My experience with traveling abroad began when I was young. My family moved to England and France for my dad’s job, and I loved my childhood experiences in both countries.
Looking back at those years living in different cultures, I realized what an impact they made on my current growth and development. My need to adapt to different types of lifestyles based on the country I lived in has continued to help me adapt to changes and interact with new people to this day.
More recently, I went on the “Biology in the South of France” May Term in May 2023. I quickly realized how important this experience was — and will be when I look back on my college days, even in 30 years. The people I met in my class and on the street shaped me in a way that I haven’t experienced yet in Austin.
First, my classmates and I immediately connected due to our need for a network in a new country with an unfamiliar language; we became a whole new group of friends, even when we returned to Austin.
Next, I speak French, so getting to practice with the people of Nice in their daily routines and work settings felt incredibly special. Now that I’m back in the U.S., I can better recognize how special it was that I got to practice my French around people willing to help me apply my French.
Returning to Austin, the memories of my time in Nice became a source of inspiration and motivation. The stories I shared with friends and peers led me to embark on a new chapter at Texas Global, as I engage daily with students about their aspirations to study abroad.
Seeing students feel encouraged to go abroad, work hard to figure out their classes and embark on their own experiences is something that continues to have a lasting impact on my own study abroad experience. It’s a testament to the transformative power of international study, which ignited a passion within me to facilitate similar opportunities for others.
As I guide students on their own study abroad adventures, I am reminded of the profound influence that studying abroad has had on my own personal and professional growth.
Virginia Nussbaumer is an Education Abroad Peer Mentor providing support to students interested in studying abroad. Learn about this position and its services on the Peer Mentors Program webpage.
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