Why did you decide to study with GlobaLinks?
Katie: One reason I decided to study with Globalinks was the variety of program
options offered. Many other study abroad providers I had considered only had programs in major cities. I wanted a more personal feel to my study abroad experience, so a smaller town suited me better. The most influential factor in my decision making was the impeccable support offered by Globalinks. I did not feel as though I was just another number to them. My coordinator put me at ease with all of my questions and concerns. At one point, I feared that I would not be able to study abroad due to financial reasons. Globalinks did not pressure me in any way. Instead, they worked closely with me to help me choose the best option. Every experience I had with the staff at Globalinks was a positive one.
What made this experience unique and special?
Katie: Perhaps the most powerful factor that inspired me to apply to Lancaster
University was my ancestry. Studying abroad in England was somewhat of a homecoming for me. My grandmother was born and raised about an hour away from Lancaster. I have family that still resides in England, and I was able to meet and connect with them. I walked the streets that my grandmother walked, and I was able to see the house in which she was raised. The whole experience was very moving and gratifying.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Katie: Studying abroad not only provided me with academic credit, but it also
provided insight into my future goals. My career aspirations could lead me to international destinations. Studying abroad showed me that I had the capability to thrive in an international setting. I had such an incredible time abroad that I am planning to return to Europe for graduate school.
More than anything, study abroad impacted me on a personal level. It was the single most life changing experience I have ever had. It was an incredibly enriching experience to interact with individuals from different cultures. Study abroad also helped me attain a new sense of independence and confidence. I was placed in an unfamiliar environment, and I met all of the challenges head on. I met many fantastic people and visited incredible places. Not a day goes by where I don’t reminisce of those days. England taught me so much about myself, and I experienced immeasurable personal growth. I owe so much to my time in Lancaster.