Marneisha Gilmore

How did studying abroad affect your academic and/or professional career?

Studying abroad has led me to immerse myself in multiple cultures, this has allowed me to be adaptable, less home sick when traveling, and dabble in multiple languages.

How did you explore your hobbies, interests, and passions abroad?

When I had free time, if I wasn't sleeping, I made sure to try things I couldn't do America and explore my passions in another culture to see it from a different perspective.

Why would you recommend your respective abroad program or location?

The programs I have done with Ms. Annie and Mrs. Carolyn have been life changing! 2 weeks is the perfect amount of time to dabble myself in these different cultures.

What should students consider when applying and preparing for their time abroad?

If you do not know the language I suggest you download duolingo to get the basics especially if you have a host family.

Did your identity impact your study abroad experience?

Yes, being American sticks out so be careful!

Share a story about a time you experienced cultural immersion.

I was recently in Brazil and do not know a lick of Portuguese. I had to use the bit of Spanish I knew to communicate with my host mom along with google translator. Culture in Brazil is very different from America, the family dynamic, money making dynamic, even the bathroom situations were different but I was able to adapt and am so thankful for the experience. The whole trip my cohort had a saying, "When in Rome be Roman.. When in Brazil be Brazilian"