Hey, everyone! My name is McKenzie Jackson, and I am a current senior at Tulane studying Psychology and French. I spent the summer before my junior year in Paris with the Tulane Summer in Paris program, and my Fall semester in Toulouse, France with the CIEE Language and Culture program. My experiences abroad instilled in me my love for traveling, experiencing new cultures, and meeting new people from across the world. 

I am passionate about language and intercultural immersion, and would love to answer any questions you may have regarding your journey abroad. Along with my role as a peer advisor for OSA, I have also served as a Wave Leader, Peer Mentor, and First-Year Five ambassador on campus. Therefore, I have developed a lot of experience with mentorship and advising, and am happy to assist in any way necessary. If you see me on campus, do not hesitate to say hello!

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

Through studying abroad, I was able to immerse myself in a culture that was unfamiliar to me, which significantly improved my adaptability and intercultural communication skills. The classes I took opened my eyes to new career paths and opportunities I had not previously considered. My professors were exceptional, and their teaching methods enhanced my critical thinking skills while giving me a broader understanding of various subjects.

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

I have always been an explorer, so I naturally seek out new opportunities, but DIS made it even easier for me to do so. They offered field trips that exposed us to various activities, such as figure skating, visiting a castle, and sightseeing tours. DIS goes above and beyond by integrating travel and field studies into the courses, allowing me to visit Paris and Umeå while abroad.

Why would you recommend your respective abroad program or location?

Absolutely! DIS ensured that I had numerous opportunities to explore and learn about Stockholm, which made me fall in love with the city.

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

I believe location is one of the most important factors students should consider. They should learn about the atmosphere of the city and whether the vibes align with their identity and lifestyle. Additionally, the actual program itself is another crucial aspect. If you prefer a more structured experience, a program may be more beneficial than an exchange with a university.

Did your identity impact your study abroad experience?

I never felt that my identity as a woman or as a Latinx individual negatively influenced my experience while studying abroad.

Share a story about a time you experienced cultural immersion.

For one of our class trips, I spent a few days in Umeå, a northern city in Sweden! One of my favorite activities was taking a night ride on horse-drawn sleds through the forest, hoping to see the northern lights. I felt like I was in a movie, and in the middle of the ride, we stopped for coffee and treats by a campfire while learning about Swedish culture. It was one of my most treasured memories from abroad.

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

When I went abroad I had thought that I had a clear view on what my next steps after college would be. However things have changed in ways I would never have expected. I learned about the research that the University of Auckland does for exercise science. I found a reason for me to come back to New Zealand and immerse myself more into my major in ways I had never knew existed here at Tulane.

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

Being a dancer, I took one Maori dance class that immersed me into the culture. I also took classes at different dance studios in the city. There was lots of different food cuisines allowing me to explore and try new foods. Most of all I traveled to places I never even knew existed on this planet from how beautiful they were.

Why would you recommend your respective abroad program or location?

Ifsa was a great program, creating plenty of opportunities for students from different universities to become friends. I also loved that New Zealand was a location people from Tulane usually don't travel to, allowing me to get outside of the Tulane bubble and meet 20 brand new friends from all over the United States.

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

To try and understand that study abroad should be about the location and the new people you can meet. I feel that many students choose to go places because their friends are also going. But I learned it was the best decision to go somewhere many students dont usually end up going.

Did your identity impact your study abroad experience?

I do not think my identity impacted my abroad experience, however I think being abroad allowed me to become more aware of myself and where I see myself going in the future. Traveling halfway across the world alone was a terrifying experience that I found allowed me to grow even more out of comfort zone.

Share a story about a time you experienced cultural immersion.

While I was abroad I was able to take a Pacific Indigenous Dance class. This class was taught by two professors who identified as Maori (the indigenous people who live in New Zealand). Before this class I had no knowledge about Maori culture. Over the semester I was put in situations I was slightly uncomfortable with, but in the end it brought me closer to my class, New Zealand, my family, and the respect and understand of what the land means to us. Maori culture focuses a lot on family and environment. I learned about the myths and stories passed down through families in New Zealand as well and learning about my own family. One cultural difference between being at a primarily Jewish school to a country with a 0.1% Jewish population was slightly strange being Jewish.

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"

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

As a French minor who grew up speaking French, I have always been interested in studying in Paris. The Summer in Paris program allowed me to connect my love for France with my education, enriching my knowledge in both the language and its culture.

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

By being in Paris, I was able to practice my French, learn about the rich French history, and explore the beautiful city. I love everything the city has to offer such as the cuisine, the museums, the famous landmarks, and the fashion.

Why would you recommend your respective abroad program or location?

I would recommend my respective abroad program because it was such an incredible experience. It has made me consider living in Paris in the future and gave me the opportunity to explore a fascinating city on my own and with newly made Tulane friends.

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

They should consider the length and location of the program they desire. I believe that a student should have a good understanding of what they are going to be studying as well as where they are going, to prepare them for their time abroad.

Did your identity impact your study abroad experience?

Yes, as someone who grew up alongside many French families, I have a strong appreciation for the French culture and history. It's become a huge part of who I am today.

Share a story about a time you experienced cultural immersion.

Everything about the beautiful city of Paris is cultural immersion; sitting at the café eating a crêpe and people watching, walking alongside the Seine hearing everyone chit-chat about their lives and never pick up their phones, and going into the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa in person.

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

Before the program in Greece, I spoke no Greek and had no intention to come to that country, not even learning Greek or Ancient Greek. After going to Greece, I fell in love with how caring and friendly the Greek is and how beautiful the language is. I ended up learning Greek and continuing my service at Ecogenia as a Social Media Intern in the Fall and submitting an application to exchange to Oxford to learn Ancient Greek. This journey has changed my life. For good.

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

I have explored my passion for languages when I first learned some Greek through Professor Beck. I was so fascinated because I had not ever pictured myself speaking such an elegant language. From that, I explored that life is so short to fulfill my love for languages that I have to learn Greek now and for good!

Why would you recommend your respective abroad program or location?

Greece is such a great country. It is beautiful, rich in cultures, the people are so nice, and they have a lot of tourists, of which you can hear Spanish, Italian, Turkish, etc in one restaurant. Also, it is a great country to try an interesting language. Greek is so pure and interesting that you should try to pick it up once in your life, I promise.

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

I think students should consider the food and the weather. As I have experienced the severe culture shock when I first came to the US, I adapted to the lack of Asian food and the intolerable unpredictable weather in New Orleans. However, I know from my friends, mostly Asian, cannot survive without proper Asian rice and food.

Did your identity impact your study abroad experience?

My identity does matter. Specifically, I am a Vietnamese Chinese of which makes me extra-Asian. Therefore, sometimes I was stared at during the trip because there were not many Asians here and there in Greece. Also, finding good food place is also a matter because it was hard to find an Asian restaurant and if it was not, the restaurant was mostly so far away.

Share a story about a time you experienced cultural immersion.

As an international student from Vietnam coming to the US for university and jumping right into such a special place like New Orleans, I was so culture shock. The food is different that I cannot eat and survive for the first few days; even the KFC and MacDonald's are different in the US, compared to Vietnam! The people are so different, they behave and speak differently, way more differently than I used to think. They shocked me a lot in the first semester of my university life but then I learned how to research for the underlying culture and history to explain the differences and how to compromise to adapt. I think I have accidentally increased my survival rate by doing that.

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

I had the opportunity to travel to Paris for a month, and Brazil for two weeks. Having the opportunity to study abroad allowed me to not only understand the history of both Paris and Brazil, but also immerse myself in the culture and understand the differences between both Paris and Brazil compared to the US.

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

I am someone who loved music. In Paris, during my personal free time, I had the opportunity to take a walking tour and learn about the Jazz history in the city. In Brazil, the group had the opportunity to take a workshop regarding the drumming in the country.

Why would you recommend your respective abroad program or location?

both Paris and Brazil were two very different experiences. I would recommend Paris if you have an interest in learning about French history. I’d recommend Brazil, or any program with Ms. Carolyn Barber-Pierre, if you have an interest in learning about the slave trade to another country outside of the US.

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

When applying, students should consider an experience where they feel like they can grow the most as a person, and of course choose a location that they have a deep interest in learning more about. I wouldn’t recommend overly thinking about what classes you have to take, as it’s easily transferable, but more so about the location that you have an interest in.

Did your identity impact your study abroad experience?

My identity didn’t really impact my study abroad experience.

Share a story about a time you experienced cultural immersion.

While traveling to Brazil, I stayed with a host family, and had all my meals with them. While it was a hard experience at first because of the language barrier, I had a great experience seeing what a Brazilian family did on a daily basis.

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

As a pre-med student, I didn’t think studying art history and Italian food in Rome would be relevant to my career, but the cultural experience has given me a perspective that no amount of in-class discussions or articles could teach me. I saw a difference in how medicine is practiced and drugs are regulated- I got a weird look when I asked for Flonase, an over-the-counter drug in the US but prescription only in Italy. This trip greatly broadened my world view and increased my empathy for how stressful finding healthcare is in a language and culture you’re not familiar with can be.

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

Like most, I love food. By taking the class “Italian Food and Culture,” I was able to try a bunch of delicious food but also learn about their cultural and historical significance. I got to engage with this interest in a way I could have never imagined and it really helped me understand the city in a meaningful way.

Why would you recommend your respective abroad program or location?

I would recommend this program because it was amazing at integrating and centering the content around the city we are in. Instead of studying by putting my nose in a book, I was studying by going to museums and restaurants. These experiences will stick with me longer than if I were cramming for a test, and let me engage with the host city in a meaningful way.

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

Consider what you are trying to get out of the program- is it a deep understanding of a subject that is relevant to your host location, getting some core requirements out of the way while in the ideal spot to relax on the weekends, or something else?

Did your identity impact your study abroad experience?

I wouldn’t say my identity impacted my study abroad experience, but rather I became extremely aware of my identity. Being an American surrounded by other Americans, it’s difficult to see what our culture looks like or hear our accents. When I went abroad, I realized some behaviors of mine that are distinctly American and I do, in fact, have a strong accent.

Share a story about a time you experienced cultural immersion.

One time I felt I experienced cultural immersion was talking with one of the CIEE student program coordinators. I had just come from a cafe and was confused whether I should pay before or after ordering, and judging by the service I received I figured I got it wrong. I asked Surija the proper etiquette for paying and tipping, and we had a conversation about our cultures’ differences in it. By the end, we felt like friends and I felt more connected and knowledgeable about my surroundings.

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

While taking classes abroad, I was able to not only make progress toward my degree with incredible professors, but also develop a skill set including flexibility and adaptability to new and novel situations. Also, taking advantage of the program's objective to introduce a global perspective on academic topics during the courses gave me a new understanding of cultural awareness and cross-cultural communication. Applying that knowledge when interacting in our host country was a very valuable experience! I cannot recommend this program enough to anyone looking for a fast-paced, yet rewarding journey! You will make the memories of a lifetime!

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

As a Music minor, being able to appreciate a new musical landscape and culture was extremely rewarding. While studying at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm, I had a unique opportunity to be surrounded by students with the same passion as me. Connecting with some of those students during the program and talking about their goals in music and passions was an invaluable experience, and it helped to enrich my global understanding of the music industry. I am still connected with those friends today!

Why would you recommend your respective abroad program or location?

I would recommend the Summer in Stockholm program for its location and staff! The weather and scenery are incredible in Stockholm, and the atmosphere is electric. The fast-paced nature of the program will encourage you to explore and immerse yourself as much as possible, and I really enjoyed that experience. While you do so, the program staff will be consistently available for anything and everything you need, and they are ready to be a part of this experience with you! The mentorship and advice I received during this program from our staff was truly invaluable, and I am excited to stay connected with them when we return to campus and throughout the rest of my time at Tulane.

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

The number one thing I would consider is finances. Make sure you spend time planning for what you would like to do and how much you would like to spend. Prepare in advance, whether that is working or saving, and ask as many questions as possible! The staff is here to work with you and answer your questions.

Did your identity impact your study abroad experience?

Being abroad in such a vibrant city was amazing! Being able to embrace my identity with warm and welcoming locals was a very enriching and unique experience!

Share a story about a time you experienced cultural immersion.

Throughout the program, I was able to meet incredible locals and experience unique Swedish traditions and everyday activities with them. Exploring the city together with my newfound friends - everything from trying incredible meatballs well-known by locals to jamming out together to Swedish club music - truly shaped my time in Stockholm. Being able to foster our friendship throughout the program is such a cherished memory of mine, and I look forward to staying in touch with them!

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

Studying abroad opened my worldview and personally opened my mind to the possibility of taking my career to an international level, not just within the US. It made me more comfortable with the idea of being open minded about where I end up, and also continued to spark my passion in my field of interest (neuroscience and women's health).

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

I joined the local rowing club for the month! They were super welcoming and open to be being there, and it was super awesome to get to know people and see the city through one of my favorite hobbies.

Why would you recommend your respective abroad program or location?

The weather, infrastructure, safety, and culture of Stockholm is perfect in the summer for college students who want to comfortably explore on their own. There was a lot to do and it wasn't overwhelming - the trip is what you make of it, and it's easy to go at your own pace here.

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

Apply early! Especially when looking for scholarships. And as far as packing- check the weather and prepare for all climates.

Did your identity impact your study abroad experience?

Personally as a woman I felt more comfortable here than I usually feel traveling alone in the US, and I felt safer in my identity in that way. My identity did not hinder me from anything here.

Share a story about a time you experienced cultural immersion.

When I was a part of the local rowing club, I got to interact with locals and talk about their day to day as well as their career choices. I felt closest to connecting with Swedish culture when I was discussing things with the team. I also felt culturally immersed when we had our orientation group culture talk, which provided good context for the place we were living in.