LeadAbroad

I had to fortunate opportunity to go on the LEAD Greece program this past summer. I must say in all honesty, it was the most incredible summer of my college career. Greece was such a beautiful place with amazing culture, food, and ummm… wine haha. However, the real reason I had the experience I did was because of the people. The other students on the program, as well as the LEAD staff (hi guys!!! miss you all!!) were everything. I know for a fact the reason Greece was so hard to leave was because of these people. It was an unfortgettable experience and if you are reading this right now and thinking of going…. GOOOO!!! YOU WILL NEVER FOR A SECOND REGRET IT!! Seriously, prepared for your life to be changed, along with the best sunset and tan you will ever have :)

I spent 5 weeks in Cape Town with LeadAbroad, making some of the best friends, getting to know the greatest city, and going on all kinds of cool adventures that helped me to grow and learn more about myself. Before leaving, I was excited to go to Cape Town, but had no idea just how incredible the trip would be. I learned about the culture of Cape Town, which gave me a greater appreciation for not only Cape Town, but also for all cultures and has shaped the way I travel. I did things I could have never imagined doing and that friends and family at home could not believe, but bungee jumping or sky diving isn't as scary as it seems when you're surrounded by the best friends and staff who will encourage you. I didn't know anyone when I went to Cape Town, but my roommate was a mutual friend and we got along right away. We signed up to go sky diving, but I was pretty nervous about it. When it was our day to go, we went in groups of 2 so my roommate and I decided to go together. We ended up being the last group and waited for about 4 hours until it was finally our time to go up in the plane and jump out! This time made me both more excited and more anxious. When were next up, someone who worked at the Sky Diving place told us that "good things come to those who wait" and that we would get to watch the sun set as we jumped. My roommate continued to encourage me and helped me to get over my fear, and we went up in the plane. I watched her stand on the edge of the door and disappear into the sky, knowing I was up next. Next thing I knew, I was free falling through the sky until the guy with me pulled the parachute. At that point, I was able to look down and see my roommate heading towards the ground and felt pretty accomplished for getting over my fear, with the help and encouragement of my roommate and friends. I looked around and saw Table Mountain and the beautiful city of Cape Town and the sun setting. This was just one of many experiences where I faced fears, learned more about myself, grew in friendships, and saw the beauty of Cape Town.

I didn't know a single person that was going on my trip, but from the minute I was on the ground in Rome I never felt alone. The staff and other students on my program were so welcoming and they were like my family by the end of the trip. Traveling Europe on the weekends was one of my favorite parts. I went to Interlaken, Switzerland one weekend and went canyoning in Chli Schliere. It was the coolest thing I had ever done. Another weekend I was in Prague hot air ballooning. The possibilities are really endless. Another favorite memory I have from my time abroad were the service projects I got to help lead as a community leader. It was so humbling and satisfying to be able to give back to the local community and really see I was making a difference in someone's life by giving them something as simple as a sandwich. LeadAbroad is unlike any other study abroad program. You will have the most amazing experiences, make lifelong friendships, and grow so much as an individual. I can't imagine not going abroad with them when I look back at all I accomplished. I could brag about this program all day, but the point of all of this is to tell you to step out of your comfort zone and go! Don't be afraid if you are alone because you won't be for long. It is easily one of the best decisions I have ever made. You won't regret it.

I decided to go on a trip with LeadAbroad without knowing anyone who would also be on the trip. It turned out that a girl from my sorority was going on the trip too, but we didn't know each other super well. Greece Direct would not have been as incredible of an experience without the friendships I gained along the way. Now, that sorority sister and I are very close, along with our entire group from the trip! I am so glad that I chose to experience Greece for two weeks with a program that is so focused on building relationships, embracing the culture and making every moment count. I am graduating in May, but if I had the opportunity to go on another trip with LeadAbroad, I would in a heartbeat!!! Greece is such a magical place. The Greece Direct trip is perfect because we got to spend a week in Athens and a week in Santorini. Athens is a city that was so welcoming and full of culture and history. It is huge, but by the time our week was up, I felt so comfortable in the city. I loved the people and don't even get me started on the food! ;) Santorini is basically a dream. Amazing beaches, beautiful water and entire villages on the top of massive rocks in the ocean. It is the coolest place! I loved the diversity of the trip in getting to experience the amazing historical background of Greece, along with one of the most beautiful islands in the world!!

Go:Rome was absolutely incredible because I got to meet people from all different schools that I probably would have never met otherwise. Each week we were challenged to dive deeper into not only the culture of Rome but ourselves. I learned more about myself and the capabilities I have as both a leader and a traveller. I got to see some of the greatest pieces of art as well as miraculous views all in one trip. It also pushed me to expand out of my comfort zone with people who were there to support me along the way. There is nothing like this trip because it encompasses travel, education, AND service in which we get to help out the community that we are staying in. It really taught me a lot through lessons and experience that you honestly cannot find anywhere else.