Name: Madison Kennedy, Class of 2020

Email: Madisongkennedy16@gmail.com

Program: EDUCO Paris, France, Spring 2019

Fields of Study: Psychology, Spanish and French

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

Studying abroad in Paris through the EDUCO program allowed me to take a semester to focus solely on the French language as well as the culture as I took classes including the History of Classic French Cinema and History of French Photography, which I wouldn't usually have the chance to take as a Psychology major. Therefore, not only did I improve my French language skills, I also had the opportunity to expand the type of classes I take into other subjects when I studied abroad.

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

Traveling has always been a huge passion for me as I love to learn about new cultures and experience the history and monuments that I may have only read about in the past. Being abroad allowed me to explore the tourist side in me as I explored Paris as well as other cities around Europe, but what was even more exciting was that I became less of a tourist in Paris as time went on. By the time my family visited in April, I knew my way around the metro, the many amazing museums, and the city itself, so it was an amazing feeling getting to share that with them.

Why would you recommend your respective abroad program or location?

I would recommend both Paris and EDUCO because you will never run out of things to do in Paris, and EDUCO is a great resource throughout your time there. Throughout the semester, EDUCO plans so many events for the students such as macaron making classes, wine tastings, ballet and theater performances, and even weekend trips to name a few, so you get the chance to experience a lot of Paris and France that you wouldn't get to if you were just visiting. Additionally, going abroad can be scary, but the team at EDUCO is a lot like the amazing advisors that we have at Tulane and they will help you through every step of your time there. You truly will never have a boring day in Paris as you explore the city, learn the culture and language, and learn more about yourself!

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

For a program like EDUCO, students should be prepared for immersion in the French language and culture. If you do a homestay, which I highly recommend, you will have to speak French with your family all the time and additionally all of the classes you take are in French. If you don't feel like your French is strong enough, don't let that discourage you. I was so nervous at the beginning because my French wasn't that great, but it's a learning experience and everyone is there to help you improve, which you definitely will!

Share a story about a time you experienced cultural immersion.

The biggest cultural immersion for me was living with a host family as I interacted with them in French everyday. We ate dinners together and I truly grew to love them so much. However, an unexpected moment of cultural immersion was when I visited Brussels during one of the first few weeks I was abroad. Our AirBnB host was busy, so she sent her mom to let us into the apartment and I went alone as my friends finished up lunch. The mom did not speak a word of English, so we did the whole tour in French and I asked her questions in French. Although at this point I had been with a host family and taking classes in French, I hadn't expected to use my French as much on this trip, so it was a surprise, but one that I really ended up loving! Studying abroad is full of surprises, but you will grow from each surprise along the way!

Name: Emily Cohen, Class of 2021

Email: ecohen7@tulane.edu

Program: REUNIDAS at Universidad de Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain, Fall 2019

Fields of Study: International Relations, Spanish

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

The most important way that my abroad experience affected my academic and will affect my professional career is simply in the vast improvement of my Spanish skills. Since my time abroad, my Spanish classes have been significantly easier for me; you can study Spanish for year but going abroad is truly what made me finally able to use the language effectively. Additionally, simply being able to say that I am advanced in Spanish on a resume will open numerous more profesional experiences to me.

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

One of my main passions is traveling and learning about new cultures. I was able to truly understand the culture of Spain, especially Madrid, by living with a host mother and participating in activities with her. I also was able to spend my weekends traveling in order to gain a small glimpse into the cultures of other cities and countries. Additionally, I love working with kids, and through my study abroad program, I had the opportunity to tutor three children in English weekly. This was such a unique part of my study abroad experience, and I will never forget the connections I formed with the kids.

Why would you recommend your respective abroad program or location?

Madrid, Spain, in my opinion, is the absolute best place to study abroad. The culture and the people are so welcoming and the way of life there is extremely calm and peaceful, yet there is always something to do and your are never bored. Additionally, if you are going abroad to practice Spanish skills, I would especially recommend Madrid because the accent is the most neutral in all of Spain and simply being in the capital of Spain provides you with numerous opportunities and makes it easier to travel.

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

I think the first and most important thing to remember is that you are going somewhere with completely different customs, norms, and potentially even language for the semester. You have to be flexible and willing to try new things, accepting the fact that the way of life you are accustomed to is not the way that everyone else lives. Another extremely important thing to keep in mind is to remember to take time to yourself to relax. It can be so tempting to spend your time abroad constantly busy and traveling every weekend, but you want to make sure you take time to process everything that you have been taking in and to truly embrace the life you are living in your host country.

Share a story about a time you experienced cultural immersion.

One specific time when I felt I experienced complete cultural immersion was a day spent with my host mom and her niece. We spent the day learning how to cook "tortilla española," one of the most traditional and popular Spanish foods, and through this experiences, I essentially completed an entire cooking class in Spanish. We then all ate what we made for lunch together in a meal that lasted for about 2 hours, as typical Spanish meals last for much longer than American meals. We then simply walked around in Retiro Park, the main park of Madrid that was right next to my apartment, and my host mom showed me a few of her favorite spots in the park. It felt like simply a normal day in the life of my host mom, and that was how I knew that I was truly immersed in the culture of Madrid.

Name: Emily Cohen, Class of 2021

Email: ecohen7@tulane.edu

Program: REUNIDAS at Universidad de Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain, Fall 2019

Fields of Study: International Relations, Spanish

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

The most important way that my abroad experience affected my academic and will affect my professional career is simply in the vast improvement of my Spanish skills. Since my time abroad, my Spanish classes have been significantly easier for me; you can study Spanish for year but going abroad is truly what made me finally able to use the language effectively. Additionally, simply being able to say that I am advanced in Spanish on a resume will open numerous more profesional experiences to me.

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

One of my main passions is traveling and learning about new cultures. I was able to truly understand the culture of Spain, especially Madrid, by living with a host mother and participating in activities with her. I also was able to spend my weekends traveling in order to gain a small glimpse into the cultures of other cities and countries. Additionally, I love working with kids, and through my study abroad program, I had the opportunity to tutor three children in English weekly. This was such a unique part of my study abroad experience, and I will never forget the connections I formed with the kids.

Why would you recommend your respective abroad program or location?

Madrid, Spain, in my opinion, is the absolute best place to study abroad. The culture and the people are so welcoming and the way of life there is extremely calm and peaceful, yet there is always something to do and your are never bored. Additionally, if you are going abroad to practice Spanish skills, I would especially recommend Madrid because the accent is the most neutral in all of Spain and simply being in the capital of Spain provides you with numerous opportunities and makes it easier to travel.

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

I think the first and most important thing to remember is that you are going somewhere with completely different customs, norms, and potentially even language for the semester. You have to be flexible and willing to try new things, accepting the fact that the way of life you are accustomed to is not the way that everyone else lives. Another extremely important thing to keep in mind is to remember to take time to yourself to relax. It can be so tempting to spend your time abroad constantly busy and traveling every weekend, but you want to make sure you take time to process everything that you have been taking in and to truly embrace the life you are living in your host country.

Share a story about a time you experienced cultural immersion.

One specific time when I felt I experienced complete cultural immersion was a day spent with my host mom and her niece. We spent the day learning how to cook "tortilla española," one of the most traditional and popular Spanish foods, and through this experiences, I essentially completed an entire cooking class in Spanish. We then all ate what we made for lunch together in a meal that lasted for about 2 hours, as typical Spanish meals last for much longer than American meals. We then simply walked around in Retiro Park, the main park of Madrid that was right next to my apartment, and my host mom showed me a few of her favorite spots in the park. It felt like simply a normal day in the life of my host mom, and that was how I knew that I was truly immersed in the culture of Madrid.

Name: Anna Wilson, Class of 2021

Email: awilson10@tulane.edu -- Now working fulltime on campus, and available to meet prospective students in person to talk about study abroad!

Program: IFSA Argentine Universities Program, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Fall 2019

Fields of Study: Psychology, Political Science, Spanish minor

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

Studying abroad in Argentina gave me a unique, global perspective in approaching my future and career. Two of my classes - Peronist Argentina & Human Rights and Genocide - were very related to Argentine culture & history. This experience helped me connect what I was learning in the classroom to the world around me and give new meaning to things I had been studying in Political Science classes for years. As I travelled I was able to see the effects of Argentina’s political history first-hand. Additionally, the Spanish immersion I experienced within and outside the classroom helped me realize that I can use my Spanish skills in a future career to connect with a wider variety of people. Being able to practice Spanish in a variety of personal, professional and academic settings instilled me with so much confidence in my Spanish abilities. This confidence and fluency has already opened up so many opportunities for my future and will impact the decisions I make about my career.

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

Since I was a freshman in high school I have volunteered as a tutor in socioeconomically disadvantaged schools and developed a strong passion for education equality. Being in Argentina not only strengthened this passion, as I grew to understand the complex realities of their education system but I was able to understand the intricacies and work to help solve the problems through my internship. I worked with an organization called Fundación Uniendo Caminos and volunteered with middle & high school students in the public education system. Through this experience I deepened my passion for volunteering along with expanding my understanding of education equality through a global lens. Additionally, my human rights class taught me so much about politics and advocacy on an international stage and allowed me to find a new passion within the field of Political Science.

Why would you recommend your respective abroad program or location?

Buenos Aires is a huge cultural hub of Latin America and has such a unique history and character. While some of the architecture and culture feels European, it is also distinctly Latin American and there are so many different sides of the city and country to explore. I think that the opportunity to live in such a big city that is so distinct and have complete independence provides such incredible opportunities for growth. Additionally, because it is a large city and metropolitan hub it proves easy to travel to other parts of the country and continent. The travel experiences are unlike anywhere else in the world and beyond how special they are in location, the challenges that you face travelling through South America teach such valuable life skills like problem solving and adaptability. I would recommend IFSA specifically because they do an incredible job of balancing freedom and program experiences. The staff is incredible and is always there to help with anything - whether it be restaurant recommendations, travel advice or host family trouble. IFSA allows their students to take classes at 4 different universities in the city in addition to offering unique classes with leading professors in their fields.

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

I think one of the most important things to consider when you are choosing a place to study abroad is what your goals are for the experience. As a Spanish minor my biggest goal was to be in a place where I could completely immerse myself in Spanish and develop fluency. Though I considered studying in other locations, I spoke to many returned students and advisors who urged me to go to South America to work on my Spanish. By sticking to and prioritizing this goal I was able to narrow my options and find the right place for me. I also think it is crucial to consider how different study abroad experiences will help push you out of your comfort zone. By choosing to live in a big city, on a continent I had never been to, in a country that speaks a different language, I was able to push myself out of my comfort zone in a variety of ways. I don't believe I would have grown nearly as much from my time abroad if I didn't actively choose a challenging experience.

Share a story about a time you experienced cultural immersion.

While I was in Argentina, I was able to connect with my Grandmother’s cousins that had been living in Argentina for generations. They immediately took me in and over the course of the semester, invited me over to family events and holiday parties regularly. When the Jewish High Holidays came around, they invited me to a dinner with about 30 cousins from all over the city. I was the only American there and the only person who spoke English and by throwing myself into this experience I got to understand one of my favorite Jewish traditions in a completely new way. I tried all my favorite holiday foods with an Argentine twist, and experienced complete immersion in their holiday celebrations. On that day when I was completely out of my comfort zone and immersed in theirs, I learned so much about them and created connections with them that will last a lifetime.

Name: Gabriella Werner, Class of 2020

Email: gwerner222@gmail.com

Program: DIS Copenhagen, Denmark, Spring 2019

Fields of Study: Environmental Biology, Public Health

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

Studying abroad opened my eyes to a whole new way of thinking and understanding for both my academic and professional career. As an Environmental Biology major it is so easy to feel down about the world around you but by studying in Denmark I was exposed to a wonderful way of positive thinking, pursuing discovery, and broadened my current knowledge to an international scale. From my Public Health minor, I was not only exposed to a completely different health care system, but I was also entrenched in the view of public health from an international scale within Europe.

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

When I was abroad I actually discovered new interests and passions. I learned that I absolutely loved traveling around a city with just google maps and a friend by my side. I realized that I love to learn about history and international relations when the next country is only a 3 hour drive away. I discovered that Denmark has some of the most amazing sweets I have ever tasted. But what was my most amazing experience while being abroad with DIS in Copenhagen is that all my classes were my passions and that I was able to learn and interact with professionals of my passions everyday.

Why would you recommend your respective abroad program or location?

I was actually surprised how much I loved Copenhagen. In fact, I love it so much that I am now thinking about trying to find work there so that I never have to leave it again. Copenhagen is a unique and beautiful city with a rich history that has been around for thousands of years. People here are welcoming to foreigners and the people you meet in the DIS program could quite possibly become your best friends. You also have the ability to choose from a wide range of interesting and engaging classes that are taught by professionals of their field. I honestly don't think anyone can realize how unique and eye-opening Danish culture is until you are living in it.

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

Students should be ready to embrace a culture shock. Although Copenhagen has a lot of modern comforts and many people speak English, that does not mean, by any stretch of the imagination, that this place is the same as Tulane or your home. When applying and preparing it is important that students are willing and able to jump into the new culture with 2 feet and to keep an open mind. If you do that, then I see no reason why students will not only have a good time, but flourish, when they are abroad.

Share a story about a time you experienced cultural immersion.

Even though I lived in the city with other Americans, DIS still has this amazing program that allows you to have a "visiting host family". Even though our schedules collided, my host family would constantly invite me over to their home for dinner with them and their dog. It was such an amazing opportunity to talk to them about my life back home and learn about their life in Denmark, as well as to get that sense of family while being so far away from my own. My host family had 3 kids ranging from 18 to 14 and it was so interesting to talk with them about their everyday life and answer any questions they had about American life. Even as I was leaving Denmark this amazing family made it clear that I was always welcome to stay with them in their home if I ever came back.

Name: Keara Sparks, Class of 2020

Email: ksparks2@tulane.edu

Program: King's College London, England, Spring 2019

Fields of Study: Sociology & Social Policy and Practice, Psychology Minor; Concentration in Peace Corps Prep

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

Studying abroad helped open my mind to the world outside my own backyard. It gave me the chance to experience the education system of another country and see ways in which we could improve our own. I also discovered that they used a different writing and citation style for their papers, which was something I had to adapt to. That would seem simple enough, but it’s an interesting process to change the way you’ve been taught to write since elementary school. I think studying abroad also gave me a clearer goal of what I’d like my future to become.

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

Studying abroad was the best decision I ever made. It was my first time leaving this continent and I was so nervous. But I got to explore a new city, see some of the most famous museums and museum pieces in the world (like the Rosetta Stone, for example). It also served as a jumping point to visit six other different countries (Scotland, Ireland, France, Italy, Austria, and the Czech Republic) and I discovered a passion for adventure and travel I never knew I had. I was also able to meet some amazing new people and pursue my passions by joining organizations such as King’s Creative Writing Society, who’s weekly meetings became a highlight of my semester.

Why would you recommend your respective abroad program or location?

London is an amazing city that is filled with so many different cultures and so much history. The Asian Market of London, for example, is gorgeous and I had green tea ice cream for the first time there. Visiting the museums while I listened to some softer music created such an awe inspiring experience. England is also a great jumping point to visiting other countries. London is a prime location for studying abroad.

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

A very important thing I had to learn is to take your time exploring the city. You’re in this new culture and this new environment and it’s incredibly exciting! But it can also be very overwhelming, so don’t be afraid to take some days off to stay at your living situation. You’re going to be there for a few months; you don’t have to explore everyday. Pace yourself so you can have a great time the whole time!

Share a story about a time you experienced cultural immersion.

I was lucky enough to be able to work while studying abroad and I got a job in a sporting goods shop in Covent Garden, which is a very popular shopping area for people living or visiting London. Through this job, I got to meet so many interesting people from all over the world who came to us pursuing their passion of exercising and/or exploring in the great outdoors. Working in London was also probably to most immersive experience as you have to learn the location, the monetary system, local knowledge, brands, etc etc etc. Working in London helped me to become a temporary Londoner.

Name: Carina Kroff

Email: ckroff@tulane.edu

Program: Tulane Summer in Dublin

Fields of Study: International Relations and Dance

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

I am an International Relations major and my goal in the summer abroad program was to figure out if I truly loved what that career entailed. Through the Dublin Summer abroad program, I confirmed that I loved learning about new places and being immersed in new cultures while analyzing politics. My intent of becoming an ambassador is something that I still want as a future career, and it was energized through studying abroad.

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

While abroad, I took two history courses. One that focused on the culture and society of Ireland and the other analyzed the independence of Ireland and the social and political dilemmas that it resulted in. I have always loved analyzing the effects of history on present day realities and I could truly see and experience it during my time in Dublin. I am also a dancer, so I loved going to see live music and dancing with the Irish.

Why would you recommend your respective abroad program or location?

Summer abroad in Dublin is a great introduction to traveling by yourself or out of the country for the first time. It’s only a month which will make one less homesick, and because Ireland is an English-speaking country, there is not an overwhelming language barrier. Additionally, Dublin has an incredibly unique culture and history with so much vivacity. The people are passionate, soulful, and the city is filled with joy.

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

If you are considering a summer abroad program, remember that it is one semester in a month. The program is hard work, but incredibly rewarding. You will never learn as much about the country any other way.

Share a story about a time you experienced cultural immersion.

One night I was coming back from dinner with my friend during our four-day field trip and we began a conversation about what we had been learning in our political history class with a worker in the hotel where we were staying. He recited the entire history of the Easter Rising of 1916, Ireland’s fight for independence, and Michael Collins. We had learned a few days prior that most Irish men could recite the political history of Ireland’s independence and we saw and experienced it in real time. He had so much passion for the country’s history, and we were all so engaged in the conversation. Everything he told me has stuck with me to this day.

Did your identity impact your study abroad experience?

While I was in Ireland, the news about Roe v. Wade being overturned broke. Being in a country that had fought so hard to legalize abortion recently and had so much more respect for women truly inspired me to be more active at home. I was in a country where women’s rights were advancing and at home in the United States they were being taken away. This really gave me a new perspective on my own country and the need to be even more politically and civically engaged as one’s rights can be taken away at any moment.