My study abroad experience has affected my career goals by making me more motivated.  It has given me the confidence to pursue more learning, not just academically but culturally, and to explore the society around me. It has also given me confidence to expand my horizons by networking with more people and sharing ideas and knowledge.

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!

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.

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? 

When I was a senior in high school, I went on my school's Europe trip where I traveled all across France and Italy. I absolutely fell in love with traveling and knew instantly that I wanted to do more if it. It was then that I decided I wanted to study abroad in college. I knew it would be a once in a lifetime opportunity to live in another country and travel to amazing places.