Submitted by Morgan Gravatt on the 2019 summer session program in Italy sponsored by the Department of Hospitality Business Management…
Prior to entering my freshman year at UD, I knew that I wanted to study abroad at some point in my college career. Although I did not know when I would study abroad or how long I would go for, I knew that I wanted to study abroad somewhere in Europe. As my junior year quickly snuck up on me, I thought more and more about the programs I wanted to apply to. My best friend told me about this program and at first I was hesitant because I was not a hospitality major, but soon after I decided apply.
Applying for this program was one of the best decisions I have made during my college career. Now that my summer study abroad program has come to an end, I am able to reflect on everything I have learned and experienced, these past three weeks. While I did learn an immense amount about Switzerland, Italy, and the spa and wellness field, I learned more about myself than ever before. This program allowed me to grow into a more independent adult by learning through a variety of new experiences.
First, I have never been someone to voluntarily travel on my own- where I needed to schedule hotels, make plans, and figure out my own transportation. By having free travel weekends on this program, I feel more knowledgeable about these things and now I am willing to travel any time I can because I know what I need to do.
Second, I have always taken similar classes throughout college, since I am an elementary education major, so I did not know what I was quite getting myself into when I signed up to take a hospitality course. While I was originally nervous to take this class, since it was out of my comfort zone, I did learn a variety of information on personal well-being, which I now intend to incorporate into my own life and future career. In fact, taking a class outside of my major made the program even more interesting and engaging. Through this course, I have learned to not be afraid to try something new because everything is a learning experience.
Third, I never realized how close a group of people can get, in a matter of three weeks. This study abroad program was all about working together and participating in a variety of new experiences as a group. Through the different vineyards/spa/hotel tours, city visits, and class projects, I can truly say that I have created a bond with students that I would have never met without participating in this program. On top of that, I have made a few new best friends, that I know I will keep in touch with for years to come. Additionally, I have created a bond with the different professors on the program, which I, once again, would have never been able to do without participating in this hospitality study abroad program.
Fourth and final, I have learned to not let a day go to waste and to take in everything around me. While the program was exhausting, since each day we had multiple things booked to do and see, it was all worth it. This program truly offered experiences that I would have never participated in before so I’m very happy with how busy we were throughout the whole program. Additionally, as much as we all love to take pictures of new sites, I learned to put my phone away and take in the world around me. I began to notice little things about the different cities we visited and cherish each and every moment with the people around me. This program has encouraged me to get up each day and do as much as possible, in order to not let a day go to waste. Like they always say, “live life to the fullest”.
As my other entries have highlighted, I am truly thankful for this experience that both my parents and UD have provided me with. Without studying abroad this summer, I would not have grown as much as an individual, stepped outside of my comfort zone, met many new best friends, and learned to appreciate the world around me. I can honestly say that study abroad is a life changing experience that I am so grateful I had the opportunity to participate in.
