Study abroad

Study abroad was one of the best experiences of my life. I went to Sevilla, Spain for 5 months during my junior year of college. I also went to Costa Rica for about 3 months after graduating from college. I was able to learn about another culture and myself. I learned a lot about myself while I was there. I became more independent, less shy, and less concerned about what others thought. I was there for me, no one else. I was there to have fun and improve my Spanish and I didn't want anything to get in my way. My friends and family could tell a difference when I got back. I was more confident. If I could have conversations, make travel arrangements, and talk to people I didn't know over the phone in Spanish, then of course I could do all of that with more ease in English. I really enjoyed learning about the culture as well. It makes you aware that there is so much else out there and so many other ways of doing things. I feel I really became an open-minded person. I also feel that this experience helped me in the work force. I am able to work well with people of different backgrounds and cultures and I am open to new experiences. I have seen that there is not just one right way to accomplish a task.