Education Abroad Bloggers
Education abroad bloggers are students, travelers, and international education enthusiasts who share their experiences of studying in foreign countries. Through their stories and insights, they offer a glimpse into university life, cultural experiences, travel, and the challenges and rewards of living abroad.
Check out a few stories and insights from past participants below!
Autumn Smith - CSN in Costa Rica
“Whatever makes you uncomfortable is your biggest opportunity for growth.”
-Bryant H. McGill
This quote from a 2018 tweet written by Bryant McGill is something I have now learned to live by after my first experience of studying abroad. Traveling is unquestionably beneficial for neglecting current complications in life, as well as any frustrations and dismay. However, leaving your comfort zone may give rise to latent matter. For instance, I realized that the pampered life I have lived has held me back from trying unaccustomed activities. At the beginning of the trip, I was very hesitant to try any new food. I am a highly picky eater, as I am a vegetarian that dislikes vegetables. The faculty was extremely accommodating despite my burdensome diet, and I was grateful for that. Nevertheless, there were points where I was challenged with my diet, and it was mandatory for me to eat something that was personally unusual. Not only did I frustrate my group with my demanding diet, but I also frustrated myself. Before entering Costa Rica, I did not know that quesadillas with shredded cheese are a highly uncommon dish in the country. Every time that I ordered a cheese quesadilla (which was never on the menu), they were baffled, and it took them a bit of time to fabricate. One restaurant handed me a quesadilla with vegetables inside. My classmates could tell that I did not want to try it, but feeling remorsefulness, I attempted to eat the quesadilla. I came to realize that it genuinely tasted excellent, and my whole life I have been holding myself back. Additionally, I have now recognized that I have been underestimating myself my entire life. Blood, sweat, and tears were shed on this trip, and I had to adapt to the new environment all while keeping my head up. I felt defeated during various points in times on the trip, especially on strenuous hikes. Regardless of the defeated feeling I held, I pushed myself past my limits and I reached the end of each brawl. At the end, I was filled with exuberance. I now know that I can do anything if I put myself to it. Leaving my comfort zone has resulted in flexibility, well rounding, and new viewpoints to life. Traveling abroad was a life changing experience and I recommend it to anyone who has the opportunity to do so.
Julia Chavez - CSN in Costa Rica
Living in the current world seems like were all running around in our own heads. We feel that we can’t ask for help and we need to do it on our own. That if we ask for help it’s a sign of weakness. Funny thing about that is that we need each other to move forward and accomplish our goals. How did go from working together in communities to living for ourselves?
This summer I took a trip to Costa Rica with my school, College of Southern Nevada, as a part of a student exchange program. We were to learn about climate change and how anthropogenic practices are effecting the rain forest. While on this trip I was with students that I had only met a handful of times. Certain thoughts arose such as, “ Are we going to get along?” and “ Are we going to fight?”. All my worries and concerns went out the door as we gathered. An overwhelming feeling of unity and understanding filled the air. At this point I knew we would be in for an amazing journey.
There were seven of us that part took on this journey and learned rather quickly what each of us needed. Whether it be support, encouragement, or just a laugh. As the trip went on we hiked beautiful mountains and landscapes that were rugged, steep and slippery. There were times where we wanted to quit and go back, but working together we were able to push forward. After our hikes we were able to reflect and enjoy each others company and we ate as a family, planning how and what to bring on the next event. How can we do it better? How do we learn from the past? Helping each other shows strength. This to me was the meaning of community.