Why did you decide to go abroad with your provider?
David: I decided to go with this provider, Arcadia University, because they pride themselves on education and classroom work as opposed to just programming endless tours and trips. Plus, one of the advisors was extremely helpful. The price was reasonable and they also provide a generous scholarship that essentially paid for my airfare.
There are also amenities and special planned events that are pretty unique, such as wine tasting. I am glad that I chose Arcadia because they are relatively low-priced for being a third-party service and because they have quality programs that help you grow, making the study abroad experience much more than just a trip out of the country. They are with you every step of the way.
Describe your most meaningful souvenir and why you love it?
David: The most meaningful souvenir for me was a wine bottle opener. The reason why is special has nothing to do with alcohol really. See they tell you before going abroad to choose your friendships and relationships wisely. We have a limited time abroad, we are not there forever. I did not follow that advice.
There was an amazing person I had met abroad and we had started a relationship. We were both non-European, I was Mexican and he was Brazilian. Before I had departed he stopped by my friends' apartment where we were all celebrating our last night in Barcelona. I asked him to bring a wine bottle opener. He did and we opened our "last bottle of wine together." The opener had "Barcelona" on the side in white cursive letters and I have it with me still.
What is one piece of advice you'd give future students traveling with your program?
David: One piece of advice that I would give students going abroad is to have a strict budget. You could buy most of the stuff in the host country so you don't have to pack too much. You'll save yourself the hassle and in many cases, the money. If you do not have immediate access to extra emergency money then make sure that you are not spending more than you should. You're parents, friends, siblings etc. are not there with you.
You cannot really ask people to borrow money. You also have to be conscience about international currency rates.You may want to go on trips, on tours, and you may even want to go out to drink/go to clubs. All that costs a lot of money because they are considered luxuries. All these little factors should be taken into consideration. Plan a budget.
How has this experience impacted your future?
David: This experience helped me out so much in so many aspects in my current life and my future life. It helped me develop my Spanish skills. I learned to read maps, crisis management, homesickness, social justice, foreign politics, foreign philosophy etc. It also gave me some edge in job applications. For example, one of the hardest positions to get as a student on my campus is being a Resident Advisor.
The Resident Advisor position is one of the most coveted and honorable positions that hundreds of students apply for and only 10% of applicants get. Most people do not get the job on their first try. I however, got the position on my first try and one of the main reasons was because my international experience set me apart from the others. Most people do not study abroad. Meaning that if you have that experience, you will be unique in that aspect.