How did you decide which country/program to study abroad in?
I decided to choose the Memory, History, and Identity in Europe program because it allowed me to visit Germany where I would be able to practice listening and speaking the German language after studying it for four semesters at IU. In addition to visiting Germany, it also benefited me by getting to visit and experience two separate countries, Czechia and Hungary. By visiting these two other locations, not only was I able to experience their culture and language, but I also got to witness how they interact with one another. I was able to see their similarities and differences and learned to appreciate each for their uniqueness.
What were you excited about and/or nervous about before your program?
I was nervous first about any language barriers I would face while traveling abroad but all in all it was very accommodating. I was excited most to see how people lived across the ocean in a different country.
What was your favorite place that you traveled to or an activity you did while abroad?
My favorite place that I visited was Budapest, Hungary. Hungary has an interesting history and lively city. Hungary seems less discussed within America and I wasn't sure what to expect. I found it very easy to acclimate to my surroundings and appreciate how varied it was.
How do you think the intersections of your identities and values impacted your study abroad experience? Do you have any tips to share with future study abroad students?
I really value learning about people of different cultures and appreciating their different perspectives which allowed me to immerse myself while studying abroad. While I was excited to see their differences, I was surprised to see just how similar each country really was to America. Each country had people from all over. Besides the language and some styles of different architecture, I easily could have imagined myself somewhere still within the United States. I think it goes to show how similar people really are despite borders.
What advice would you like to give to future study abroad students?
It's exciting and terrifying, to be so far away from everything you know. It's such a relief to travel back home after, and yet you find yourself missing where you left. It becomes a part of you.
