Tell us a little bit about your experience. For starters, why did you choose the program that you did?
From a young age I was exposed to travel. I had never been outside the country but I spent a majority of my childhood exploring different states and traveling with my family. I am one of the youngest in my extended family so a lot of this travel included visiting my older cousins at college. Due to my early exposure to college and travel, I knew that studying abroad was something I wanted to experience in my own collegiate career. As the first person in my family to study abroad, I knew that I was searching for a trip with ample flexibility and adventure. Summer Psychology in Vienna was the perfect choice for me because it allowed me to learn more about Viennese culture and women while having the freedom to explore an entirely new world. Ultimately, studying abroad in Vienna proved itself to be the perfect opportunity for self growth, discovery, and relationship building.
What did you gain from the experience?
My experiences abroad allowed me to gain an immense sense of gratitude and a broadened worldview. Having the privilege to explore a new country and live as part of another society has benefited me in a variety of ways. I have gained a greater sense of independence and enhanced my navigation skills. I have also challenged my comfortability and learned to adjust to every new opportunity and custom that presents itself to me. Living in America gave me shelter from the outside world; I had been living in a comfortable bubble that prevented me from expanding a knowledgeable worldview. With the help of my Vienna voyages I have been able to redefine my capabilities and explore an entirely new and different world.
What unique Experiential Global Learning opportunities did you encounter during your time?
While living in and exploring the city of Vienna, I have had the opportunity to try new foods and navigate the language and transportation systems. When being in a new country you have to be comfortable asking for help and using the resources around you to figure out your way around. I have gone to new restaurants and eaten traditional Austrian food, gotten lost while trying to find the right subway, and had difficulty communicating with the locals. I realized that despite minor setbacks or feelings of culture shock, I have actually grown more accustomed to the Viennese lifestyle. As I familiarize myself with Vienna and pretend to be a local, I’ve come to understand that studying and living abroad is so much more than I imagined it to be. The opportunities provided to me through Experiential Global Learning are doors I never thought I would open.
How has Experiential Global Learning helped you to understand and appreciate your program’s field of study?
As a psychology major with the intention of becoming a Clinical Psychologist, mental health and the processes accompanied by it have always been intriguing to me. While experiencing life in Vienna and learning more about the Psychology of Women, you become more observant of the current practices and treatment of the women around you. Prior to studying abroad, I had always been an advocate for women’s rights and known that equality was something I wanted to fight for and learn about. Throughout our class lessons and the integrated experiences relating to women’s rights and history, I have come to appreciate every aspect relating to the female experience. Becoming more aware of the conditions and psychological impact on women has opened my eyes to all subgroups within psychology. Being able to recognize the psychological needs of others is highly important when pursuing the mental health field and I feel extremely grateful that studying abroad in Vienna has allowed me to strengthen my understanding of my future career.
What would you say is your most memorable moment from the trip?
The most memorable moment from my adventures in Vienna would have to be the constant sightseeing and willingness to explore. I have been fortunate enough to make strong relationships with many of the girls on this trip. The lack of tension and anxiety experienced during this trip allowed for us all to engage in meaningful exposure to a new and enticing culture. Being able to travel to neighboring cities and countries such as Budapest, Hungary, Bratislava, Slovakia, and Salzburg, Austria have been so worthwhile. The girlhood accompanied with every excursion and voyage throughout the city has truly been one of the most memorable aspects of study abroad. Learning, experiencing, and growing with a group of such intelligent and ambitious women has been the most inspiring and memorable aspect of my journey.
Tip(s) you’d give for future students participating in a program or those who are just starting to think about an experience
Some tips I would give to future students is to prepare and do plenty of research. If you feel inclined to study abroad and want to gain an international learning experience then the sooner you begin that process the better. It is especially important that you understand the severity of Experiential Global Learning. As much as you should have fun and enjoy your time in another country, you need to prepare yourself monetarily, academically, mentally, and linguistically. My advice would be to research your desired country well in advance and make sure that you are comfortable with their rules and norms. Take your time when choosing a program, save up as much money as you can, and do your best to learn the language of your desired country. It is a lot of preparation and it’s important to meet every deadline and requirement. Once you have done all you need to do, studying abroad is 100% worth it and I would recommend it to all students who are considering it!
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