Major: Psychology
Minor: none
Hometown: Marlboro, New Jersey

How did you learn about this opportunity?

I researched online through the Penn State Global website to find funding and study abroad opportunities.

Tell us a little bit about your experience.

Studying abroad has been a hugely positive experience in my eyes. Although nervous when I first left, I adjusted better than I thought I would. The city was beautiful, clean, affordable, and most of all - safe. I felt very comfortable getting around on my own, especially being a woman. The people that I met from other schools have become some of my best friends and for that alone the experience was worth it.

How did this experience impact you academically?

I thought studying abroad would have been less. However, there are different grading scales, different forms of exams, and different expectations than back home. Like any new semester, it took a while to adjust but I prefer the smaller classes, the in class discussions, and the open ended questions on tests. I came abroad expecting not to be as challenged academically as I was at Penn State. In reality, I am just as challenged here as I am at Penn State, only in a different way.

"As a psychology major, getting to study in the city Sigmund Freud lived and worked was a huge deal to me."

What are your career goals and plans?  How did this experience impact them?

As a psychology major, getting to study in the city Sigmund Freud lived and worked was a huge deal to me. I not only visited his apartment, but also took two psychology courses that counted towards my major! I took a course on Psychoanalysis where we went into depth on Sigmund Freud's practices and methods as well as a course on Child and Family studies and development which allowed me to attain a foundational understanding for Freud's work. Both courses were super helpful for my future!

Would you recommend this experience to other Liberal Arts students?

Yes, absolutely! Being abroad gives you so much more than academic experience - it gives you life experience. You meet wonderful new people and make friends from other schools. You get to see new cultures and ways of life. You adjust to new surroundings and learn to be resourceful. Studying abroad helps you grow into a better version of yourself and that is why you should go abroad.