Alumni Interview with Bethany Melendez

What inspired you to go abroad?

I was inspired to go abroad for many reasons. To name a few, I was eager to go abroad for the experience. I think that it is very important to travel and try things that are out of your comfort zone. For me, Europe was an easy choice when deciding where I wanted to go abroad. The history alone is what intrigued me. I felt that it was necessary for me to get to know a culture and lifestyle that was different than what I was used to in America.

Why did you choose the European Study Center?

I chose this program because I felt that it suited my interests best. Looking at the photos of my future home in Heidelberg, Germany was enough for me to choose that location. I really liked what European Study Center had to offer.

What was your favorite part about Germany?

My host country, Germany, had a lot qualities that I appreciated. Mainly, I loved their lifestyle. It seemed like everyone in Germany was very hard working, but at the same time extremely laid back. They take every day and make sure they enjoy it. They focus on the little things that make their daily lives happier. I can't speak for everyone in Germany, but from what I saw and who I met this is a lifestyle that I noticed. Family closeness and caring for their elders in also a huge part of their culture as well as extreme respect for others.

What made your experience abroad unique?

There’s is one thing in particular that made my study abroad experience unique. As a journalist, I am always following current events so when I heard about the opportunity to work with refugees through a class that the ESC has to offer I signed up. It was one of the most rewarding and humbling experiences and something I really did not expect to be able to take part in.

Our roles as students were to communicate with and teach the children that are being processed as refugees in the camps. The objective was to give the parents of the children time to themselves during the day, even if it was just for a few hours. I am very happy with this opportunity that has taught me a lot about the importance of being culturally aware, which is not something I feel is not emphasized enough in America. I feel that this is exactly the kind of experience I came abroad to have.

How did local staff support you throughout your program?

Throughout my program and time at the ESC, I was fully supported by the local staff. The receptionists/interns were the most wonderful people and I made a connection that will last a lifetime. Thomas, the head of the ESC, was more than helpful and extremely interactive with the students that were studying there. He helped very much in making sure the students get the most out of their time while being abroad. He also did this through his experiential learning class in which the students were invited to take excursions to historical locations, museums, and unique cities.

Lastly, Larisa, the program coordinator offered two students in the program a job at the ESC as a Social Media Ambassador. This gave the students a way to earn some extra cash for meals and travel. This is something that I took part in and that I am extremely grateful to have been offered. As a communications major, this was something that not only helped me financially, but also with future career possibilities and experience to add to my resume.

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently? 

One thing I would have done differently is I would have stayed a few weeks longer after classes ended just to travel a little more. 

Describe a typical day in the life of your program.

A typical day in my program was waking up and walking to get a coffee from a nearby bakery. Having one to two classes during the day, and meeting with friends after class in the city to eat dinner or lay out in the park studying.

What did you enjoy doing on your free time?

During my free time on the weekends I traveled all over Europe. A group of the students from the ESC and I would book trips to countries surrounding Germany. From Ireland to Spain, I tried to get the most out of being in Europe.

What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?

We stayed in a beautiful chateau. The largest home in the area. A wing of the chateau was converted into a dorm-like environment with a group kitchen fully stocked and a group bathroom which was upgraded and modern. My room was the largest room with new furniture and wood floors and a lot of storage space. I absolutely loved it, but what I loved most was the view that I had from my bedroom which overlooked the neighborhood and city of Heidelberg.

What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?

Make sure you are prepared financially so that you can get the most out of your time abroad. There are a lot of great scholarships that are offered to students. Be sure to look out for those because they are very beneficial in the long run. Also study abroad with an open mind.

Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?

Now that I am back home, I see how drastic my life has been impacted. I am more open minded and a lot more motivated to live in Europe. I try to enjoy the little things in life more. I am eager to go back to Europe to get my masters.

Would you recommend the European Study Center to others? Why?

100 percent! I feel that as a student it is the perfect time to go out and explore the world. It is more of a learning experience than sitting in any classroom could give you. I am extremely grateful that I had the opportunity to study abroad.