RIT Faculty-Led: Arts, Media & Technology - Malmo, Sweden

Study Abroad in Three Words: Will always recommend

Being abroad makes me want to continue to be involved with the global community. I want to continue to see more and more of the world, as well as being actively involved in contributing to the technology that connects everyone despite the distance.

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.

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!

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? 

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.