Firstly, any Aggie I encounter who is curious about the abroad experience or on the fence about participating in one, I will give a glowing recommendation about the experience. After this experience, I now see how much benefits and importance going abroad has. Not only is it super fun, but I saw so much self growth. If I were talking to an Aggie preparing to go abroad, what they would hear is full honesty. I would tell them that while I wouldn’t trade this trip for the world, the classes do take up a lot of time especially with studying. That part was unexpected for me, and while I wish I had more time, the 3 day weekends were the best part of getting to explore the world. Describing what they would see, I would say seeing a completely new culture and getting the chance to immerse yourself in it. It’s amazing to see how differently or similarly people act abroad and how societies function. From interacting with someone in the train station to people watching at a restaurant, I really got to experience that. What they would experience, I would say whatever they want to. Europe has endless opportunities and experiences and it’s really up to the individual what they want to do. Meeting the amazing people I did and exploring with them made my whole trip. We went around France, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland and did so much within them. My group planned out our weekend trips and what we wanted to do, and the beauty of it was all types of different groups in the class explored tons of other countries. I got to do some awesome things like paragliding through the Swiss mountains, making chocolate bars, hiking, and eating a charcuterie board on a boat along the river. These memories made my trip so fun and memorable, but among this I truly grew so much. This trip led me to being more open, aware, and curious and I hope continuing to travel will do this even further.
