What inspired you to go abroad?
I wanted to step outside my comfort zone, see the art and places I’d only studied in class, and grow as a person. Studying abroad felt like the best way to do all three at once. Looking back, it was the right call. I came home feeling like a new person, and I’d encourage anyone thinking about it to go for it.
Why did you choose Forum-Nexus Study Abroad?
I chose this program because it combined real coursework with hands-on travel, so I could see in person what we studied in class. The art focus really appealed to me, and the organization had a strong reputation for running things smoothly and fairly. It lived up to all of that and more, and I’d pick it again.
What was your favorite part about your host country/city?
My favorite part was how much history and art surrounded us every day. Walking the streets and seeing in person the works and places we’d covered in class made everything come alive. The culture, food, and everyday life were so engaging that I never once felt homesick, which honestly says a lot.....
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
What made it extraordinary was how completely it changed me. I’m going back to the US feeling like a new person. Learning in class and then seeing it all in real life, especially through the art course, made every day meaningful. Everything was handled fairly, and I never once felt homesick.........
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
The local staff were amazing from start to finish. They kept everything organized, treated every student fairly, and were always there when we needed help. Their support is a big reason I never felt homesick. I felt safe, cared for, and free to fully enjoy the experience, so I’d give them a 10/10...
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I wish I had explored more on my own during free time. The program kept us so busy and engaged that I sometimes stuck to the group plan instead of wandering, trying a random café, or getting a little lost in the city. Those unplanned moments are where some of the best memories come from, so next time I’d make more room for them.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
A typical day started with breakfast and then class in the morning, where we covered the art and history of the places we were visiting. In the afternoon, we’d head out to see those same sites in person, which made everything we learned come alive. Evenings were for exploring the city, trying local food, and hanging out with friends from the program. Every day felt full and exciting, which is probably why I never felt homesick.
What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?
During my free time, I loved wandering the streets with friends from the program, finding little cafés, and trying as much local food as possible. I also enjoyed revisiting museums and galleries on my own to take a closer look at pieces we’d discussed in our art class. Some evenings we just sat in parks or squares, people-watching and soaking it all in. Those simple moments ended up being some of my favorite memories.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
We stayed in hotels as we traveled from city to city with the group. What I liked best was the convenience: they were well located, so we could easily walk to classes, sites, and great places to eat. Staying together as a group also made it easy to build friendships. Most stays were comfortable, though the Paris hotel wasn’t as good as the others, but it didn’t take away from the overall experience.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
Every future participant should know that this program will keep you busy, engaged, and constantly learning, so don’t worry too much about feeling homesick. What you study in class connects directly to what you see on the trip, so pay attention and come curious. Go in with an open mind and flexible expectations, because a few small things may not be perfect, but the experience as a whole is truly life-changing.
Would you recommend your program/provider to others? Why?
Yes, I would recommend this program to anybody, and I’ve already been telling younger friends to apply. The program was awesome from start to finish, everything was handled fairly, and the staff made sure we felt supported the whole time. The art course tied perfectly into what we saw on the trip, and I never once felt homesick. I’m going back to the US feeling like a new person, and that says it all.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
The biggest benefit of traveling abroad is personal growth. Being in a new place pushes you outside your comfort zone, builds confidence and independence, and shows you the world from a completely different perspective. Seeing art, history, and culture in person also makes learning far more meaningful than reading about it in a classroom. I came home feeling like a new person, and that change is something I’ll carry with me for life.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
Now that I’m home, I feel like a completely new person. I’m more confident, more independent, and much more open to new experiences and people. I also look at art, history, and other cultures with a deeper appreciation after seeing so much of it in person. The experience changed the way I see the world and myself, and I’ve already been encouraging friends to apply so they can experience the same thing.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To me, meaningful travel means going beyond sightseeing and truly connecting with a place. It’s about learning its history, understanding its culture, and seeing things in person that you once only read about. It also means letting the experience change you, by stepping outside your comfort zone and coming home with a new perspective. That’s exactly what this program gave me, and why I returned feeling like a new person.
