I think that studying abroad doesn’t only widen our view on the world itself, but it widens our view of ourselves within the world. Personally, I am a hands on learner and when I am in an environment such as this, it helps me academically because these are lessons that are engrained into my mind now because of the setting we are learning in. Studying out of the country gives you the opportunity to connect more with your host country but also the opportunity to travel to other countries to learn about those cultures too. I am beyond grateful for the places I have been able to go to and the learning was endless. Everywhere you go in Europe there is something even better right around the corner. The architecture is incredible everywhere you go and the people have a different feel to them as well.

 I have traveled a lot with friends and with family but on this trip, I was able to prove to myself that I can indeed, travel solo. It was a big step for me in my learning experience abroad. I always knew I was a very independent person but this was a whole new found independence that will definitely impact me for the rest of my life. It showed me that no matter the country, no matter the culture, no matter the language, I have learned that I can conduct myself appropriately as well as successfully get around to where I need to go. I do believe that this experience abroad is aiding me in being able to communicate with people who I wouldn’t normally know how to communicate with because I have to. It pushes me out of my comfort zone. Sometimes you find yourself in the middle of nowhere but sometimes, in the middle of nowhere, you find yourself.