Why did you pick this program?
I picked this program because my school utilized CAPA as a way to send students abroad. We are a small school and CAPA gives a lot of personal attention to its students. I couldn't have asked for a better set up.
Dana, an internship coordinator for CAPA, found me an internship with a physical therapist and I loved every second of it! And once I talked to some of the other staff members at orientation they listened to my interests and would send me places to go, see and do what I like.
What do you wish someone had told you before you went abroad?
Pack lighter. I have been traveling a lot in my life and I still have not fully learned that lesson. Moving a big suitcase and trying to stuff souvenirs into my already full bags was a challenge.
The lighter you pack the better. And you can make do with out 5 pairs of shoes and 4 outfits for your internship. Also pack for the weather. The first two weeks I was a bit chilly because I didn't pack enough warm clothing. It is all about balance. To all of you future travelers: pack lighter.
What do you tell your friends who are thinking about going abroad?
I tell my friends: GO! I think traveling and especially studying abroad allows you to get in synch with a new rhythm, culture, place, language and over all way of life. I cannot stress this enough with my friends and people I happen to meet.
Being able to live in a different country and city will open up opportunities for you to get to know yourself. Everyone self imposes limits on themselves however great or small and they become trapped by the perceptions that they think others have of them. Studying abroad allows you to let go of those imposed views and grow and thrive in new ways.
What is the most important thing you learned abroad?
This lesson has been presented to me many times in my life. But in Sydney, Australia it is more obvious. Move Forward. The kangaroo can move in one direction only: forward. I miss my time in Australia, but I have to move forward with the knowledge I have gained through my internship and of course moving forward with more memories to cherish.
What was the hardest part about going abroad?
The hardest part about studying abroad is knowing that you are going to leave the place that you learn to love more every day. The temporariness allows you to be bold and adventurous and summon energy to do things that normally you wouldn't.
You build relationships and make friends that you feel so privileged to have met and somehow you know you were always meant to meet them. Technology helps keep contact which is good. The time you have then and there is priceless. It is hard to let it go.