My Decision To Study Abroad

My first experience on a plane did not come until the summer before my senior year of high school. I had finally convinced my parents to let me participate in a two week tour around France. This was my first time away from home alone and I was terrified but beyond excited for my upcoming adventure.

Through wandering in magnificent castles and over quaint cobblestone streets in coastal towns I fell in love not only with France but with the experiences and growth that only travel can grant you.

Fast forward to my freshman year of college.

I chose a major that requires international travel through an internship. This usually takes place the summer after your junior year. However, I was not going to wait that long. I jumped on the opportunity to spend six weeks on a service learning trip in the Kamuli District of Uganda. Here I worked on a beekeeping bi-national team project and taught mathematics to P6 pupils.

I can honestly say that this experience truly changed how I view and perceive the world. I met some of the most amazing and happy people I have ever seen. I made life long friends and gained a perspective and appreciation for life that I would have never seen if I had not chosen to study abroad. I learned a lot about myself and what I want my future to look like. Through pushing myself and being uncomfortable I realized how much I am capable of. I learned that traveling gives a person an opportunity to learn about themselves in ways that they would not if they stayed in one place.

My past two experiences abroad have been driving forces in my decision to study in Grenoble, France for four months. I want to experience living in another country, not just traveling to one. I want to become fully immersed in the culture, language, and create a life for myself there. I have had a lot of mixed emotions and nerves as this experience has gone from an idea I had last May to my departure being in less than two weeks. There have been bumps in the process but I can't wait to get on that plane.