You Can Find a Way to Explore the World

Hi, my name is Emiliano Estrada. I’ll be studying abroad this semester at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland.

When I was in high school, I realized that I wanted to get out of my hometown and explore the world. The first step was to go to college in San Diego. What I was going to do after that though, I wasn’t sure.

“I want to live like I’m a local and be a part of the community. Eat new food, explore castles and … possibly wear a kilt? “

I figured I’d spend four years at San Diego State and then maybe my job would take me to a new place. I never thought that I would have the opportunity to experience other places in the United States, let alone go overseas until later on in life. I thought that I would have had to wait until after college — and then some years after that — while I saved up some money.

I’ve learned that opportunities exist and I can find a way to explore the world sooner rather than later.

This summer I had the opportunity to do an internship in Georgia and I was able to get to know a small town 45 minutes east of Atlanta. I’m grateful for the chance to learn about different views and lifestyles. I got to try Southern food like corned beef hash and grits. I met people from Jamaica and the Virgin Islands and they told me what its like to move to the U.S. Best of all I made friends and memories that I will never forget.

Now, just a few weeks later, I’m on my way to Scotland!

During my first year at San Diego State I discovered that studying abroad was an option. I remember being at orientation and telling my mom that study abroad was something I wanted to do. She was confused because I had barely left home and now I wanted to go out of the country!

I knew that I wanted to see what else the world had to offer — and Scotland has much to offer.

What I’m looking forward to most is immersing myself in their culture. I want to live like I’m a local and be a part of the community. Eat new food, explore castles and … possibly wear a kilt? Another thing I’m really interested in is their music, specifically what kind of music they listen to and how it is incorporated into their everyday life. I already listen to some U.K. artists and I want to discover some more, but I’m not familiar with any Scottish artists. I also want to see their perspective on the U.S. and the world.

All in all at the end of my program I want to come out a different person, filled with new perspectives and ideas on life and friends from all over the world.

Studying abroad is my next step in life and it will take me one step closer to exploring the world. I know that it will help prepare me for whatever my next step may be.

I can’t wait to experience Scotland!

Photo courtesy of Maciej Lewandowski

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Emiliano Estrada is an economics major. He is studying at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom during fall semester.