Europe

Nicolette Kynkor in Ireland

Nicolette Kynkor, '09
Dublin, Ireland 2007

Description: Study Abroad. Participated in the Dublin Business School program.

"I studied abroad at the Dublin Business School in Ireland.  The deciding factors I used to select Ireland were the proximity to mainland Europe, the reputation for its rich culture, and the undeniably beautiful landscape.  My experience did not stray far from those factors.  I traveled to mainland Europe four times, and I discovered how convenient public transportation can be.  The Irish were compassionate, conversational, and welcoming.  The people whom I met abroad helped make my experience truly unforgettable.  I now have a greater interest in emerging myself in other cultures and learning about the daily life of its people."

Anna Bjerstedt (back row, 2nd from left) and program group, Old Town, Warsaw, Poland

Anna (right) and friend Johanna in Frankfurt, Germany

Carly Wesemeyer (left) and friends

Carlene (Carly) Wesemeyer, '11
Berlin, Germany 2008

Description: Study Abroad. Arranged through the Freie Universitaet Berlin European Studies Program (FU-BEST).

"To study abroad in Berlin, Germany during the Fall of 2008 was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It was a truly enjoyable experience, as well as eye-opening, as I was living in a completely different culture, speaking a foreign language daily, and loving every minute of it. I chose this program because it had English classes as well as German language classes, and the academic year was tailored to American-style semesters. I had taken a few years of German in high school, and a few online German courses at a community college from home while I was at Marietta College, so I had a basic understanding of the language – but living with my host parents, who only spoke German to me, really strengthened my language skills. My classes were in all very interesting. I was able to travel around Europe, both with the program, and on breaks. Abroad, I wish I had known to live every moment I could, and to never do anything in Germany I can do in the States, as I only had so much time there. Also, I wish I would have known how difficult it would be to come back – not only did I feel Berlin was my 'home,' but I had a hard time assimilating back to American culture (the loudness, the English-speaking, and even the lack of public transportation). Yet, even though I had a bit of a hard time coming home, I would do the entire thing over again, in a heartbeat."

Katy Black in Scotland

Katy Black, '10
Edinburgh, Scotland 2009
Click to See Katy's Blog!

Description: Study Abroad at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.

"I choose Scotland because I did not feel my Spanish was good enough to study in a Spanish speaking country. Also, I had never left the United States, and Great Britain is fairly similar to the culture of the U.S. It was incredibly difficult to choose a school. When the ends of the earth are possible, where do you begin? I finally settled on Edinburgh and I loved it there. The city was truly amazing: it has the perks of a big city (train station, lots of shopping and restaurants, airport etc) and yet is still a manageable size. Overall, I felt very prepared to study abroad and there was nothing earth-shattering that I could not handle once I was there. If you are thinking of studying abroad there will be a million reasons not to go, but do not let them stop you... it is a once in a lifetime opportunity! Take it."