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“Opening Cultural Doors through an Immersive and Transformative Study Abroad Experience”

Skills Gained:

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  • Developed multiple perspectives of the world

  • Saw significant growth as an individual

  • Traveled to various cities and countries

  • Enhanced Spanish language skills

  • Immersed myself completely in another culture

Lessons Learned: All my experiences (good and bad) taught me that I could survive on my own. I became self-sufficient and realized that I had become a true adult. For someone who thought they were shy and reserved, I certainly came out of my shell and learned that I was a better communicator and problem-solver than I ever expected. This experience also prompted me to examine job prospects in the travel field, and ultimately led me to a career in Educational Travel Sales.

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Impact: My study abroad experience still has profound impacts today. Coming back from abroad as an American citizen once again, I adapted elements of the relaxed Spanish lifestyle and tried to practice living life more simply, connecting with friends and family rather than be attached to technology or consumed in my own little world. As I touched on already, the passion for travel and desire to learn about other cultures resulted in a job in Educational Travel, thereby indirectly affecting those I worked with. Within the M.Ed program, I drew on my personal journey and lessons and incorporated them as part of a Study Abroad Workshop Series for my Culture, Power, Equity and Influence class. Studying abroad was one of the most integral and transformative experiences of my life, and remains a top influencer in my life and actions today.

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