Submitted by Isabelle on the 2019 spring semester study abroad program in Rome, Italy…
This weekend, I took a trip to Paris. I immediately noticed how much more similar it to New York City in comparison to Rome. It was also a lot more diverse, which made me feel more at home. I ate French onion soup, bread, crepes, and tried escargot for the first time. It was very good. There were a couple of things I noticed about Paris that I thought were interesting. For one, two people out to eat will sit outside on the same side of the table. The subway doors open before the train even stops. There are so many huge luxury stores, and some of them make people wait in a line outside to even get in. We tried to go to the catacombs, but it was under construction the day that we went. This made me realize how important it is to do prior research before you go anywhere or make any plans when traveling.
Submitted by Maxwell Lasher on the 2019 spring semester program in Washington, D.C. …
The grant consulting and lobbying law firm where I am working could not be more of a challenge. The job is taxing, difficult, and requires high levels of organization and drive.
However, the chaotic environment brings out somewhat of a competitive feeling in me, to step up to the task. There is nothing more that I love than a challenge. The work to life balance is a struggle, but I know the sacrifice will be worth it.
I have the motivation to succeed because of all the successful and prestigious people around me all of the time. Their output has a certain stoic vibe, especially because with my job I am so close to where the action really happens, lobby and grant wise.
This firm is so high profile and it is absolutely surreal that I am here. Thank you so much to my family and the university for making this happen. I encourage this experience to anyone who is looking for a challenge, to better themselves, and to learn how to evolve into a professional worthy of the capital of the United States of America.
Submitted by Gabriella Van Winkle on the 2019 spring semester program in Sydney, Australia…
In a few days, I will have officially been in Sydney for a whole month! I can now see just how fast this semester is going to go. In the beginning, I was missing home a lot and wishing that the days would go faster. Now, I have opened my eyes to this amazing opportunity in front of me and I want to take it all in. The day will come fast enough when I have to leave and all of my friends and family will be there when I go home, so why rush the days in such a beautiful place?
This past weekend, our program took us to the Featherdale Wildlife Park and on a hike through the Blue Mountains. After almost a month in Australia, I finally was able to see some kangaroos and koalas! The Wildlife Park had many other animals as well such as wallabys, wombats, Tasmanian devils, dingos, echidnas, and emus. Having never seen any of these animals before, it was an amazing experience. We got to walk around with the kangaroos, pet them, feed them, and even take selfies with them!
After we walked through the Wildlife Park, we took a hike through the Blue Mountains. I am definitely not a big fan of hiking, but the views made it all worth it. The mountains and all of the scenery was breathtaking and unlike anything I had ever seen before. We had a wonderful tour guide who told us so many amazing facts about the land and what it used to be like or be used for. We were able to see the amazing view of the famously known Three Sisters, a rock formation out in the mountains. This has been my favorite part of the program so far and I can’t wait to see all of the other amazing views that Australia has to offer.
Submitted by Isabelle on the 2019 spring semester study abroad program in Rome, Italy…
This week, my parents came to visit me in Rome. It was fun being able to be their tour guide and show them around. It turns out I’ve learned a lot of Italian and I knew a lot of history to tell them. On Sunday, we went to Pompeii. It was amazing to walk on the original paths that people used to walk on thousands of years ago.
Submitted by Jillian Cullen on the 2019 spring semester program in Washington, D.C. …
After a long and eventful week, I can’t help, but miss my home, family, and friends. However, I am trying my hardest to remain positive. I think it is okay to admit that you are homesick, however, it is also important to remember that you are studying abroad to make amazing memories and challenge yourself along the way. This has definitely been a challenging experience, however, it has also been extremely rewarding. This past week, I had the opportunity to attend the Michael Cohen hearing, a moment of history that I got to witness first hand, as well as tour the FBI Headquarters. As a child, I would have never imagined that my life would allow me to experience such incredible things. This study abroad experience, although challenging at times, has resulted in extremely rewarding experiences and outcomes that I am forever grateful for. Being homesick is inevitable, however, surrounding yourself with wonderful peers and doing amazing things truly makes it easier.
Submitted by Gabriella Van Winkle on the 2019 spring semester program in Sydney, Australia…
Having been in Australia for a bit over a month now, although I can’t believe it, I am almost halfway through the semester. This is my last week before spring break, which officially marks the halfway point. I feel as if I have done so much, seen so many things, and gone to so many places. However, I then remember how huge this city is and I haven’t even scratched the surface on all that there is to see. In my remaining weeks here, I hope to see as much as I can and take it all in.
With spring break coming up, most of us are taking trips. I and some of my friends are going to be traveling to the Great Barrier Reef and Bali, Indonesia. I hope to go snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef and see what an amazing site that is. I am most excited for Bali. I feel like Bali is one of those places that you always heard was a beautiful place to visit, but never thought that you yourself would ever get the opportunity to go. The fact that I am getting that opportunity amazes me and makes me so grateful. I can’t wait to see how amazingly beautiful and breath-taking Bali will be.
This past weekend, my friend and I decided to go for a walk to explore and see what we would come across. We visited a few markets that sold produce, clothing, accessories, and food. There were some cute little things to look at and purchase and some amazing food. We also visited the Botanical Royal Gardens which was beautiful. There were so many different plants and just amazing scenery. We also found there was a small festival being held there that day. Again, with some amazing food and plants to buy that supported the Gardens!
Submitted by Althea Suniga on the 2019 spring semester program in Rome, Italy…
It’s not a secret that traveling abroad is a huge privilege. Especially during the age where the world is open to us and it’s our first time being away for a long time from our parents and long-time friends. It’s the time when every moment feels surreal and every moment feels like it has to be seized.
Before departing for Italy, I’m sure everyone had their lists with countries to be checked off and pictures saved of places to visit – I being one of them. But the buzz of weekend trips and jet-setting was quickly dumped with cold water, jolting me awake by reality. I have quickly come to know that planning these daydream trips was more stressful and laced with more anxiety than expected. It’s exciting to land in a new destination and satisfying to check off a bucket list item, but the work before that truly gives me the worst type of chills down my spine.
It came as a surprise to me that I learned my lesson quite easily and very quickly in my study abroad experience. That it’s okay to stay and keep yourself planted for a little bit. That while your other peers may be hopping on a plane every weekend, it’s okay to say no and to be grounded for a weekend or two. Especially when lately I have felt like Rome was not my home for four months, but just a place where I slept for longer and where I went to class. I associated the place that I was supposed to melt into and discover as just another location for me to return to.
Choosing to stay in Rome for a few weeks has taught me that I don’t need to be rushing to flights and to feel like I am obligated to, just because other people are. Staying in Rome for a while has regained the wonder I’ve always attached to the city, which was lost after a week of being here. I got to rediscover the comfort of doing things at my own pace in my own time, and the value of alone time and self-reflection.
Traveling is very much something that I do not take for granted, it’s a blessing that I am where I am and that I get to experience a lot of “once in a lifetime” moments. But I have also come to know that as great it is to see as much of the world in the time allotted here, it is also important to not forget where your feet are planted and to rejoice in it once in a while.
Submitted by Jillian Cullen on the 2019 spring semester program in Washington, D.C. …
This past week, I had the incredible opportunity to meet the United States Attorney General William Barr. Although brief, I appreciated every moment I was in his presence. I knew that this experience was not one that should be taken for granted. Never before did I think I would meet someone of such magnitude in federal government. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and to have been selected to attend this program. This, along with every other amazing experience I have had thus far, has erased all my original worries and fears from my mind. These three weeks have flown by and have provided wonderful memories that I will remember for the rest of my life. I cannot believe I was once so nervous about participating in a study abroad program. I am proud of myself for persevering and recommend that others also try to go outside their comfort zone. You never know what incredible experiences await you!
Picture with the United States Attorney General William Barr
Submitted by Isabelle on the 2019 spring semester study abroad program in Rome, Italy…
I’ve gotten used to bagging my own groceries, and men with machine guns standing around everywhere, but there’s still other parts of living in Italy that I haven’t adapted to. Washing my clothes, for example, is a huge hassle. The washing machine takes two hours, and then you have to individually hang up every piece of clothing on a rack to dry and it takes two days. It has become clear to me that unlike America, Italy values the planet above convenience. Though at times annoying, if everyone in the United States followed this example, I’m sure our ecological footprint would be much smaller. I’m also not used to the cars here yet. They drive on the street very close to pedestrians, which freaks me out. Cars and people are kept much more separate in Delaware and New York. If cars and people shared the same road in New York, I think a lot of people would get run over.
Submitted by Maxwell Lasher on the 2019 spring semester program in Washington, D.C. …
Now, I’m going into my third week and the business class atmosphere can be overwhelming. You have to learn to pace yourself through a multitude of work tasks that pile up endlessly.
The work ethic required to succeed here is on a level that I have never imagined. Throughout the last couple of years, I have pushed myself very hard 50 to 60 hours a week at times, but this pushes the ceiling on that work methodology that I have created thus far for myself.
I have already begun planning to stay at my current internship because as challenging as it is, I think it is right where I belong. I will continue to push myself to adapt and succeed.
Lastly, I have been euphorically thrilled with the opportunities that have opened up for me. Next Monday, I have an interview with a state grant consulting agency in Arizona.
