Program and Location:
Spring, Universidad San Francisco de Quito; Quito, Ecuador
Major/Minor
Nutrition Science: Applied Nutrition
Why did you choose to study abroad?
I chose to study abroad because I love traveling and I thought it would be very cool to travel and complete a semester’s worth of courses at the same time. I also chose to study abroad for an entire semester because I felt like there won’t be many more opportunities in my life where I get to live in another country for 5 months. I knew I wanted to study abroad because I had heard so many great things from other people’s experiences as well.
How did you pick your program?
I knew I wanted to study abroad in a Spanish-speaking country because I wanted to improve my Spanish-speaking skills. I have not officially started working on my Spanish minor yet, but I plan to start soon. Many people who choose to study abroad in a Spanish-speaking country often choose Spain because it’s in Europe. However, I wanted an experience that was a little more unique, so I chose South America. My options in South America included Ecuador, Chile, and Argentina. I chose Ecuador because the university there had the same academic calendar as NC State, which meant I could start and end my semester abroad around the same time.
What is something you learned about yourself? How are you different? How are you the same? Or, what did you realize about your own culture by living in another one?
From my time studying abroad, I realized I am a person who normally likes having a plan. However, things didn’t always go according to plan when I was studying abroad in Ecuador and I had to learn to adapt. Now, I feel like I am more open to going with the flow and I can also handle change better.
What advice would you give to another student?
Just go for it. The decision is not going to get any easier, and you’ll never be able to make the “perfect” choice. Just go with your gut and make the best out of the experience. Wherever you choose to go, you will make it the “perfect” choice through all the amazing experiences you have. Also, be open to pretty much everything and don’t say no to something you haven’t tried just because you think you won’t like it. You never know, it could become one of your favorite experiences from the trip.
How were your classes abroad different than if you would have taken them at NC State? Did you take any field trips or do anything outside of the traditional classroom?
I took most of my GEP and elective classes while abroad because my host university didn’t have my major-specific classes in English, and I didn’t feel confident enough in my Spanish skills to take a class in Spanish. However, now I think I could definitely take a class in Spanish and do well. My classes at my host university were designed to be taught in English so that native Spanish speakers could learn English. Because of this, I felt like the classes were a little easier than classes at NC State. This is because the writing requirements were less since the other students in my classes were completing the assignments in a foreign language.
Would you do it again?
Absolutely. I would choose to study abroad again in a heartbeat. Studying abroad taught me to enjoy life more. As college students, we sometimes forget that we should try to experience as many new things as possible and challenge ourselves so that we can grow and learn. Studying abroad challenges you in new ways every day and allows you to experience so many new things. I can’t wait for my next trip!
