship abroad has given me confidence in my work, and the opportunities I have been looking for my entire academic career. I was able to become fully immersed in the work environment as a member of the communications team and was able to voice my ideas and suggestions in order to obtain more engagement on all social media platforms. Working with a company’s social media team is what my ideal career looks like, and SAI has given me the luxury of first hands experience with my dream job, in the most beautiful destination I have ever visited.
Vittoria Gallello
University of South Carolina / Florence University of the Arts / Spring 2021
What advice do you have for students considering study abroad?
Fully immerse yourself in the experience as much as possible. Meet people who are different from you and learn from them. It’s a great thing to challenge your way of thinking and absorb the culture around you.
Russell Linnemeier
Texas A&M University / Syracuse Academy, Sicily / Summer 2021
What was your favorite thing to do in your host city?
Honestly, the food is the best part when you’re not traveling and seeing new places. Siracusa (Syracuse) has an island called Ortigia just walking distance away and it is a great place to explore. The people are friendly, the architecture is beautiful, and there are endless restaurants with delicious food. For people that don’t want to spend as much money going out to eat, the market is also a great place to get some of the freshest produce you’ll ever have.
Carly Owens
University of South Carolina / Sant’Anna Institute, Sorrento / Summer 2021
What was your favorite thing to do in your host city?
Being an early riser, I was waking up consistently at 7am. I’d hop out of bed, look out my window, and be humbled by my view. I decided to take slow strolls and simply explore while I was abroad. I value my mornings a lot. In Sorrento, I would walk along the main street & see an elderly friend group having an espresso around a table. Or I would see a cute couple taking in the sunrise. Almost every morning stroll was accompanied by a stop in a local cafe where I got a cappuccino & strawberry crepe. After about 2 weeks, I made it part of my routine to stop at the same local cafe where the same friendly man would serve me, remembering my order and greeting me with a warm smile. Every morning. With all the crazy adventures & lasting memories, I made on this abroad trip, starting every day this way is something I cherished the most.
Veronica Pasko
Muhlenberg College / John Cabot University / Fall 2021
What did you learn about yourself while you were abroad?
I learned that I am capable of doing a lot more than I thought I was. Before going abroad, I had never traveled alone or really traveled at all. While abroad, I had to take the bus and get around a city where I had never been before. This experience made me become more independent. I also learned to appreciate the little things around me and to take it all in.
Melanie Poulos
Muhlenberg College / Florence University of the Arts / Summer 2021
What does your study abroad experience mean to you?
My study abroad experience has definitely helped enhance my sense of independence. Breaking out of my comfort zone has also helped contribute to my adaptability skills, open-mindedness, and social skills. I am glad I got to build up these skillsets because I think it’ll prepare me very well for the real world.
Elizabeth Strambi
University of South Carolina / Florence University of the Arts / Summer 2021
What advice do you have for students considering study abroad?
Soak it all in and take advantage of the time you have there. It is an awesome opportunity to immerse yourself in a different culture while also being able to travel to different countries with ease. Reach out to the other students in your group because it is a special experience to enjoy with people who are the same age as you.
Anneliese Taggart
University of Alabama / Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona / Spring 2020
What does your study abroad experience mean to you?
My study abroad experience was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that symbolizes new friendships, attaining more knowledge than I thought possible, and exploring the world. It was easily one of the best experiences of my life thus far.
Lauren Taylor
University of South Carolina/ Florence University of the Arts / Fall 2021
What was your favorite thing to do in your host city?
My favorite thing to do in Florence was to walk around the city. Even though I was there for almost 5 months, I explored a new area every week. This made me feel more involved with and knowledgeable about the city and the culture.
Lydia Troxell
University of South Carolina / Florence University of the Arts / Spring 2021
What advice do you have for students considering study abroad?
I would tell students considering going abroad that they have to go! Studying abroad while in college is such a unique experience that I truly think everyone needs to have. I personally was nervous about going and missing out on a full semester at school, but the semester abroad was amazing and I’m so thankful I went.
Paige Wagner
Miami University of Ohio / Florence University of the Arts / Spring 2021
What advice do you have for students considering study abroad?
My biggest piece of advice when thinking about study abroad is to not let degree requirements get in the way of a life-changing experience. As a bioengineering major, there aren’t a ton of programs out there that allow me to visit Italy while taking advanced engineering courses, but traveling to Italy has always been my dream. I decided to take a leap of faith by completing my liberal arts requirements, taking classes like painting and wine tasting. Not only did I complete 12 credit hours of useful classes, but I was also able to embrace my creativity and immerse myself in a new culture.
Morgan Zebley
University of South Carolina / Florence University of the Arts / Spring 2021
What is your favorite memory from studying abroad?
My favorite memory from studying abroad would be taking trips around my host country with the new friends that I made abroad. Being able to see the different cities around Italy was so much fun. It was great to meet a group of people to hang out and travel with. Some of the best times that I had abroad were traveling around to new cities to explore different areas of Italy. Our favorite trip was to Cinque Terre where we did a boat tour around the cities and were able to go cliff jumping.
