What inspired you to go abroad?
Being from Russia, especially its Asian part, I always loved and kind of had to travel because Russia is a huge country. If you wanted to go somewhere, the distances are enormous: several planes, a couple of buses, and maybe even a boat.
I traveled throughout the country and abroad for various swimming competitions my whole life. For example, a championship in Saint Petersburg, swim camps in Kyrgyzstan, or a competition in Germany were parts of my life, so, I was not scared, but excited to go to the USA, a country on the other side of the planet, to study and to swim.
After 1 year of a marvelous swimming season, my university decided to discontinue the swimming program. I was way more than devastated, but knew that I had to move on with my life. That is when I went to the office of Stacie Freeman, the head of the study abroad programs at the university, to ask about semesters abroad. And that moment was pivotal.
At the Edinburgh castle
Why did you choose Global Citizen Adventure Corps?
That day at her office, Mrs. Stacie really connected with my story. She was (and still is) caring, loving, and eager to help me get the maximum out of my American experience.
First, we had discussed the volunteering trip to Colombia in May of 2025. She explained it so colorfully, with a million details, and showed me pictures. As a Russian, for whom Colombia is something way farther than even the other side of the planet, of course decided to go.
Mrs. Freeman helped me apply for all of the possible scholarships, and I went there. Spent there and amazing week, learned so much new. And what do you think? I came back to the university and to her office to learn about the next trip—and that was Ireland and Scotland.
What was your favorite part about Ireland & Scotland?
My kilt photoshoot in Scotland
Technically, we were in 2 countries: Ireland and the UK, but in 3 regions/countries inside of a country: Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. I loved every part of it.
My favorite city now is Edinburgh, even though we spent only 1 day there; I absolutely fell in love with that city. Scotland is such a beautiful country. And I would say that the highlight of the Edinburgh trip was not a guided tour (which was still awesome), but the time we had to wander around the city by ourselves.
I dived into the culture, visited ancient graveyards, astonishing castles, churches, and had a photoshoot in a kilt!!! Yes, not to mention that my internal Harry Potter lover was dying out of happiness.
Even the gray, rainy weather was such an amazing addition to the local architecture—I think that they have to work in pairs.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
I am used to traveling alone. After each semester, I was going home to Russia, and after so many times, you would even forget what it is like to travel with someone. But these trips taught me that traveling in a group or with someone really changes not only the quality of the trip but also your perspective on the place because you have people to share emotions with.
That is exactly what happened during the trip. I have made so many new friends that we were in a moment with.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
At the Giants Causeway in the Northern Ireland
We had an amazing tour guide, Harry, who was with us at all times. He was telling us interesting stories and historical details, so that we would have a better understanding of the place.
By the end, all of us really became close with him. Not to mention, in Edinburgh, when he realized my love for Harry Potter, he gifted me a butter beer, JUST LIKE IN HARRY POTTER! IN THE CITY WHERE HE WAS CREATED! I was on the seventh cloud, as we say.
Also, each of the guides we had only in a certain place was extremely professional, and you can kind of see that they love what they do.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
Honestly, the only thing I would want is an extra day in Edinburgh. That one day felt so incredibly precious, though; it forced us to run in every single moment and explore like crazy. It made every minute count, and in a weird way, that intensity made the experience even more memorable and special.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
Non-travel days meant breakfast around 9-10 AM, then followed by a guided tour. Lunch was our free time to eat and wander by ourselves.
After that, we would meet for either a 5-6 PM tour or a 7-8 PM dinner. A very good blend of planned activity and your own discovery without having to wait for others.
What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?
My favorite free time activity was just wandering. I loved getting lost in the city without a map or any plan, just letting curiosity guide me. It really felt like discovering hidden gems and experiencing the city authentically. Even at times when I was spending that free time with someone in a group.
Next to the Dublin Castle
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
Our accommodations were just fantastic hotels, perfectly located in the heart of each city, so we were right next to all the sightseeing (very convenient). The breakfasts were amazing, and the rooms were absolutely marvelous! The naps that I had on those super soft beds after those 12-hour exploring days for me was totally worth it.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
Future participants should really pay more attention and dive into the pre-departure preparations that the travel company gladly provides for its travelers.
Understanding your destination beforehand unlocks a way richer experience, a deeper cultural immersion, and a more meaningful journey overall.
Would you recommend Global Citizen-Focused Learning in Ireland & Scotland to others? Why?
Absolutely, 1000%!
Going with a group is amazing. It offers so much freedom to explore and experience things together. You get the best of both worlds: sometimes adventure on your own at your own pace, but you also have shared memories with people, and that's something that really brings people together.
At the Titanic museum in Belfast
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
Becoming more open-minded. One thing is when you see something on TV, but the other is when you are literally there, breathing the air and feeling the atmosphere. I just can not comprehend how lucky I am that I have this chance in life to travel and actually see the world.
Not many people are this lucky. So, encourage: if you have a chance to travel, not just abroad, take it! Life is too short.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
So, back home now, and honestly, my time abroad, especially that whole American experience, has really been a game-changer for me. It was not just a trip; it was a big, amazing test that proved to me that I am brave enough to walk into the unknown. And the best part is that I can actually have a lot of fun doing it!
Now this "unknown" feels like an invitation, a challenge that is actually exciting. It has opened up a whole new way of looking at things, and I feel way more ready to just jump into whatever comes next.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means coming back home with a little sadness that it has actually ended, but overwhelmingly happy that I had the chance to experience it all.
It is that lasting feeling of having experienced something special, and I would say looking forward to the next trip and the next destinations where you will make tons of new memories.
