My Thoughts After Studying Abroad

Was studying abroad worth it? Should you study abroad?

After going through the application process and finally being able to experience studying abroad was studying in London it to me? And with confidence I can say to me it was 100% worth it. If I didn’t go to London I would not have grown as a person as I did if I just stayed in Philadelphia.

How did I grow?

Global view

Before accepting my enrollment into Drexel, it has always been my dream to go to school out of state. For the 21 years I have been on this Earth, I have always lived in Pennsylvania. So when it came time to apply for colleges I always knew I wanted to go to an out of state school. I wanted to experience the world outside of the state I always lived in, but I accepted my college offer to Drexel. So I knew I had to find other ways to see what was out there and studying abroad was that way for me.

There is a whole world and culture out there that is different from the one you always lived in. So why not go and explore a part of the world for a little bit? And depending on your major having to have a global/international view on whatever you are doing will be very important to have. For example, I am a Design and Merchandising Major and we not only talking about fashion in the US but also internationally. And while it was great learning about fashion from different countries while in the US but actually being there and actually experiencing it is something different. I know have this view on the world I would have never gotten if I just stayed in Pennsylvania.

Independence

Being in a new country allows you to be placed in a situation where you have to learn new things sometimes by yourself. You have to not only grow a sense of independence but also confidence to do things by yourself. While it was nice to do things with friends all the time, sometimes it is also good to experience the world by yourself. Or if you are anything like me, pushing yourself to grow comfortable about doing stuff on my own. Living in London for two months I grew comfortable traveling by myself, eating alone at restaurants, and visiting museums by yourself. I grew this huge sense of confidence to do things by myself in London that I am extremely grateful for. I used to be so scared to eat restaurants by myself and now I am so comfortable doing it.

Friendship and Connections

If it wasn’t for my study aboard experience I would not have made the friends and connections I have had. I met so many amazing people who are not only all over the US but also around the world that I am extremely grateful for to have met. They hare amazing people that are extremely talented and gifted. I am super grateful to not only experience London, Paris but also the classes with them as well. They come with different perspective that really have made my study abroad experience even better.

I feel like I could go on and on and further explain why you guys should think about studying abroad at least once during your college experience but I won’t. I had an amazing time studying abroad. This experience is something I will always be thinking about and sharing with others. You guys should experience studying aboard also.

A Message from the Office of Global Engagement:

The safety and security of Drexel students is a priority for the University. As part of the efforts to support Drexel students that are studying abroad during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Office of Global Engagement has conducted a rigorous review of programming and provided additional support to participating students with customized pre-departure orientations and regular check-ins during the required self-isolation period and the term.