IES Abroad Ambassadors Reflect on Their Personal Growth From Studying Abroad

Julia Masur
IES Abroad European Union, Summer 2017
University of Puget Sound

"Studying abroad taught me how to be independent and confident. I did so many things while studying abroad that I would never have considered doing back home, like flying to a foreign country for the weekend, trying all kinds of new foods, attempting to learn a new language, and putting myself out there to make friends with a bunch of strangers who quickly became a huge part of my life."

Alex Hughes
IES Abroad Buenos Aires, Spring 2016
Bentley University

"I had a chance to go through experiences that most will only dream about. I feel much more prepared to take on the world knowing that I can handle anything that life throws at me (even losing a passport)!"

Alexandra Adamis
IES Abroad Arles, Summer 2017
Northwestern University

"Going into a new country that speaks a foreign language without knowing a soul was scary, but that challenging environment really pushed me to be adaptable, accepting, and constantly ready to learn."

Beatriz Cavalcante
IES Abroad Barcelona, Spring 2017
Hofstra University

"Although I made amazing friends during my time abroad, I also learned that I am enough. I learned to love spending time with myself, and learning more about myself. I was presented with situations that only I could deal with. I had to challenge myself to overcome those situations."

Read more about Beatriz’s experience studying abroad in Barcelona on her IES Abroad Blog.

Maura O’Brien
IES Abroad Salamanca, Summer 2017
Penn State University

"I am thankful for studying abroad for teaching me that saying ‘yes’ is the best thing you can do for yourself. By saying ‘yes’ to a summer away from friends and family, and ‘yes’ to studying abroad in Salamanca, Spain, I discovered my passions and made lasting friendships. Since coming back to Penn State in the fall, I have picked up a Spanish major, and still keep in contact with my friends from my IES Abroad program. I am so thankful that I said ‘yes’ to what initially seemed like a daunting three months away from home, because study abroad gave me many gifts I will carry with me for life."

Gregory Burton
IES Abroad Rabat, Summer 2017
University of South Carolina

"Study abroad offers a terrific opportunity to learn how to get comfortable being uncomfortable. It has made me infinitely more comfortable in new situations, and has given me invaluable personal skills. From communication to confidence, study abroad’s impact cannot be understated."

Seena Diong
IES Abroad Amsterdam, Spring 2017
Macalester College

"Study abroad affected my independence and willingness to take risks. Being in a new and exciting setting taught me to step out of comfort zone and be willing to try everything. I don’t think I’ve said, ‘yes’ to so many things before in my life."

Sheron Mathew
IES Abroad Santiago, Fall 2016
Wofford College

"Studying abroad in Santiago has allowed for me to grow personally by teaching me to slow down. It taught me that this life we have does not need to be rushed; that overly ‘scheduling’ will make us blind to our surroundings. Being abroad has re-taught me to breathe, breathe at a time when life as an undergraduate had become weary and almost suffocating at times. Whether it was stopping to look around as I commuted among 8 million people in Santiago, or buying a plane ticket to the desert of San Pedro de Atacama without a clear cut plan."

Read more about Sheron’s experience studying abroad in Santiago on his IES Abroad Blog.

Allie Maniglia
IES Abroad London, Spring 2017
Penn State University

"My study abroad experience really taught me that it's okay to be independent and do things on my own at times. It's really hard at first to be okay with doing things on your own, but I realized that there were experiences I didn't want to miss out on, and I needed to do them even if my friends didn't want to, as well."

Dan Ng
IES Abroad Madrid, Spring 2017
Penn State University

"Academically and personally, I was introduced to my passions. Whether it was becoming addicted to absorbing Spanish colloquialisms, to realizing how much I need and thrive off of a challenge, studying abroad in Madrid allowed me to grow. These are realizations are some things that I will carry with me long after my student visa expires."