My name is Michael Reyes, I?m a senior MKTG – advertising major who, on a whim, decided to sign up for a Portugal study abroad program. I was nervous to do something like this, especially because of my age and I didn?t know a single soul, so much so I almost dropped? but I?m so glad I didn?t. Arriving in Portugal and walking through the narrow cobblestone streets was a breath of fresh air in my life, something I?ve been needing for a long time. This country is a beautiful place, one that does not get enough attention in the global scope. The way that these people think compared to Americans is something I never would?ve expected, and it?s all based on being open-minded. The Portuguese people are connected in ways that are hard for ?us? to understand but sound so simple. It starts from birth, being raised to be understanding of other people and where you are from, instead of finding the slight differences. I absolutely love what our tour guide said about this, it was along the lines of ?I?m not Portuguese, I am European first. We all care and help each other because we know we all use the same land and resources.? I think that is beautifully simple yet complex, and something the US lacks; we tend to get caught up in superficial things and forget that we are all humans on the same planet. If you have the opportunity to study abroad, I urge you to see the world and what it has to offer. Life is more than just these 50 states, and I guarantee it will change your perspective on everything.
