My Experiences Abroad

Amsterdam. Basel, Switzerland. Berlin. Madrid. Paris. Rome. And oh yeah, London. That's where I studied abroad this past semester with around 25 other students from JCU's Boler School of Business. From January to May, London's west side, in all of its cultural and overcast beauty, along with Regent's Royal Park, where our college was located, was home.

This trip did more for me, however, than just give me a chance to see many different countries. I got to know some JCU people a lot better and meet some really neat people in the various hostels I stayed in and right at Regent's College. Regent's was home to not only British folks, but students from other American schools and students and lecturers from other cities like Cairo and Cyprus, just to name a few.

As far as a place to study, I am happy with having chosen London. I feel the transition from America was easier since we were in an English-speaking country. However, I did not have difficulty communicating in any of the places I visited. There were really nice and helpful people in all of the countries I visited - including France, contrary to the popular stereotype. All in all, I met more Europeans (Britons included) who spoke English and other languages than Americans who spoke the languages of other countries. The next time I travel, all I would change is being able to communicate - at least a little bit - in the native language of the country I visit.

My experiences abroad well surpassed my expectations. The best things always seemed to happen randomly and out of situations that you could not make up if you tried. Take, for instance, our getting stuck in Berlin for a week because of the Icelandic volcano. We got to see so many more historical sites, expertly explained to us by Dr. Berg (JCU history professor), than we would have been able to otherwise. And I got to see, for the first time, the John Butler Trio in concert - in Berlin!

The entire five month experience was amazing and one I will not forget. I would encourage anyone with the chance to take a semester or even a summer abroad to do so. Close your eyes. Drop your finger on the map. And book your plane ticket...or better yet, tickets.

Reflection by Ben Szweda '12