Thursday, December 13, 2012

"Study" Abroad

By Samantha DiFeliciantonio


It is hard to say that my favorite thing about college was studying abroad. Since it did not take place at GW and I was living in a different country, it seems like choosing study abroad is a cop out.

I do love everything about GW. From the city atmosphere, to the internship opportunities, to the proximity we are to the government and historical things, GW is an awesome place. Because of this, I do not want to discredit my academic life here when comparing it to my study abroad experience.

But, my semester in Florence last semester was the best time of my college career and even my life. I got to experience things I never thought I would, and I was able to survive and travel on my own in eight different countries.

Looking back, it seems like a dream that I was able to travel through Europe while “studying” and “taking classes” in a foreign country. The things I learned from staying in a host family and using foreign public transportation were nothing I could learn from an institution. They were experience-based and life lessons.

I recommend to any college student the chance to study abroad. This is because it was the time I most grew as a person and became a citizen of the world. It made me appreciate life in the US and all the opportunities I have everyday. Studying abroad allowed me to love GW more because I missed my routine, but also it allowed me to open up and live outside the Foggy Bottom constraints.

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