As I Near College Graduation, Here’s My Biggest Piece of Advice

About four years ago, when I was a senior in high school, I knew that if I did anything in college, it would be studying abroad. In fact, I chose James Madison University over an out-of-state school solely so I could invest that money into a study abroad experience. I’m thrilled to say that I took the opportunity to study abroad during the summer of my junior year. Now that I’m nearing the end of my college career, I can confidently say that studying abroad was the most inspirational experience of my time here.

I studied abroad in Italy during the summer of 2023. While I wasn’t taking classes for my major, Business Marketing, I have an interest in art, so I enrolled in two art history classes. Can you name a better place to study art history? It was an incredibly impactful experience. Each day, we ventured into our “classroom”—the streets of Florence and Rome. We not only learned about the history of these cities but also immersed ourselves in Italian culture. Learning to communicate with locals, navigate the cities, and understand different customs was no easy feat, but it allowed me to grow immensely as a person. I believe this experience taught me more than any professor in a university classroom could.

If I could recommend one thing for your college experience, it would be to study abroad and here’s why:

1. Cultural Immersion

   
   

   Immersing yourself in a culture different from your own offers an entirely new perspective on life. We all grow up in different places and develop our own belief systems. If your beliefs are the only ones you know throughout your life, you may view the world through a very narrow lens. This experience is essential before leaving college and entering the real world. As a business student, I know I will face challenging decisions in my career, and having an open and diverse perspective will benefit the organization I work for. This new lens fosters greater empathy and cultural sensitivity which are traits that I believe everyone should cultivate.

   
   

2. Personal Growth

   
   

   During my time abroad, I experienced significant personal growth in unexpected ways. One of the biggest changes was gaining independence. Before this trip, I had never navigated an airport without my family. Not only did I fly alone for the first time, but I also navigated large foreign cities using unfamiliar public transportation systems. I had to look out for myself because everything was up to me for the first time in my life. I also learned to be adaptable; no trip goes exactly as planned. I discovered how to embrace constant changes and problem-solve on the spot which are skills that can’t be taught in a classroom.

   
   

3. Academic Opportunities

   
   

   The primary purpose of studying abroad is to learn and take classes. It was a fantastic experience to learn in a new environment that inspires and motivates you in ways you don’t find at your college at home. Many classes provide a fresh perspective and a glimpse into the culture of the area you’re visiting. As I mentioned, I pursued art history instead of classes for my major, and I loved this opportunity to explore something entirely new. It was a refreshing break from my usual coursework and sparked creativity—an essential skill in my marketing classes.

   
   

4. Travel Opportunities

   
   

   This experience allows you to travel to places you’ve never been before. During my month in Italy, I explored Florence, Rome, Venice, and Tuscany. The best part of studying abroad for an extended period is the opportunity to travel beyond your host city. Once you’re in these countries, traveling to nearby areas is quite affordable. It’s easy to catch a train or bus to neighboring cities, allowing you to maximize your experience by visiting places that aren’t necessarily on your itinerary.

As you can probably tell, I gained so much from my study abroad experience, and I highly recommend that every college student take this opportunity before graduation!