What inspired you to travel abroad?
I was inspired to go abroad by my mom. She studied abroad in college and always spoke highly of it. I knew I wanted to do something similar, and a friend showed me Forum-Nexus and I was so excited!
I love traveling, and love that you can get credits and world experience while making new friends and traveling the world. With the Italy program, we were so immersed in Italian life and culture.
I got to experience so many cities that were completely different. The people in each city are so different and have different values which was really interesting. I learned so much about myself and how to be independent as well.
Wine tour in Tuscany!
Why did you choose Forum-Nexus Study Abroad?
I chose Forum-Nexus because my friends and I could do it together and get credit! I also fell in love with the idea of traveling to multiple cities. There are not very many programs that constantly travel. That is the best part because you are exposed to so many different places!
I also wanted to complete the internship in marketing with Forum-Nexus, which I got college credit for. I also liked the professional visits because we got to go to cool companies like Gucci and the Italian Parliament.
What was your favorite part about Italy?
My favorite part about Italy was the food and the people! The food was amazing and I seriously never got tired of pizza and pasta. There are so many different types and I learned a lot about food.
I also loved the people. Depending on the city people were nicer or more aggressive, but there was always someone willing to help us or give us a recommendation. The landscape was also just stunning and I was exposed to so many new places.
Some friends I miss!
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
My experience was extraordinary because I feel so changed by my time with Forum-Nexus! I was so scared to go abroad for a whole month, even with my two friends I knew. I wasn't expecting to become such good friends with everyone on the program and just have so much fun.
Traveling to multiple cities really was so amazing because I've come away with a taste of some of the major Italian cities. We also went on day trips to cities like Orvieto and Bologna, so we saw some of those cities as well.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
The staff was amazing and so fun! They wanted to keep the students safe, but still give us independence. The professors and staff became our friends by the end!
If you were having an issue you could confide in them and feel comfortable. We would eat with them outside of class and hangout at our rooftop for appetizers and drinks. They also made school manageable, so you weren't sacrificing your time on school work when you should be experiencing Italy.
How did your program help you stay (and feel) safe abroad amidst the ongoing pandemic?
I felt very safe traveling with Forum-Nexus! We all got tested before going abroad, which was great. They encouraged masking, especially while on public transportation. It was mostly required in Italy, but even if it wasn't we all masked up. Only one person was sick the entire trip, so it really went well! They just wanted everyone to have the best month possible with as little illness as possible.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I don't think I'd do anything differently! I know other students wished that they had planned some cultural trips and booked tours ahead. A lot of them sell out fast, so if there is something you really want to do go ahead and book it. Most of them are refundable, so it’s fine if you change your mind.
Lake Garda!
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
We would wake up pretty early, eat breakfast, and then have class at 9 A.M. After class, we'd head to our International I.Q. class and learn about geography, culture, politics, etc. of countries in the European Union (EU).
Then, we'd go eat lunch somewhere nearby and have the afternoon off! During this time we'd go see the Vatican or a museum or wander around the city. Some days we had Professional Visits during this time off. After that, we'd usually gather as a group at a rooftop restaurant or bar and then enjoy the nightlife in Italy!
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
During my free time I took full advantage of my time and saw so many places! I went to the Colosseum, Vatican, different museums, wine tours, pasta making classes, and more. Even though you're probably tired, you have to take advantage of every moment, and we did!
We also took weekend trips. I went to Split, Croatia and to Cinque Terre along the Italian coast. These trips were so amazing! Croatia was such an amazing experience and I was able to go on a boat tour of their famous blue lagoon. But, I also made sure to spend some weekends with the group to experience the day trips and more time in each city.
Could you tell us about your accommodations throughout the program? What did you like best about it?
Our hotels were really nice throughout each city! I stayed in a room with three girls, and we got three twin beds for most of the time which was amazing. European hotels are known for being smaller, but I didn't feel like that at all. The hotels all had an amazing breakfast as well, and were centrally located in the area.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
Every participant should know that you shouldn't be nervous! You seriously become close to everybody, which is so fun. I was scared it would be really exclusive and people would have their friends, but everyone wanted to hangout and run around Italy together. Also, pack really comfortable walking shoes because your feet are going to hurt.
Would you recommend Forum-Nexus to others? Why?
YES! I would recommend Forum-Nexus to anyone. It was such an amazing experience and I wish I could go again! The program changes every year so they always have new places to go to. I learned so much about myself and made some amazing friends that I hope to see again soon. Going abroad is so special, and if you have the opportunity, go for it!
Lunch in Florence!
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
The biggest benefit of traveling abroad is becoming more independent and confident in yourself! Navigating another country and another culture is so difficult, and I feel like I can do anything now! You get used to feeling a bit uncomfortable in a different country that you don't know everything about, which is so good for you! You need to be out in the world learning about other people and cultures.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
I feel more independent and confident in myself! I also feel more knowledgeable about the world, especially from the International I.Q. class. We learned so much about European countries and their dynamics, history, religion, and politics. It is important to know what's going on in the world, and I feel like I understand more. I have more learning to do, but I had a crash course in the EU and Italy.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel is going out of your comfort zone to better yourself and your knowledge of the world. It is so important to do things that scare you and make you uncomfortable, because you really do grow. Forum-Nexus was an amazing way to find meaningful travel because you're with a small-ish group of people that become family while you grow and learn together.
