I made lifelong friends most of whom I am still in touch with today. I tune into Australian news online because I find it intriguing and funny. I learned new marketing trends that I was exposed to when I was abroad before it even trended in the US. Also, when I was down in Brisbane, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales was filming down at the Gold Coast! How cool is that? 

I studied abroad twice, once in the Netherlands and once in Italy. Both times I studied each country’s signed languages, which will help me be more qualified as an ASL interpreter and make me a more attractive employee. With this experience, I will also have travel work opportunities.

Being abroad helped me develop more empathy and understanding for other cultures. There are many social, political, and societal things that shape a country and its citizens and I think it's important as an American to understand this and realize how unique every country of the world is.

My experience has personally solidified how much value I place on the inclusion of working internationally in whatever job I take post-graduation. It opened my eyes to seeing how affordable and possible life abroad truly is.

I chose to study abroad because I was curious about experiencing the culture of the Middle East. I had talked to people who had gone to Dubai, U.A.E., and was fascinated with what they would tell me, as it was nothing like any other culture I have encountered before. After spending a week there, I can truly say it is the most interesting blend of the very traditional and very modern. I was surprised as to how fast 17 hours on the plane went and how much we got to do for the price we paid for our program; we got to do so much in 7 days! With Dubai being Dubai, I didn't think it would be that affordable!