On a personal level, my study abroad experience gave me more confidence in my ability to succeed at new tasks, and it improved my independence. I partook in solo excursions as well as group excursions throughout the experience. I had to plan these trips, navigate my group around new areas, and at times think quickly on my feet.
Studying abroad was valuable to me in many ways. Living in a non-English speaking environment helped me improve my ability to communicate because I learned how to communicate and express myself in different ways. I had to become resourceful and rely on body language, google translate, and communicating with my hands.
A common myth about education abroad is that one needs to speak the host country’s language. While abroad, I found it very
From the host culture I also learned how to slow down in life. Americans are used to a fast-paced lifestyle which many other cultures do not live by. While abroad I still had to live a fast-paced lifestyle to be able to travel on the weekends and be in class five days a week, but I learned to slow down where I could. I started walking slower, taking more time in the grocery store, and eating slower at restaurants. Since I broke away from the go-go-go mindset, I was not stressed when traveling on the weekends or worried about what I had to do next. I lived in the moment knowing I wouldn’t be able to see everything which was okay. When I came back to the United States, I still remind myself to slow down when I can.
I am extremely grateful for this unforgettable experience as it has helped me grow as a person and experience the beauty that other parts of the world offer.
Name: Nicole Manzzullo
Status: Senior
Major: Human Biology
Hometown: Plainfield, Illinois
Program: Human Biology Summer in Rome