Going Around the Globe

Europe 2013

          Since I was a child I always loved to watch those Mary- Kate and Ashley movies where they travel to different countries and have adventures of a lifetime. Before the start of every movie they throw a dart at a map to choose which country they want to go next. This is where the spark happened. From that moment on I knew I wanted to see every place in the world there is to see. I have a world map hanging in my room with all of the places I have been to pinned, it is my goal to have every country, island, state covered with pins. I have had the privilege to travel to many places varying from over fifteen states with in the U.S., Mexico, The Bahamas, Spain, Italy, France, England, Germany, Puerto Rico Canada, and others. Having the opportunity to experience a new place while learning and exploring what it has to offer is absolutely exhilarating. The memories I have made traveling from place to place led me to the idea of studying abroad while at university. The endless amount of benefits that come along with studying abroad makes the opportunity impossible to pass up.

My first experience traveling started out small. At the age of five I went on family road trips to states within the U.S. Obviously, I went to Las Vegas, Nevada because it was the closest state from my hometown. Plus, my mom really likes to gamble, my dad not so much. It was so interesting to see the variety of people that were also visiting. Since Las Vegas is a major tourist attraction I saw people from different parts of the U.S. and even from different countries like Australia, Canada, Mexico, etc.

Pompeii, Italy 2013

My trips to different countries is when I seriously thought about studying abroad in the future because the cultural differences, experiences, and adventures that you have while in a foreign place really excites you to see more. During my vacations I have made endless amounts of memories that I will cherish forever but that saying “you can’t see the world in a day” is completely true. I feel that a one or two week vacation is not enough to see what an entire country has to offer.

 Usually countries have more than one major city with beautiful landmarks and historical backgrounds. So, a short amount of time does not really fulfill the true beauty of a country.  For example, while in Italy I really wanted to see the famous Trevi Fountain but was unable to because of cramming a bunch of sightseeing within the three days I was there.

Studying abroad takes traveling onto another level. You will no longer be a tourist but a world seeker and a travelling enthusiast. Studying abroad creates independence for young college students to experience a foreign place for months away from home with your peers along your side. I have seen parts of the world which has made my life experiences all the more interesting, but studying abroad lets you really soak it all in. Come on fellow students; are you ready for an adventure?