I studied abroad because…
I knew I wanted to study abroad ever since high school. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fully immerse oneself in another culture while having support from the universities as a student. I also knew it was an experience that would challenge me to grow!

One of my biggest challenges before studying abroad was…
definitely the pandemic. Everything was really up in the air – I wasn’t sure what the restrictions would be like, if the borders would close, or if the program itself would get canceled.

A typical meal I had while studying abroad was…
sandwiches and pastries! And I tried to eat a lot of fruit too.

My favorite spot in my host city was…
Grafton Street! It’s a busy shopping street but its one of my favorites because there was always live music. Also, they decorated the entire street with Christmas lights for the holidays, and it was truly magical!

One cool event I got to experience while abroad:
I got to visit my friend’s family in Donegal and it was one of the most beautiful places! We went to the beach, explored Letterkenny, and traveled to Derry for Halloween.

The most memorable experience for me while abroad…
going on a school trip to this adventure center in Connemara. We were surrounded by mountains and rivers and it was beautiful. We hiked, played in mud, kayaked, and made special friendships.

A habit I picked up while abroad:
Walking! And being more mindful of and reducing my food waste (my internship was with an organization that tackled food waste). I also almost held out my hand for the bus in Gainesville several times!

My most challenging experience while abroad was…
toward the end of my trip…feeling homesick and missing Gainesville! Something that really helped was being honest about my feelings and texting/calling my friends and family.

What surprised me most about study abroad was…
how easy it was to make friends! That was something I was most worried about but I ended up making amazing and lifelong friendships.

My last bit of advice:
Step out of your comfort zone! You’re in a new country, so it can seem super intimidating, but I promise it’s worth it!

I studied abroad because…
I [wanted to] experience different cultures, broaden my horizons, and develop an open mindset.

One of my biggest challenges before studying abroad was…
packing for a near three-month stay. The difficulty in getting a visa because of my international student status almost made me give up on this valuable experience.

A typical meal I had while studying abroad:
A standard Irish breakfast includes bacon, sausage, baked beans, eggs, mushrooms, roasted tomatoes, and maybe some boiled potatoes. The Guinness and apple cider there are also great. With food from all over the world in Dublin, the only problem for me [was] to decide which one to dine in.

My favorite spot in my host city was…
Howth. A double-decker bus ride of nearly an hour from the center of town takes you to the top of the Howth Hill, where a walk along the cliffs reveals the sea, flowers, and puppies. All the way to the town center, you can taste fish and chips and ice cream.

One cool event I got to experience while abroad was…
Bray Air Display Show. I saw the iconic and historic Lancaster, Spitfire, and Hurricane fly in formation. The spectacular Royal Jordanian Falcons aerobatic team return[ed] all the way from the West Asian Kingdom, too.

The most memorable experience for me while abroad:
I kiss[ed] the wall of a castle (it will bring luck as the people say).

A habit I picked up while abroad:
It is a very strange habit: eating protein bars. Because the best friend I know in Ireland is addicted to it.

My most challenging experience while abroad was…
balancing studies, internships, and travel. I set up lists for myself to remind me of when my assignments [were] due, and it’s important to plan ahead.

What surprised me most about study abroad was…
how much the Irish love to smoke, drink, and the fact that they built a plaza for President Obama.

My last bit of advice:
Don’t be afraid; everything will be easy after you take the first step.

I studied abroad because…
I have always wanted to since I was a kid. I really was interested in doing the internship in a foreign country and in further gaining cultural competency.

One of my biggest challenges before studying abroad was…
anxiety in being in a brand new country with people I didn’t know for three months.

A typical meal I had while studying abroad was…
croissant and tea for breakfast, fish and chips or Boojum (basically Chipotle) for lunch, and a sandwich or pizza for dinner.

My favorite spot in my host city was…
the botanical gardens. They were free to enter and had so many flowers and big parks.

One cool event I got to experience while abroad was…
the ‘Waitress’ musical while it was performing live in Dublin.

The most memorable experience for me while abroad was…
waking up at 7am to watch Ireland beat New Zealand in rugby and having everyone cheering very early in the morning.

A habit I picked up while abroad:
Saying “Heya!” when greeting people and smiling more to strangers

My most challenging experience while abroad was…
the homesickness at the end.

What surprised me most about study abroad was…
how much I loved it.

My last bit of advice:
I would say how much I enjoyed it and how good of a support structure you have from FIE, UF, and DBS and my friends.

I studied abroad because…
I wanted to…not only gain professional intern experience but also to immerse myself in another culture. I wanted to get outside my comfort zone and seek new experiences.

One of my biggest challenges before studying abroad was…
that I was forfeiting a summer worth of working and making money for another year of college. I made a decent amount of money the year before and thought it would be difficult to not make any money for the summer.

A typical meal I had while studying abroad:
If I went out, a typical breakfast was an Irish breakfast or pub food for lunch and dinner. However, there are many options in Ireland that are not pub food. When eating at home I usually had a pastry for breakfast and chicken/pizza/vegetables for lunch and dinner.

My favorite spot in my host city:
Smithfield was a great area to look for food and for shopping, and Camden Street was a great place to go out on the weekends. Also, St. Stephen’s Green Park was a really pretty area to walk around.

One cool event I got to experience while abroad:
The Euro was equal to the dollar while we were abroad, which was the first time in 20 years that had happened.

The most memorable experience for me while abroad was…
the very last night before the program ended, where almost everyone from our UF in Dublin program got together and went out to celebrate the last 10 weeks.

A habit I picked up while abroad was…
waking up earlier than I normally do. There was a lot of days where I didn’t get as much sleep as I wanted which in a way helped me get out of my habit of sleeping in at home.

My most challenging experience while abroad was…
making good use of my time. It is a great idea to plan ahead of certain places you would like to see abroad, or even directly in Ireland. By asking around, I got an idea of different places people were going and would jump in on trips whenever I could.

What surprised me most about study abroad:
The feeling of independence was so much different than I thought it would be – I never felt restricted by school/work and felt a lot more open to new experiences and ideas.

My last bit of advice:
If you even have a thought of studying abroad, do it. It was one of the best experiences of my life, and I would definitely do it again.

I studied abroad because…
I wanted to…experience a different culture/way of life, as well as to gain the ability to adjust to a different work culture from what I was used to.

One of my biggest challenges before studying abroad was…
that I didn’t have any type of social network/idea of how the program would go. No, I was very open to the idea although I had never travelled by myself before.

A typical meal I had while studying abroad:
Breakfast/lunch: An Irish breakfast is the best way to go, you can’t beat it. One of my personal favorite places to eat breakfast/lunch was a place called Third Space. They have incredibly good avocado toast and cajun chicken sandwiches.
Dinner: I love trying new foods so I attempted to try new places as much as I possibly could. The place I probably ate the most was the Irish version of Chipotle, which was called Boojum. The food was really good and the portion sizes were great for the price.

My favorite spot in my host city was…
along the River Liffey by Temple Bar. I also thought the little towns around Dublin like Howth and Dun Laoghaire were very fun and pretty.

One cool event I got to experience while abroad was…
the Summer Solstice celebration in Barcelona and the soccer games in Dublin.

The most memorable experience for me while abroad was…
going swimming/cliff jumping outside of Dublin with locals.

A habit I picked up while abroad:
I would have to plan out my day every day because I was always very busy. I enjoyed biking around Dublin on the city bikes and taking the train to different locations.

My most challenging experience while abroad:
I found balancing social life and work life to be slightly difficult. I needed to schedule out my day to handle this. I also found it difficult to talk with my family back home because of the time difference, but we would agree on a time once a week to call.

What surprised me most about study abroad was…
the difference in work and school culture to the US. Everything there was more open and you had more freedom with assignments and tasks to complete them how you wanted. The people in Ireland were also way more kind than I ever thought.

My last bit of advice:
Be open to trying new things and saying yes. You have the best experiences when things are not planned and you go with the spur of the moment.

I studied abroad because…
being an out-of-stater Gator, I’ve always embraced the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone. I chose to study abroad in order to expand on that idea and gain a better understanding of the world. I’ve been living in New Jersey my whole life before coming to UF, so I really wanted to challenge and push myself to see how I would be able to adapt to my new surroundings, navigate around a new city, and how that would help me grow both personally and professionally.

One of my biggest challenges before studying abroad was…
food. Being vegetarian with nut allergies isn’t the most favorable combination, and I was nervous about finding ways to deal with these challenges in a different country. If I had let these concerns come in the way of pursuing this amazing opportunity to study abroad, I would have never known that Europe is far more considerate and accommodating of vegetarians and people with allergies than America. It made me realize that people aren’t even aware of what they’re missing out on by not studying abroad!

A typical meal I had while studying abroad was…
a bagel with eggs and orange juice for breakfast almost everyday and…a lot of tofu fried rice!

My favorite spot in my host city was…
definitely Phoenix Park. When I went there for the first time, I saw these deer that were the most beautiful animals I had ever seen – they were so friendly and calm and didn’t flinch at all, even when I was less than one foot away from them. It was such a cool experience being that close to wild animals and the park itself was also very beautiful.

One cool event I got to experience while abroad was…
walking through a bog! It was basically a huge muddy wetland but it felt like I was walking on Jello – very weird but very cool!

The most memorable experience for me while abroad:
I was at my internship, and there was some musician practicing in the garage below our office, and my boss casually said “I think that’s Hozier.” I was just sitting there with my jaw dropped and eyes just wide open, and my boss noticed and told me that Hozier comes to the garage to practice sometimes, and all of his equipment is also stored there. It turns out that it wasn’t Hozier, but my boss took me to see his equipment, and it had his name and signature labeled all over it. It was so cool, and that’s definitely one of the most memorable experiences that I had in Dublin!

A habit I picked up while abroad:
Cooking and working out! I started cooking for myself a lot more in Dublin and also went to the apartment gym almost everyday. You can catch me at Student/SW Rec almost every day of the week now. 😉

My most challenging experience while abroad:
Being homesick was one of the most difficult challenges for me. I had never been away from home for that long and it was definitely not easy. I keep a “one line a day” journal and I found that having that time to journal at the end of the day and reflect on everything really helped me manage my homesickness – it reminded me that this is an experience I’ll be talking about for the rest of my life and I should enjoy every moment and really make the most out of it.

What surprised me most about study abroad was…
how quickly I got used to living in a different country! I thought it would take me the entire 10 weeks to get adjusted and definitely underestimated my ability to adapt. I ended up learning so much about myself that I never would’ve know if I hadn’t put myself in the situation where I had to deal with these challenges and go abroad.

My last bit of advice:
GO FOR IT! Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. It’s so important to put yourself in difficult and uncomfortable situations because that’s the only way you’ll be able to grow. That’s what I did, and that’s how I was able to make the most of my experience abroad, so don’t be afraid to go for it!

I studied abroad to…
experience a new culture and broaden my horizons while stepping out of my comfort zone.

One of my biggest challenges before studying abroad was…
I had never been outside of the US before so I didn’t know what to expect.

A typical meal I had while studying abroad:
I cooked for myself a lot during the week. I usually made chicken and rice or something easy like a frozen pizza.

My favorite spot in my host city:
Brazen Head restaurant was my favorite because they had good music at night, and it was a great place to hang out.

One cool event I got to experience while abroad was…
going to an Ireland national team soccer game. The atmosphere was unlike anything I had ever experienced.

The most memorable experience for me while abroad was…
taking a cruise through the canals in Amsterdam. It was beautiful, and I had so much fun with my friends.

A habit I picked up while abroad was…
walking everywhere. Dublin is a super walkable city, and Europeans love to walk everywhere they go.

My most challenging experience while abroad was…
to balance my internship and classes with all of the fun activities I wanted to do. I improved my time management skills to get all my work done and have tons of fun.

What surprised me most about study abroad was…
how easy and convenient public transportation was in Dublin. It is definitely the best way to get around.

My last bit of advice:
Try everything and have as many new experiences as possible. Studying abroad is a unique opportunity to do tons of things you’ve never done before.

I studied abroad because…
I wanted the chance to get to know a country beyond a vacation or holiday, and this was the perfect opportunity to do that!

One of my biggest challenges before studying abroad was…
the possibility of travel restrictions because of COVID but everyone was super helpful in keeping us updated!

A typical meal I had while studying abroad:
I usually cooked for myself in the mornings, but most professors give breaks during their classes and I would go to one of the cafes and get either a tea or a coffee!

My favorite spot in my host city:
I loved Piccadilly Circus! It reminds me a bit of New York City in its vibe, but it was my favorite spot in the city because there were always new places to uncover, whether it be a place to eat or a spot to just relax.

One cool event I got to experience while abroad:
We got to go to the Dune movie premiere! Being in London, there are always events to go to and things to experience – you just have to be on the lookout!

The most memorable experience for me while abroad:
We walked by a window in Amsterdam where a wedding was happening inside – not sure if it was the ceremony or the reception, but everyone inside turned and looked because it was dark and they could easily see us. Completely unintentional but we always laugh thinking about it!

A habit I picked up while abroad:
As cliché as it might sound, London really made me fall in love with tea and football (soccer)!

What I found most challenging while abroad:
One thing that took time getting used to was the idea that traffic comes from the other direction. What I’d usually do at first is wait for someone else to walk across, but after a few weeks, it was completely natural to look to the right to look for cars.

What surprised me most about study abroad…
how quickly I fell in love with London. Our group got to travel a bit, and while every place we visited was amazing, when we got off the tube at our station, there was always a sense of relief and familiarity.

My last bit of advice:
Do it! It may seem daunting to be in another place for a stretch of time, but I know that the four months I was abroad was the most exciting and rewarding time of my life! Getting to meet new people and get to know another way of living has been an opportunity I would never take back.

I studied abroad to…
challenge my own assumptions about similarities and differences that the U.S. and U.K. share, and I wanted to experience a way of life that was different from my own!

One of my biggest challenges before studying abroad:
Trying to figure out COVID restrictions leading up to the program felt daunting at times, but it all worked out in the end.

A typical meal I had while studying abroad:
I loved trying the diverse restaurants around the city, but grocery stores such as Sainsbury’s and Waitrose never failed to supply the best crumpets.

My favorite spot in my host city was…
a beautiful garden in Hyde Park, which was within walking distance from our accommodation. It was so peaceful to go there on my morning runs and watch the birds or stand by the river.

One cool event I got to experience while abroad:
I got the opportunity to go to a women’s Arsenal football game. It was really cool to watch the players and participate in the chants!

The most memorable experience for me while abroad:
My friends and I accidentally “crashed” a wedding while visiting Amsterdam. We were on the side of the road and walked by some windows. These windows were right behind where the bride and groom were sitting, so needless to say we made a lot of awkward eye contact with the other guests!

A habit I picked up while abroad:
We got used to walking everywhere and learning how to use the Underground (called ‘the Tube’). I loved living in a big city and being able to get to some of the most famous sights in London without even having to drive a car!

What I found most challenging while abroad:
It was easy to get homesick at times, especially after being away from friends and family for 3+ months. I made sure to find a balance of staying connected with people at home, while also getting out of my comfort zone and spending time with new people while abroad.

What surprised me most about study abroad:
I made a lot of British friends through the church group I joined while abroad and was surprised by some of the things we had in common. I still keep in touch with them and definitely want to come back to visit!

My last bit of advice:
Go in to your study abroad with an open mind and a kind heart! Be willing to meet new people and put yourself out there. Befriend the other students on your program because chances are, they might become some of your best friends!

I studied abroad because…
I wanted to be immersed in a new culture, get real world job experience while completing 9 credits towards my degree, travel to different countries, and have new adventures/experiences.

One of my biggest challenges before studying abroad was…
the visa process. I didn’t know I was going to London until the day of my flight. Just need remain calm, and everything usually works out!

A typical meal I had while studying abroad:
I would do a lot of grocery shopping at Sainsbury’s and make some of my own quick breakfast and dinners. I found Tesco/Sainsbury’s Meal Deals to be cost effective. I would also go out to dinner and tried a lot of restaurants/pubs around London and Kensington. I also found the street food and food at markets delicious, and they have so much variety.

My favorite spot in my host city:
Although we resided in Kensington, it was one of my favorite boroughs in London. I loved how it wasn’t as busy/touristy in Kensington as other parts of London, and you felt safe at all times walking around. I also enjoyed how Hyde Park was so close, one of my favorite spots in all of London (I would run there almost everyday)!

One cool event I got to experience while abroad:
I got to go to Wimbledon twice and queued in the line to get tickets. I also did a solo trip to Oxford and the White Cliffs of Dover. Highly recommend all of these events.

The most memorable experience for me while abroad:
I got pickpocketed at a club, and my phone with everything, including all my credit/debit cards, were stolen. This was definitely a memorable experience. Other than this, I would say my most memorable weekend was the Wales Weekend. Coasteering, hiking, and being with a big group of UF made this one of my favorite weekend’s.

A habit I picked up while abroad:
I became a lot more independent and would go on day trips by myself. Even if other people don’t want to see it, doesn’t mean you don’t. Just go! On another note, I would do a lot of running in London. I ran in Hyde Park almost every night.

My most challenging experience while abroad:
I found getting sick was the most difficult experience to deal with abroad. The healthcare system is a lot different in Europe, and it was challenging to know if I was going to the right doctor/hospital.

What surprised me most about study abroad:
The transportation system is phenomenal in London and all of Europe, so going solo and doing day trips is so easy.

My last bit of advice:
Be open-minded and take advantage of every moment! Get out of your comfort zone, do all the group activities, and when you have free time just explore and find a new adventure. Meet everyone on your program; you will make good friendships.

I studied abroad because…
I knew that I wanted to study abroad since I was in middle school. I’ve always wanted to travel as much as possible and knew that doing a semester abroad in college would be perfect for me. I chose my specific program because of its location, length, and internship opportunity. Being in London, a place I have always adored, for 12 weeks sounded like a fantasy for me. I loved the idea of being fully immersed in the culture during my time abroad. The chance to experience working life in London was too amazing to not pursue.

One of my biggest challenges before studying abroad was…
anxiety about making friends on my program. I’m not a business major, not in Greek life, and had no prior connections to anyone on my program before the trip. This fear combined with the financial commitment of the trip almost kept me from going abroad.

A typical meal I had while studying abroad was…
Tesco Meal Deals, Indian food, and local gelato spots.

My favorite spot in my host city was…
the West End. I saw a few musicals while I was there and had a lot of time to explore the area by myself and with my friends. The area is really energetic and full of fun bars, restaurants, and things to do.

One cool event I got to experience while abroad was…
going to see some of my favorite music artists in the city. I went to a meet and greet along with two concerts and had an amazing time at all of them.

The most memorable experience for me while abroad:
My weekends traveling to Prague and Amsterdam were some of the most chaotically exciting times of my life. Experiencing those cities was something I always wanted to do and they did not disappoint. These trips were also really good bonding experiences for my new friends and me.

A habit I picked up while abroad:
I continued my hobby of playing guitar while abroad, which was a really nice creative outlet to have during my time. I loved my new habits surrounding walking through South Kensington for errands, food, and exploring new areas in the neighborhood.

My most challenging experience while abroad:
I found that the pressure to always be social, extroverted, and making meaningful friendships to be difficult to deal with as time progressed. I knew before the trip that it was something I’d have to experience and I’m so glad I did. Eventually, I reached a spot where it became so normal that I felt comfortable, and now I find myself craving the abundance of convenient social opportunities that I had while abroad.

What surprised me most about study abroad:
I thought I would get more homesick, which never really happened for me. London has so much to offer that I would only miss home for brief periods of time.

My last bit of advice:
My advice would be to throw all your fears away and just do it. One of my favorite quotes applies well: “A ship in harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for.”

I studied abroad because…
I wanted to…different cultures and immerse myself in a different lifestyle across the world. I didn’t have any opportunity to travel and explore Europe, so it was always a major priority of mine to be able to study abroad in Europe during college.

One of my biggest challenges before studying abroad was…
preparing to leave my family and friends for three months during the summer. It was one of my biggest concerns but I do not regret my decision to study abroad.

A typical meal I had while studying abroad:
I would eat toast or fruit for breakfast typically, while for lunch and dinner, I would explore London’s markets and restaurants to eat. My favorite meals in London was Indian food.

My favorite spot in my host city was…
Notting Hill Gate. On the weekends the Portobello Road Market was amazing for exploring cool vintage clothing or jewelry as well as trying different foods.

One cool event I got to experience while abroad:
Attending the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee was an amazing once in a life time experience. This was the Queen’s 70th anniversary on the throne, celebrated with a 4-day weekend filled with events.

The strangest experience for me while abroad was…
getting used to speaking in British English and learning different terms. Specifically, I had to learn to adjust my vocabulary for words such as Band-Aid to plaster in order for people to understand what I was talking about.

A habit I picked up while abroad was…
running in Hyde Park on the weekends.

My most challenging experience while abroad:
I found adjusting to the European lifestyle the most difficult to deal with because it is so different from the American lifestyle. I managed this difficulty by giving myself time to observe and adjust to the culture and lifestyle of Londoners. I learnt how to be conscious of the environment more as well as learning how to manage the public transportation system.

What surprised me most about study abroad was…
the amount of opportunity to travel within Europe for a low budgeted cost.

My last bit of advice:
I would suggest to not like fear dictate your decision to study abroad. While abroad, be open to any opportunity while abroad because the most spontaneous decisions can result in life time memories.

I studied abroad to…
experience a new place and culture and work on my professional skills through the internship.

One of my biggest challenges before studying abroad:
I have anxiety, and I was really nervous about going somewhere new for three months without my closest friends. However, something that helped me was reaching out to some people that I knew were going on the trip.

A typical meal I had while studying abroad:
I would get Pret or Paul’s for breakfast almost daily. For lunch during the internship I would go to a falafel or Vietnamese restaurant with my co-workers. This ended up being the easiest way to bond with my co-workers and the other interns from London that I was working with. For dinner I would go to Dishoom, an Indian restaurant, or Dozo, a sushi place next to the flat. Lastly, for dessert my flatmates and I would go to Oddono’s gelato. They had the best gelato and it was down the street from the flat and very inexpensive!

My favorite spot in my host city:
I loved Hyde Park because of the peacefulness it offered from the hustle and bustle of the city. Some of my favorite memories are biking through the park or reading on a picnic blanket.

One cool event I got to experience while abroad:
I attended the Platinum Jubilee, and it was a once in a lifetime experience. My friends and I set up a picnic blanket and some snacks for lunch. It was a great moment to see the royal family and some British patriotism.

The most memorable experience for me while abroad:
This is not exactly strange, but one of my most memorable moments was deciding last minute to queue for Wimbledon tennis tickets. I found the concept of queuing for tickets interesting, and we got up at 6am to get in line. I have pictures of my friends and I sleeping on a picnic blanket for hours, waiting for the line to move. However, once we got into the stadium we were able to get front row seats on one of the smaller courts!

A habit I picked up while abroad:
While abroad I developed my sense of direction. Usually when people describe me, directionally challenged comes up. In fact, two summers ago when I was in NYC, I got lost on the subway and ended up in Queens instead of Soho. However, the Tube in London was very easy to master, and I found myself knowing how to get places without using Google Maps. One of my proudest moments was helping a tourist figure out if they were on the right train.

My most challenging experience while abroad was…
living without air-conditioning during one of the heatwaves. It definitely was one of the biggest culture shocks I experienced, and my roommates and I got two fans, which made it more bearable. However, it was an important aspect of acclimating, as the majority of people do not have an air conditioning unit.

What surprised me most about study abroad was…
how much I would love London and the friends that I made there in the program and through my internship. I still keep in touch with my co-workers and meet up with my friends from the UF in London program.

My last bit of advice:
My greatest advice would be to go for it. The UF in London program is a once in a lifetime experience. You’ll make new friends, travel to amazing places, eat great food, and learn new things.

I studied abroad to…
get the experience of living in a different country.

One of my biggest challenges before studying abroad:
The Covid pandemic almost kept me from studying abroad. I was unable to study abroad freshman or sophomore year because of Covid.

A typical meal I had while studying abroad:
On a typical day, I would eat a yogurt for breakfast, try a new restaurant near my internship for lunch, and then pick up something from the grocery store for dinner on my way home.

My favorite spot in my host city was…
Hyde Park. I enjoyed going there to take walks and sit outside and enjoy the weather.

One cool event I got to experience while abroad:
I studied abroad in Summer 2022, therefore, I was there for the Queen’s Jubilee. I think that this was really cool because it is not something that many people can say they’ve experienced.

The most memorable experience for me while abroad was…
going on the Wales weekend trip and going coasteering. This was really memorable for me because I would have never thought to do coasteering as an activity while abroad and it was really fun to do it with other UF students.

A habit I picked up while abroad was…
going on walks a lot to explore the city.

My most challenging experience while abroad:
Personally, I found it really difficult to stay in contact with friends and family. I don’t think I understood how difficult the time difference can be before I studied abroad. Because of the time difference, I realized that I had to schedule most of my calls with friends and family in advance to make sure that I could talk to them.

What surprised me most about study abroad was…
how natural it felt to live in London by the end of the program.

My last bit of advice:
My advice for other students would be to put yourself out there! It is so important to be open to new experiences and meeting new people to get the most out of the program.

I studied abroad because…
I wanted to further my experience and knowledge internationally. I was eager to explore different areas of our planet, and learn from the variety of cultures that I would immerse myself in.

One of my biggest challenges before studying abroad was…
being okay with leaving my family for the entirety of the summer. I help my mom a lot at home, so a wave of guilt came over me when I chose to go abroad for three months.

A typical meal I had while studying abroad:
I usually had coffee and sandwich for breakfast most mornings. Bagels and protein bars were also my other top choices.

My favorite spot in my host city:
Hyde Park was my safe place. Sitting in such a calm, joyful area helped me ground myself and relax when I was stressed or homesick. The beautiful nature trails filled with happy Londoners and many, many dogs would also cheer me up and make me appreciate the environment I was in.

One cool event I got to experience while abroad:
I went kayaking and coasteering in Wales on an organized trip from my program.

The most memorable experience for me while abroad:
I got to experience the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and see the royal family in person, which is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

A habit I picked up while abroad:
I went on a lot of long walks, and I picked up the habit of reading while on public transportation.

My most challenging experience while abroad was…
the fast pace of the program. It was easy to become overwhelmed by this, but going to my peers for guidance was very helpful and cultivated many strong friendships.

What surprised me most about study abroad was…
how different cultures are from our own, and how the American culture looks from an outside perspective.

My last bit of advice:
I encourage anyone who studies abroad to reach out to the other people on your program. You are all going through a massive transition together, so it is extremely helpful to lean on each other during the stressful moments and picking each other up when something might go wrong.

I studied abroad to…
pivot my career from Crime Scene Investigations to a business career in the beauty industry.

One of my biggest challenges before studying abroad:
Approximately two weeks prior to studying abroad, my grandfather had complications during a surgery and became very fragile. Unfortunately, he passed away. As if things couldn’t get any worse, the majority of my family contracted COVID, so we were all isolated during this difficult time. I contemplated not studying abroad because I did not want to leave my family, but they were all so supportive and did not want me to miss out on an opportunity of a lifetime. So, I went to London slightly heartbroken, but in a way, it helped me heal.

A typical meal I had while studying abroad:
I love cooking my own food, so I typically ate at home. For instance, a typical day looked something like this:
Breakfast: Oatmeal with a banana and fresh berries
Lunch: Homemade salad or chicken sandwich (occasionally I would pick up a coronation chicken sandwich from Waitrose)
Dinner: Chicken breast, sweet potato, and veggies (this is boring, but sometimes I’d do an Italian, Mexican, or Latin inspired meal)
Snack: I am guilty of stopping for many flat whites and almond croissants or any pastry actually!

My favorite spot in my host city:
I loved Richmond! It is a stunning tranquil residential district with beautiful places like Kew Gardens and Richmond Park. I always felt so safe and as if I was away from the busy city center of London without going too far.

One cool event I got to experience while abroad:
I actually had a French friend from my time in community college who was studying in London, so I was able to make many international friends via this friend (students from Sweden, Spain, Germany, Mongolia, and China). Best of all, through these introductions, I formed a great friendship with my “soul sister,” Ana from Sweden. We still keep in touch!

The strangest experience for me while abroad:
The strangest thing that happened to me while abroad happened at a coffee shop. I was having a coffee and getting some work done as a woman comes up to me asking for money or food. She positioned a paper in front of me with foreign handwriting and subtly took my phone from my lap. Thankfully, I had a second phone, but it was not a fun experience!

A habit I picked up while abroad:
I became very comfortable with exploring the city on my own, jogging around Hyde Park and Battersea Park, and simply sitting at parks and reading a book.

My most challenging experience while abroad:
I found it difficult to have two roommates simply because I had never truly experienced that before. However, communication was essential for us. We tried to kindly communicate when we wanted to be alone or have some quiet time or simply about daily room organization things such as cleaning the fridge or taking out the trash.

What surprised me most about study abroad was…
how quickly I became comfortable about commuting in the city and travelling on the weekends via train, coach bus, or flight. I feel that it was because of the ease of travel; traveling is just so much more convenient and affordable while abroad.

My last bit of advice:
Studying abroad is really a life-changing experience – you will grow so much personally, academically, and professionally. Don’t be scared, just go out there with an open mind and be very present!

I studied abroad because…
I have always wanted to travel and have had a passion for learning about new cultures. I picked Madrid specifically because I had taken Spanish for eight years and wanted to go somewhere where I knew the language and could perfect it.

One of my biggest challenges before studying abroad:
I was really nervous before leaving to Madrid because I didn’t know anyone on the program, and this was the first time I was traveling internationally by myself. However, I was more excited than nervous so that helped calm my nerves a little.

A typical meal I had while studying abroad:
I tried to cook as much as possible (making easy things like eggs, pasta, sandwiches), but I did eat out a decent amount. A typical breakfast for me looked like either a croissant and a coffee or a Spanish tortilla. There are a ton of amazing restaurants in Madrid, and most of them are tapas style for lunch and dinner, which basically means that you share a bunch of small plates with your friends. I ate a variety of cuisines while I was abroad ranging from Italian to Japanese to Indian and even at some Michelin star restaurants!

My favorite spot in my host city was…
Parque del Retiro! It’s a famous large park in Madrid that is perfect to go hang out with friends, have a snack, or just to chill during the day.

One cool event I got to experience while abroad was…
the San Fermin Festival where I got to see the bulls run in Pamplona!

The most memorable experience for me while abroad was…
travel[ing] to Morocco where I rode a camel!

A habit I picked up while abroad was…
napping! I was never able to nap before this summer but in Spain, the days are so long that the only way to make it through is to nap!

My most challenging experience while abroad was…
that everything moved so fast. We had class every morning, tried to explore as much of Madrid during the rest of the days and nights, and on the weekends, most of us would travel, so it felt like nonstop. I managed this because I would tell myself that I was only there for two months and have no idea when I would have the opportunity to return so to make the most of my time there!

What surprised me most about study abroad:
Since my study abroad program was only two months, I was surprised that I made such incredible close friendships in such a short time.

My last bit of advice:
Study abroad was the best experience of my life, and I cannot recommend it enough!

I studied abroad to…
learn more about culture in Spain and Europe and practice my Spanish.

One of my biggest challenges before studying abroad was…
trying to fit study abroad into my school schedule. Because I am in the process of becoming a dual degree student, I thought I’d be behind but study abroad ended up getting me ahead in my studies.

A typical meal I had while studying abroad:
Tostada con jamón y tomate and café con leche for breakfast; bocadillo de jamón any time of day

My favorite spot in my host city:
I loved a restaurant called Santa Canela in my neighborhood of Chamberí. The patio was always packed with people talking and eating, and they had my favorite patatas bravas and torreznos.

One cool event I got to experience while abroad:
When I was in Alicante, Spain, I went on the tram an hour north to a town called El Campello to see their annual Fiesta de La Virgen del Carmen, which is a fisherman’s festival where they had fireworks and a concert at midnight.

The most memorable experience for me while abroad:
The first day I got to Madrid, I realized how hard some of the old apartment doors are to open. I was stuck inside of my apartment for 20 minutes because I had no idea how to open the door to leave.

A habit I picked up while abroad was…
eating olives. Everywhere you go in Spain, olives are served at the table. Even though I had loved olives already, now that I’m home, I am always eating olives as a snack.

My most challenging experience while abroad was…
the heat in Madrid. I had no AC in my apartment, and the temperature was usually around 100 degrees. I overcame this by spending more time outside my apartment, which allowed me to see the city more and go to plenty of coffee shops to study.

What surprised me most about study abroad was…
how different the lifestyle in Spain is versus the United States. Restaurant patios in Madrid are full even on week nights because people value hanging out with friends and family after school and work. I was also surprised at how long the a summer day is in Madrid, as the sun would not set until around 9:50pm.

My last bit of advice:
Study abroad is definitely my favorite experience in college and if you have any doubts such as money and scheduling conflicts, solutions can be found through scholarships and meetings with advisors/IPSAs.

I studied abroad to…
get out of my comfort zone and experience a new culture and way of living. I felt as though I hadn’t grown drastically as an individual since starting college, and I knew studying abroad would challenge me to try new things and learn more about myself!

One of my biggest challenges before studying abroad:
I almost didn’t study abroad because it seemed like such a daunting endeavor to take on my own. I think I struggled the most with the fear of living across the globe for 2+ months and getting out of my normal routine

A typical meal I had while studying abroad was…
a tortilla de patata, which is a Spanish omelette/tortilla that’s made with eggs and potatoes, and sometimes onion (which – fun fact – is very controversial!).

My favorite spot in my host city was…
hands down Retiro Park! I love how big it is and that you can find a spot to do anything you’d like. If you want to read you can find a shady spot in the grass, if you want to hang out with friends you can bring a big blanket and have a picnic near the gazebo, or you can take a small kayaking boat out in the pond the park offers. Basically, there’s something for everyone and it’s an excellent way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city life. Plus, there’s public restrooms which, unfortunately, can be hard to come by in Madrid.

One cool event I got to experience while abroad was…
my first ever flamenco show in Madrid! It was during my first month there, and it was so surreal and exciting to watch. The action and passion involved in the entire performance was exceptional. I would definitely recommend a flamenco show in either Madrid or preferably Sevilla to anyone who visits Spain.

The most memorable experience for me while abroad was…
doing a cooking class with other students from my Spanish university. It was so cool to finally learn how to make some of the delicious food I had been eating the past two months. Moreover, it helped me practice my Spanish – especially my culinary vocab!

A habit I picked up while abroad:
I started eating my meals (specifically dinner) a lot later than I normally did in the past. In Spain, it’s common to eat lunch around 2-3pm, and dinner only starts around 9-10pm. This was definitely an adjustment at first but after about a week, I was in the groove of eating later in the day and came to enjoy it. Additionally, a habit I picked up was ALWAYS making sure I had my phone and other personal belongings on me and preferably in a zipper so that I wouldn’t be pickpocketed on the street or while using public transportation.

My most challenging experience while abroad was…
the heat during the summer. I had grown accustomed to air conditioning and was not prepared for the heat waves that swept through Europe throughout most of the summer. While there were definitely some difficult and hot times while in my apartment and in Spain in general, my roommates and I tried to make the best out of it. We all bought small fans to use while we were home, kept the windows and balcony door open most of the days, and avoided using the oven and stove during the hottest parts of the day. In the end we all survived and came to appreciate air conditioning and temperatures under 90 degrees a whole lot more.

What surprised me most about study abroad was…
how much I enjoyed my time in Spain. I remember before leaving for Madrid I was thinking to myself that I would only be there for two months, and it would be over before I know it. Fast forward to the end of my study abroad, and I didn’t want to leave! I couldn’t believe how well I had adapted to my life in Spain and managed my challenges so well.

My last bit of advice:
I would definitely recommend researching which country/city you want to visit beforehand if you’re unsure. Once you’ve decided where you want to study abroad, it’s best to reach out to past students (or IPSAs!) who also studied in that city to give your advice and get your excited about your new home. Most importantly, I would advise [you] to take their study abroad day by day and not feel pressured to make it perfect.

I studied abroad to…
get to experience what it was like to live, study and work in another country. Also, I wanted to immerse myself into another culture and learn how to appreciate it.

One of my biggest challenges before studying abroad was…
to get my finances in order. I was depending a lot on financial aid, but since it doesn’t get applied until after you’re already abroad, it was difficult to spend a lot at first before it was applied.

A typical meal I had while studying abroad was…
bocadillo de calamares, tortilla española.

My favorite spot in my host city was…
Plaza de Callao. It was right in the middle of the city center, so it was always busy. It was also where I would go almost every day to take the metro, and I just ended up feeling comfortable there.

One cool event I got to experience while abroad:
I got to go to Pamplona and watch the Running of the Bulls.

The most memorable experience for me while abroad:
The bus I was riding in hit a pedestrian.

A habit I picked up while abroad was…
spending more time outside, like parks and public places, rather than inside. Also, walking, which I used to avoid the most I could, is now something I appreciate more.

My most challenging experience while abroad:
Culture shock was definitely something I struggled with, like how to greet people, the normal eating times and other simple things that you wouldn’t think are that different in other places.

What surprised me most about study abroad:
I had heard a lot of people with bad experiences with Spanish people/culture, but after my experience, I was surprised that it was the complete opposite of what I had heard.

My last bit of advice:
I think that at first, it’s always scary to go somewhere different and alone, but at the end of it you’ll be glad you went.

I studied abroad because…
I have always been interested in immersing myself in another culture and lifestyle. Studying abroad would also allow me to immerse myself in the language that I had been self-studying. Ultimately, I wanted an experience that would help me learn more about culture and language first-hand.

One of my biggest challenges before studying abroad was…
budgeting and making sure the program would be affordable for me. Although, the concern did not heavily affect me since I utilized the scholarships made available to UF students.

A typical meal I had while studying abroad:
I probably had two meals more often than I should have: crepes with Nutella and honey and tacos. Almost every morning, I would make myself crepes or pancakes for breakfast and replace my usual syrup with Nutella and honey. As for lunch, I often made myself tacos or got them from a popular taco chain in Madrid.

My favorite spot in my host city was…
Retiro Park. It is a beautiful and expansive park that holds history and wonderful architecture. I liked it because there were various events held there, a lake to canoe in, special spaces to explore, and restaurants within and around the park. Going to that park alone could be a one-day trip, but that day would be worth it to me.

One cool event I got to experience while abroad:
In Madrid, during the summer, the sun sets around 9:30pm. I loved getting to stay out until that time and seeing the sunset after being outside for the whole day. It almost felt like the sun was setting with my routine.

The most memorable experience for me while abroad was…
graduation day. After graduation, I had to say goodbye to friends and professors I met over the summer with the idea that one day I would return. Not wanting the day to end, some friends and I went to get boba and talk. It is actually nice knowing that I met and befriended so many genuine people over that summer.

A habit I picked up while abroad:
Unusually, I started to cook at home a lot more while studying abroad, and now I experiment with food more. I also walk even more than I used to; my appreciation for natural beauty has grown so much more, so I want to explore my outside surroundings more.

My most challenging experience while abroad:
Since I was at a higher beginner level of Spanish when I started studying abroad, I would always get nervous when I needed to speak to a native Spanish speaker. However, I improved my speaking and comprehension skills with constant practice during and outside of these encounters. Eventually, whenever I spoke to a native Spanish speaker, I left with more confidence. Even if I did not do everything perfectly, the fact that I understood the context or could carry a conversation pushed me to try even harder for the next time.

What surprised me most about study abroad was…
how similar people are in Madrid and the United States. While there are (of course) some fundamental and cultural differences, I felt like people – in the end – all acted and treated me the same way.

My last bit of advice:
The experience will often seem more daunting in the beginning. But before you know it, you have become comfortable and start to have the time of your life. And do not be afraid to ask for help. There are so many resources available to you through UF and the host schools. Take advantage of them.

I studied abroad to…
have a new experience outside of the States. I wanted to learn what it was like to live in a brand new setting and what is was like to have to adapt through a language and cultural barrier.

One of my biggest challenges before studying abroad:
The language and then the cultural barriers were the biggest two obstacles. I am not a native Spanish speaker so being in Madrid, there was a lot I had to learn and deal with when I was there.

A typical meal I had while studying abroad was…
TAPAS! Tapas in Spain are super big and cheap. We would go out all the time at night and practically lived off of tapas.

My favorite spot in my host city was…
a super big park called Retiro. It was beautiful and was the biggest park I’ve ever been to. There’s a lake in the middle, they played concerts at night, and people also danced throughout it. It was unlike anything I’ve ever seen.

One cool event I got to experience while abroad:
Traveling was my favorite thing to do. Going to new countries every weekend was an unreal experience.

The most memorable experience for me while abroad was…
when I was in Morocco. That entire experience was strange, memorable, amazing, and so many more. I will never forget my trip there. In Spain (my host country), however, it would be walking though the back streets and thrift shopping with locals.

A habit I picked up while abroad:
I learned how to manage my time, money, and life in new ways through using my tools around me to be a clear and organized person.

My most challenging experience while abroad:
The language barrier was a huge scare and issue for me at first. I was not confident to talk to people, and I worked through it by making myself uncomfortable and forcing myself to talk as much as possible.

What surprised me most about study abroad was…
how easily I adapted to everything. Within a week of being there, I felt that I belonged and could live there for the rest of my life!

My last bit of advice:
If [you] are on the fence about going, …just do it! I had nobody with me when I went, and I was very on the fence at first, but I know now it was the best decision of my life. Because of it, I am now an IPSA and want to give every student a chance to go abroad if they are interested, or to spread the word if they don’t know about it.

I studied abroad to…
Step outside of my “normal” routine and experience life from a new perspective.

One of my biggest challenges before studying abroad was…
Meeting the other people in my program.

A typical meal I had while studying abroad was…
I’m not a huge fan of seafood so I tried to cook a lot in my apartment. I LOVE the Spanish tortilla for breakfast so I would usually get that in a sandwich or a croissant and a cafe con leche. For lunch and dinner, I would try to find a new restaurant to eat at every time if I wasn’t cooking. I ended up falling in love with tapas toward the end of my trip.

My favorite spot in my host city…
I absolutely loved the neighborhood I lived in, La Latina. There was so much to do & see – most notably the Sunday market called El Rastro. There were always cute coffee shops and restaurants and it felt like its own city within the city.

One cool event I got to experience while abroad…
The Pride festival in Madrid was a unique experience that I had abroad. The whole city celebrated the LGBTQ+ community for a week and there were cool events on each day. You would see people on the streets at all hours of the night having fun and during the day there were street concerts everywhere. Roads are blocked everywhere; buses have to take alternative routes – it was super cool to see everyone come together.

The most memorable experience for me abroad…
In the last 10 days of my time abroad, my friend from the program and I traveled to 4 different countries. We did this on a BUDGET and therefore had a lot of obstacles to overcome. In fact, one of my favorite memories from the trip was the product of a bus cancellation from Milan to Geneva. We had to take a rideshare to a different city in Switzerland instead and ended up seeing so much more of Switzerland than we had planned.

A habit I picked up while abroad:
Using public transportation and walking everywhere!

My most challenging experience while abroad was…
I think the most challenging part of studying abroad in such a short time was balancing exploring, school, food, being in a new city, traveling, etc. I really had to prioritize certain things for myself in order to get what I really wanted out of the experience.

What surprised me most about study abroad was…
How applicable what I learned in one summer was to the rest of my life. I didn’t expect to gain so much confidence in myself.

My last bit of advice:
If you can, set aside some time to journal about any unique experiences. Even if it’s a quick note in your phone. There’s nothing like reminiscing on the beautiful memories you made, and you’ll be surprised how easy it is to forget the small but magical details.

I studied abroad to…
reconnect with my Hispanic roots and test my abilities to thrive in a new, unknown setting.

One of my biggest challenges before studying abroad was…
finding financial freedom.

A typical meal I had while studying abroad was…
tortilla española (for breakfast, lunch, and dinner)!

My favorite spot in my host city was…
the cafe down the street from my apartment called La Terraza, it always had the best specials, always fresh, and my roommates and I were always treated so well!

One cool event I got to experience while abroad:
On a random weekend my friends and I traveled to Bilbao, we ended up being there at the same time as their Carnaval weekend, so we could go to the fairs and see everyone in the city dressed up in costumes in mid-February!

The most memorable experience for me while abroad:
On a weekend trip to Milan, I met a group of friends from Prague. We stayed in touch that weekend and explored the city together. Later that summer, I connected them with my friends from UF studying abroad in Prague, and they became best friends this summer!

A habit I picked up while abroad:
I go on walks every day and make it a point to find new routes/scenery.

My most challenging experience while abroad was…
to put myself out there and to start feeling more comfortable doing things alone. Whether this meant going to the grocery store or taking the metro alone, I slowly exposed myself and trusted my ability to navigate this new city alone.

What surprised me most about study abroad was…
how long a semester seems before going, and how short it feels looking back.

My last bit of advice:
Take advantage of every second and opportunity! Everything is a learning experience, and studying abroad is such a unique time in life. Every decision can have a huge impact on the rest of your life.

I studied abroad because…
I knew that this would be the one time in my life where I could move to a different continent for six months and fully engage myself in a completely different culture and way of life. I had done a two week program in Salamanca during the summer going into my senior year in high school. After that experience, I fell in love with the European lifestyle and knew that I definitely wanted to study abroad for a full semester sometime during college. I chose to study in Spain because my family is Cuban so I grew up within a Hispanic household. However, my Spanish was not perfect, and I wanted to improve it not only to be able to communicate with my other family members but also to have an advantage when applying for jobs in Miami. I could proudly say that my Spanish improved significantly within the five months that I was abroad. Having to speak it on a day to day basis was the best way for me to gain confidence and learn to love the language my family speaks.

One of my biggest challenges before studying abroad was…
honestly the fear of it going by too fast. Like I said previously, I knew I wanted to study abroad since high school. Before I even got on the plane to Madrid, I knew it was going to be the best semester of my life. I was so excited and happy to leave, unlike some of my peers who were scared and nervous. There was not anything that kept me from studying abroad, and I was fully ready for the experience. My biggest challenge was accepting that the experience was going to end at one point.

A typical meal I had while studying abroad:
I love Spanish food, especially the tapas. More than once a week we would go out to eat and have an assortment of croquetas, patatas bravas, and jamón serrano con queso.

My favorite spot in my host city was…
Parque del Retiro. This park is in the heart of Madrid and is one of the most beautiful sites to visit. It is very big, with so much greenery and flowers. I am an active person and love to run and would spend at least two hours there three times a week. When I needed a break or felt stressed/overwhelmed, I would run and walk through the park and felt at ease again.

One cool event I got to experience while abroad was…
the championship of La Liga tournament. La Liga is a soccer league where all the teams in Spain play each other. I grew up playing soccer and so one of the things on my to do list abroad was to go to a Real Madrid game. My roommates and I were able to get tickets to this game, and it was incredible. The love that the people from Madrid have for this sport and the Real Madrid team is so evident. After Real Madrid won the game, the entire city was in celebration and paraded through all of Madrid. This was one of the coolest events I had ever been to.

The most memorable experience for me while abroad:
when we stayed in a hostel in Valencia.

A habit I picked up while abroad was…
walking. In Madrid, I would have over 15k steps every single day. We would walk to class, to eat, and to see our friends. I have tried to incorporate more walks in my routine here. I also have begun to listen to more Spanish music and European music artists. While I am driving, working out, or even studying I am usually listening to a Madrid playlist my roommate created on Spotify.

My most challenging experience while abroad was…
having so many things I wanted to do, but being limited by time and the people I was doing these things with. As everyone knows, abroad is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I was a bit overwhelmed with the amount of places we wanted to travel to. However, we ended up compromising and each of us picked a place that we really wanted to go to, and we worked from there. Every place we visited was incredible, and it is impossible to see everything in Europe. However, being able to travel as much as we did showed me that in my future, I want to invest most of my money and time in traveling the world.

What surprised me most about study abroad was…
how close I became to the other students in our UF in Madrid program. I thought that I was most probably going to meet a group of friends from all over the world, not from Gainesville. However, I am so happy it worked out this way because now these people are some of my closest friends. Traveling and living in a foreign country really makes or breaks relationships, and Madrid made our friendships even stronger. I am forever grateful for the friend group and memories I made abroad.

My last bit of advice:
I would advise [you] to trust [your] gut and take the risk. As much as [you] are scared of the unknown and living in a foreign country, it will be one of the most life changing experiences. A semester abroad will truly teach you more about yourself and what you want for your future. It will give you so much perspective on how big the world is and what is really important in life. When else in our lives will we be able to pack up and live in a different country for six months? For the most part, probably not ever again. So take the risk and go abroad because you will not regret it.

I studied abroad to…
gain experience in sales and marketing. Also, I wanted to learn more about Korean culture.

One of my biggest challenges before studying abroad was…
figuring out how to finance the trip.

A typical meal I had while studying abroad:
For dinner, I typically ate Korean BBQ. Afterward, I would eat Bingsu, a Korean-style dessert.

My favorite spot in my host city was…
Hongdae. It is a very lively area and a great spot to meet local people around your age.

One cool event I got to experience while abroad:
When studying abroad, I accidentally met a K-pop idol from one of the groups that I listen to.

The most memorable experience for me while abroad was…
the people I met. I think that I formed some long-lasting friendships while being in Korea.

A habit I picked up while abroad was…
brushing my teeth after lunch. In Korea, it was very normal to see many people lined up in the bathroom after lunch to brush their teeth.

My most challenging experience while abroad was…
the language barrier. There were many times when I wished I knew the language because miscommunication happened. However, I was able to overcome this a little bit by learning basic phrases from my Korean friends.

What surprised me most about study abroad was…
how friendly and willing to help everyone was there. Anytime I was struggling or needed help with anything, someone was always there to help me out.

My last bit of advice:
My biggest advice would be to go in with an open mind, explore as much as you can when you arrive, and do your research beforehand.

Why I studied abroad:
I hadn’t initially planned to study abroad, but once I spoke with other students about how life-changing and fun their experiences were, I realized that I would have regretted it had I not done it.

One of my biggest challenges before studying abroad:
Before studying abroad, I had never been away from my family for more than a few weeks at a time, so the idea of being 7,500 miles apart for two months gave me a lot of pause about going. But after talking to them about it and seeing how supportive they were, I felt confident that going abroad was the right decision.

A typical meal I had while studying abroad:
I tried countless amounts of new food while I was abroad, but nothing could compare to jjajangmyeon, a traditional Korean noodle dish that is covered with a black bean sauce; it’s super delicious and I ate it at least once a week!

My favorite spot in my host city was…
the Han River. It’s huge and it cuts right through the middle of the city, so it was a great spot to have a picnic dinner with friends, listen to live music performances, and to watch light shows on the bridges at nighttime, and the river itself is a beautiful place to take a walk or go for a bike ride. There’s always something to do there!

One cool event I got to experience while abroad:
Korea is very popular globally for K-pop, and something neat that I got to experience was the annual K-pop Dream Concert, where I saw 26 different K-pop groups perform! That was a dream come true and really amazing timing for me that it lined up with my program.

The most memorable experience for me while abroad:
When I was in the Incheon International Airport, I was in the same security terminal as a K-pop group, so there were paparazzi taking lots of pictures while I was struggling to carry all of my luggage. Definitely a memorable and super cool experience!

A habit I picked up while abroad:
In my office building in Korea, we always took our shoes off and left them outside before we entered the building, so now, I still instinctively want to take my shoes off before I walk into my apartment!

My most challenging experience while abroad:
It was very easy at times for me to feel overwhelmed since I am not fluent in Korean, especially if I had to order or speak to someone to buy something. But the way I overcame those feelings was to have patience with myself and challenge myself to try anyways, because all the locals were very kind to me.

What surprised me most about study abroad:
I never expected to make as many friends and connections as I did, and the people I met were definitely one of the most amazing parts of the experience!

My last bit of advice:
Don’t be afraid to study abroad! Even if you are unsure if you want to/what program you might like to do, I encourage you to look into as many as possible! There’s definitely going to be one that will resonate with you, and it will be one of the highlights of your college experience.

Alejandro Benavides

Pronouns: He/Him
Hometown: La Paz, Bolivia
Major: Business Administration – General Studies (International Studies)
Exchange: Aarhus School of Business & Social Sciences (Aarhus, Denmark)
Term Abroad: Spring 2022
Specialty: Traveling, cultural topics
Takeaway: The people I met – they were wonderful, and they made my experience much better.

Ginny Dezern

Major/Minors: Marketing/Environmental Science & Leadership
Takeaway: Every situation presented to you is an opportunity to grow! Although my summer was far different than I thought it would be, I still was able to meet great people and learn about their lives and culture!

Lauren Fiori - UF in London

Term Abroad: Spring 2020
Major/Minor: Finance/Real Estate
Specialty: Planning weekend trips, UK culture, and shopping!
Takeaway: Studying abroad, even with the unprecedented pandemic, was the best experience of my life. Adapting to a new culture and stepping out of my comfort zone helped me gain a better understanding of myself and the world around me!

Julia La Neve (VP External Affairs - 2021-2022)

Term Abroad: Spring 2020
Major: Marketing
Specialty: Weekend trips, restaurants/food
Takeaway: My biggest takeaway was becoming independent. Studying abroad pushed me far out of my comfort zones. When you find yourself in an unfamiliar place, you’re forced to make new friends, face challenges, and explore. I built confidence and that will stick with me for the rest of my life.

Sarah Pollock - UF in London

Term Abroad: Spring 2020
Major/Minor: Information Systems/Sustainability Studies
Specialty: Restaurants/food, planning trips and itineraries, traveling on a budget
Takeaway: My study abroad experience made me a lot more independent, resourceful, and confident in myself than ever before. It taught me a lot of really essential life skills like how to problem solve, communicate, make friends, navigate, plan things for myself, and budget. I also learned that your experience will be exactly what you make of it, and a positive, adaptable, and even spontaneous mindset even in difficulties can make a huge difference in how you perceive your own time abroad.

Omar Howard - UF in London & UF in Madrid

Terms Abroad: Spring 2020 & Spring 2018
Major/Minor: Public Relations/Spanish
Specialty: Traveling on a budget, meeting locals, hip cafés and restaurants
Takeaway: My biggest takeaway from my time abroad is to travel more and learn more. That is how the world becomes more interconnected and understanding; by traveling to other countries, learning their customs, and accepting what differences there may be, we are able to grow and become more open-minded.

Isabel Espinal - UF in Madrid

Term Abroad: Spring 2020
Major/Minor: Business Administration – General Studies/Entrepreneurship
Specialty: Cultural events and meeting locals.
Takeaway: My biggest take-away was the people I met and the places I visited.

Sandra Markovic - Exchange (Hochschule Osnabrück – University of Applied Sciences)

Major: Information Systems
Specialty: Traveling on a budget, cute cafés
Takeaway: It was such a great and an unforgettable experience that challenged me on so many levels but also helped me immensely become a more mature and independent person. I improved my German, met some great friends from all over the world, did an internship, and all of these during a global pandemic.

Sydney Patterson (External Affairs Co-Chair - 2021-2022)

Terms Abroad: Spring 2020 (Business Exchange at Hochschule Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences), Fall 2019 (CALS Exchange at Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms Universität Bonn), & Summer 2019 (UF in Vietnam)
Major/Minors: International Studies (Europe)/Business Administration, Spanish, & German
Specialty: Learning a new language, meeting locals and budget travel, especially when it comes to travel points.
Takeaway: My biggest take away from my study abroad experience is that people, even though they make come from drastically different cultures and societies, are more similar than you think.