Why Study Abroad?

I have always had a passion for traveling since I was a small child. I look forward to each trip I take and never go more than 6 months without one. Going into college I knew studying aboard was something I was interested in. However, after I started college, I kind of put it on the back-burner. I was really enjoying Iowa State, as I still do, and didn't want to leave it. I was not ready to leave my friends, since they are my rocks and have helped me grow so much throughout college. I’m a fairly shy person, so traveling halfway around the world by myself isn’t exactly my comfort zone. But, I thought back to my original goal of going to college. I wanted to continue challenging myself to be outside of my comfort zone. So, I planned to go abroad to Florence, Italy the summer of my junior year. I ended up deciding against that, because I thought I wanted more time abroad. Next I planned to go abroad in the spring of my junior year. Once again, I got cold feet and backed out. Finally, I decided to go abroad in the fall of my senior year because honestly it’s now or never. I knew studying aboard was something I had to do before I graduated, or I’d regret it. So here I am in Florence, eager to share my adventure with you!