I Cannot Wait to Go Abroad!

It’s been far too long since I’ve last had the opportunity to blog. Last semester was quite the experience between overloading (taking 21 credits), adjusting to becoming an RA, and continuing to participate in my extracurriculars (brother in Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity and president of the 2016 Class Council). After spending my break relaxing, I have had sufficient time to reflect on my past semester and make some blog posts.

One of the most popular topics of discussion on campus, when you’re a sophomore, is definitely study abroad. You’re either talking about where you’d like to go, who is currently abroad, or asking someone who has traveled, or lived somewhere, about their experience. Over 34% of University of Rochester students study abroad and everyone I’ve talked to has found their abroad experience to be worthwhile. The fact that 34% of University of Rochester students study abroad also gives you a lot of people to contact for information/testimonials about various programs.

I’ve decided that I would like to study abroad before my senior year and I do not want to miss a single spring semester at University of Rochester. I personally prefer the spring semester to the fall because the weather is improving throughout the semester and there seems to be more activity on campus (probably as people find their roles in the community). I don’t want to miss any of my friend’s last semester at University of Rochester. With all of this in mind, I am planning on studying abroad next fall and have to submit my abroad proposal this semester.

Barcelona, Spain

Credit: rochester.edu/college/abroad/gallery
 

I’ve met with the Study Abroad Office once already and have found their information and advice to be really helpful. I scheduled an appointment today to meet with an advisor again, to find out which classes I can take abroad for my major(s). I may have limited my study abroad locations down to Vienna or Barcelona. I’ve only heard great things about the Vienna program and they offer many business courses. I’ve heard comparable reviews of the Barcelona program and it’d be a great way for me to bring my Spanish to the next level. Either way, I’m excited to be in the planning stage of this process and I cannot wait to finalize where I’ll be studying abroad, so I can start researching the language, culture, etc. I’ll keep y’all updated about my study abroad plans; it’s going to be hard for me to not share my excitement!