Student Stories
Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a study abroad student? Well, here is your opportunity to read firsthand what FAU students are saying about adding a study abroad experience to their academic studies. They did it--and so can you!
LEVANA AMADOR
Ìý
My study abroad trip to Ireland, From Farm to Fork, was truly an incredible experience. Not only did I gain invaluable insights into Ireland's rich agricultural heritage and its modern food production methods, but I also had the pleasure of staying in newly built and comfortable dorm apartments. Professor Acello, who led the trip, planned an exceptional balance of fun and educational activities that made every day an adventure. From exploring farms to visiting local food producers and enjoying traditional Irish cuisine, the journey was enlightening and so much fun. Additionally, the college summer program staff and fellow students were so welcoming and made the entire experience even more memorable. I'm immensely grateful for this opportunity and the memories I've collected in Ireland.
TOMER KIMRON
My study abroad experience in Venice, Italy, was a culinary and cultural adventure like no other. I fell in love with the rich culture and delectable food that Venice had to offer. Exploring the local markets was a feast for the senses, from the astonishing cheese wall that left me in awe to the abundance of delicious meats.
Living in an apartment on Lido Venice was a unique and rewarding experience. Being away from the main part of Venice allowed me to connect with the locals, immersing myself in their way of life. Cooking homemade pasta with my classmates was a memorable highlight, and it brought us closer together.
Visiting St. Mark's Church with its breathtaking and intricate murals was a surreal experience, and I was captivated by the city's history and artistry. As a bonus, our day trip to the Alps added an adventurous twist to our academic journey.
My study abroad experience in Venice was a remarkable blend of culture, cuisine, and exploration, leaving me with cherished memories and a profound appreciation for this beautiful city.
MARIA CASTRO-VIDELA
Hi, I'm Maria Castro-Videla. I particpated on the Korea University Sejong exchange program in Fall 2023 and Spring 2024. I chose to study abroad because it would expand my horizons and allow me to experience something new during my college career. I wanted to visit South Korea after studying the language, and make new friends and relationships while there.Ìý
My most memorable moment from my trip abroad was cheering and shouting at the KOYEONJEON and IPSELENTI two of the biggest events that Korea University holds for their students. KOYEONJEON is a huge sports festival where some of the sports teams compete against the schools biggest rival Yonsei University. This rivalry is known all across South Korea and is a big deal, as Korea University and Yonsei University are two of the three top schools in South Korea known as SKY. The festivals were like nothing I have ever experienced during college. After the sports event there was even bars dedicated just for KU students that gave us free food, as well as huge groups of us cheering on the streets making amazing memories. Music, drinks, and community it was great. Cheering and celebrating my school made me feel like a real KU student.
What suprised me the most was interrelationships and what they entail. I learned that human relationships are very complex when they involve different cultures. I also learned alot about communication with people. There were definitely many ups and downs regarding this during my study abroad experience, but it provided me with new insights and outlooks on social relationships.
One of the most challenging aspects were some cultural barriers within communication. Learning how to manuever relationships was one of the more challenging parts of my experience.
Some of my favorite meals were definitely a bibimbap place on campus known as Parangsae (Blue Bird) The owner here was very kind and her sobul bibibmap or (cow meat bibimbap) was delicious. Another favorite food of mine was jokbal or pig’s trotters, this meal is so delicious especially when pairing it with bibimnaegnyon (a cold noodle style dish) For sure one of the best foods. Honestly, most of the food experiences I had in Korea were amazing, even down to the school cafeteria food. The food was definitely one of my favorite parts of the trip and I cannot possibly list all the dishes. Some hobbies that were fun to do were go to the karaoke rooms or pc bangs (pc rooms) with friends. For some fun nights my friends and I would also hit up South Korea’s infamous clubbing city Hongdae, I have so many memories and experiences there as well. My friends and I would also love visiting other parts of our city Sejong. I would also visit a friend in a nearby city known as Daejeon.
One of the other things my friends and I would do was get on the Seoul subway and choose a random amount of stops to get off at and then just explore the random city we ended up in, definitely recommend this if you are traveling abroad! It allows you to experience cities that aren't on the tourist lists, and gets you to really experience the country you are visiting. Some of our favorite cities that aren't very well known for tourists were definitely, Tteukseom, Guri, among others! In the city of Jochiwon where my school was located it was more of a slower life and we also loved relaxing in our town at a cafe or in our dorm after a busy weekend in Seoul.
Some advice I have for students studying abroad would be to research the school and country you are going to very well, so as to make sure you are really prepared! At least in my experience, insurance, phone sim, going to the doctor, and other daily things were more of a learning curve. Although it was a little difficult to understand certain things I am still forever grateful for my experience. Make sure you understand the insurance you are provided with, how you can use it, what other insurance the country may offer you, where the nearest doctors are to your school, among many other small things! Most of all enjoy it and take in every moment, the good and the bad because it is truly a once in a lifetime experience that you will forever cherish.
Please contact me at mcastrovidel2017@fau.edu.Ìý
FAITH FIORE
My name is Faith Fiore and I studied abroad at EDHEC in Nice, France during my last semester of junior year. I was in the international business program for marketing and my major at FAU is Marketing. I have always loved the idea of studying abroad and I knew I wanted to do it since I was in high school. I always thought it would be in Italy but Nice was the most incredible experience and took me by surprise. Now looking back on it I am so happy with how my study abroad journey led me to Nice and if I had to do it all over again I would choose the same place. I lived in an Airbnb by myself, as I did not want roommates and the school in France did not provide housing. For me that was the best situation, as I am a person who while I like to be social I prefer my own space. I lived in the town of Cagnes-sur-mer and I highly recommend staying there if you don't want to be living in a nonstop busy city environment but love being around life and people. I got the best of both worlds. I was a 2 minute walk from the ocean and bustling life of the promenade by the sea with shops while also had its tranquil areas. I was then just a 20 minute bus or tram ride away from the city center of Nice. I prefer a more calm lifestyle but if someone is looking for nightlife and being more social then I would recommend finding housing in the Nice city center. I think about my study abroad experience every single day since I've been back in the states. I don't want to sound cliché but it truly was life changing. My most memorable moment was actually my last night there. I went to the Nice Christmas market with all the friends I made and we were at an outdoor disco dancing to ABBA and other 70s/80s songs. I distinctly remember looking up at the sky and being so incredibly thankful for my life and that moment. The thing that most surprised me is how I made such genuine life long friendships. I have such a hard time making friends as I think many people are very superficial but I made close friends early on that really cared about me and that's a feeling I haven't felt in a very long time. I'm going back to Europe in November and I am hoping to see two of these friends in Paris, which would be amazing. Most challenging about my trip was being alone at night. I love being on my own but that was the first time I'd ever lived by myself so far away from everyone I know so the nights sometimes would be hard. I also only speak like 15 French words which had its challenges but mostly everyone speaks English so it never became an issue. I have very strict dietary restrictions so I mostly made all my own meals but my favorite thing I would get almost every week was a chocolate eclair from a bakery around the corner from my place. I also loved the quiches from this bakery as well they were so delicious and the baguettes. I absolutely love sightseeing and going to museums so that was a main thing I did all the time. Nice has so many museums where students can go for free so I would go to a lot. One of my favorite places I went to was Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. It was one of the most beautiful places I've ever been to. ÌýI also recommend going to Cannes and Monaco. The train rides are so cheap and you can go to so many different places. The only advice I have for students thinking about studying abroad is to just do it. I know money is a concern, towards the end I had to budget out only $25 a week on food and other means but even through extreme money struggles I wouldn't trade that experience for the world. I hope in the next ten years to own a house or property in the same town I stayed in that's how much of an impact it had on me. If anyone is thinking of studying abroad in Nice, I would be happy to answer any questions my email is ffiore0104@gmail.com.Ìý