My Study Abroad Experience
by Jenna Willard
There was once a man whose lasts words were I go to seek a Great Perhaps
which is exactly what I did while abroad. I have always had a passion for learning about different cultures, seeing how others live and their stories, and visiting the most beautiful areas in the world. This was the first time leaving the country, and it gave me the opportunity to see the world while being young. I needed to experience something bigger than my small hometown. My school, Framingham State University, has a direct relationship with Lorenzo de Medici in Florence, Italy. I arrived in Florence on September 1, 2015 and returned on December 19, 2015. Those months in-between were the best four months of my entire life. Everyday was a new adventure.
I traveled almost every single weekend while I was living in Europe. Places such as Amalfi Coast, Italy, Munich, Germany, St. Mortiz, Switzerland, Venice, Italy, Perguia, Italy, Montalcino, Italy, London, England, Paris, France, French Rivera and Dublin, Ireland. Every time I would visit a new city I would tell myself "this is the prettiest place I have ever been" but of course I had my favorites. London, England completely blew my mind and I could picture myself living there in the future (sorry mom!)
While abroad, there were numerous lessons and skills I gained that I never would have if I were to stay at home. Such as cultural awareness of European countries, the ability to act independently, problems solve and communicate while in a new environment, learn how to handle difficult situations with a language barrier, take risks, handle stress and learn through listening and observing. I also gained qualities such as appreciation of diversity, self-reliance, being open minded, independence, and high levels of energy and enthusiasm. But of course, being 4,000 miles away from home makes it impossible not to be homesick. I tried to soak it all in as much as I could, since home will always be there.
Since I always knew this is what I wanted to do, I had made sure I saved money prior to my trip. Although I had spent a large sum of money, it was worth every single experience and I wouldn't trade one moment to be anywhere else. I am forever grateful for those four months. Anyone who is interested I strongly recommend. You will not regret it one bit.
The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.
- Saint Augustine
