Study Abroad
UF in Pavia - Engineering & Arts
My first study abroad program was in Pavia, Italy in the Summer of 2021, where I completed the Intensive Program in Physics at the University of Pavia. I earned 7 credits for my degree, including Physics II, Physics II Lab, and a drawing class. During the week, we learned from renowned CERN physicists and practiced our art skills by creating art using different prompts and subjects around the city. On the weekends, we traveled around Italy and immersed ourselves in the rich culture and history.
The only way that I can describe this study abroad program is special. As the first (and last) students to ever participate in this program, we had no idea what to expect, and I was overwhelmed with anxiety about how the trip would go. I wasn't sure if I would make friends, if I would miss home too much, or if I would be able to enjoy my time in an unfamiliar environment.
By far the hardest part of the entire program was the first day. After a long travel day, I felt completely exhausted, but our program coordinators planned activities throughout the day to avoid letting us sleep so that we could beat jet lag. I was so overwhelmed by my sleep deprivation, the new city, and being surrounded by strangers that I called my parents that night unsure if I would be able to complete the program. They reassured me that it would get better, and they were right. By day two, I had slept, had some incredible Italian food, and made connections with the other students on my program. I was sure that I was exactly where I was meant to be.
Although I was unsure at first, this experience helped me prove to myself that I can not only survive but also thrive in unfamiliar environments. I learned to be confident in myself and my ability to connect with those around me, and by the end of the program, I could hardly believe that I ever had doubts about it being one of the best experiences of my life.
UF in Aachen - Engineering Research
My second study abroad program was in the Summer of 2023 in Aachen, Germany. I completed a research internship and took a beginning German class at the Rhine-Westphalia Technical University of Aachen. My internship involved learning about human-robot collaboration in composite textile production and culminated in a poster presentation at the end of the program. The German class involved cultural immersion and lots of language practice, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
My second study abroad program was far more difficult than the first. Being in a working environment meant that I was not only collaborating with people whose language I did not speak, but I also had to fit into their culture, all while working to complete a research project. This immersive experience was daunting at first, but I ultimately learned to love German people and culture.
Going into this program, I expected Germans to live up to their stereotype: cold and serious. I was already nervous to be in a professional environment, but adding the belief that my coworkers may not be friendly only made my anxiety worse. I could not have been more wrong. Everyone who I worked with at my internship went out of their way to speak English when I was around and help me with any problems that I encountered in my research. As it turns out, Germans can be serious, but they know how to relax as well. Throughout the summer, my research institute hosted barbecues (during working hours) and even made vegetarian food specifically for me. We would socialize and spend time together late into the afternoon and evening, and I felt welcomed into their community.
During this program, I did not live with other UF students. Instead, I was placed in the university's international dorms with other students from all over the world. I had roommates from India, Bulgaria, China, and Romania, all of whom were kindhearted and friendly. My Bulgarian roommate even made me soup on my first day there! However, living apart from other UF students came with challenges. I spent a lot of time alone. Whether I was working at my internship or back in my dorm, being far from my friends on the program meant that I had to learn to enjoy alone time. I became confident in navigating the city's public transport, discovered my favorite places to spend time alone, and found new ways to keep myself occupied when I wasn't busy with research. While I am grateful that I had international experience prior to this program, I am proud of myself for having the courage to embark on an untraditional study abroad and leave feeling accomplished.