Studying Abroad as a Freshman

Based on my last post, many would thing I had a great, normal college experience. Yes, my college experience has been nothing less than amazing, but I think a lot of that is due to how I started my Freshman year.

My First Semester of College

I started my undergraduate life a little differently than most college students. As many of my friends were driving off to college with their car packed with all the teenage necessities (TV, fridge, clothes, etc.), I was trying to make sure my luggage was under 50lbs so I didn't get an international oversized luggage fee.

Going to Rome for four months as an 18-year-old (who never even attended sleep-away camp) was terrifying. My group consisted of eight people, majority of them I consider my best friends to this day. Although I was taking a big leap, this experience made me the person I am today. I gained so many life skills that I never would have had if I didn't study abroad, and I gained those skills all during my first semester of college!

In addition to taking classes at The American University of Rome, my friends and I ventured all over Europe on the weekends. We traveled to many cities such as, Pisa, Capri, and London (all pictured below).

Thinking About Studying Abroad?

If you are considering studying abroad and unsure about where/when to go, or even whether to actually submit your application, feel free to reach out to me!