Interview with former study abroad student, Brooke Goldstein

Explain what made you want to study abroad

I've always loved to travel, and I figured that studying abroad would be a great opportunity to take advantage of my love for traveling. It was financially beneficial, because it is the cost of tuition and I just had to pay for airfare. I was accomplishing a whole semester in school, in another country.

Tell me a little bit about your experience, where you studied, what it was like etc

I studied in Siena, Italy. It was nice to study in a small town because I got to know it so well over such a short period of time. I also got to travel to different cities in Italy as well as different countries. When I was in Siena,we took classes on the differences of culture in Italy versus America, and we took Italian Classes and art classes. We experienced life as an Italian.

Did you ever get home sick? If do what things did you do to get over it?

I did get homesick, especially after I was in Siena for a while. The things I got homesick about were things I never thought I would care about. For example, I missed English movies, and different types of cuisine. However, I told myself to enjoy where I was while I was there because it wasn't going to last forever, and those things disappeared.

What was your favorite part of the trip?

My favorite part of the trip was the traveling. I was able to go to Ireland on a quick flight for a short weekend at way cheap. I loved that!!

How did you benefit from your travels abroad?

I understand different cultures, and am definitely less ignorant about life. I now know there are different people all over the world who practice different beliefs, and I appreciate that.

What were some of the major differences of the culture and classroom of the country you studied in and here?

It was definitely more laid back abroad. The lines between the relationship between student and teacher were more blurred. We hung out with our teachers, and were treated as adults, and that made me respect them even more.

How did you adapt to a new language and culture?

It was surprisingly easy. When you are thrust into a different lifestyle, you almost have no choice but to adapt to their ideals and ways of living.

What kind of advice would you give a student that was planning to study abroad?

Pack PLENTY of comfortable shoes. And remember to bring school supplies esp flashcards (they don't make them there, because you are going to school

Would you do it again?

In a heartbeat.