Studying Sustainability Abroad

Sophia Guastucci

I always knew I wanted to study abroad because I’ve heard that it’s an unforgettable experience! Plus, it was a major requirement for me. As a sustainability major, my study abroad program allowed me to get hands-on experience in the field of sustainable agriculture, and I did a program where my study abroad and internship experience were both met. I studied abroad in Montespertoli, Italy and I did the Food Security & Nutrition program through SIT and Castello Sonnino. My specific internship was working on a family-run meat farm, the Romagnoli Farm. 

This decision was easy for me as I always knew I wanted to study abroad in Italy since I’m Italian and I’m very intrigued by and passionate about my Italian heritage. My family is from Italy and I got to meet two of my ancestors the year prior to my study abroad experience. I loved Italy and knew that I wanted to go back, so I did! I would have preferred being in a city, where it’s more lively and there’s more to do, but I was remote in the countryside because that aligned with my field of study. 

Overall, this experience allowed me to learn to have an open mind. When my expectations weren’t met and my first day wasn’t what I had expected or hoped for, I got a little upset. But I learned that I just needed to wait it out because it could get better, and it did. There was no use stressing over it after only giving it one shot. I also thought the deliveries wouldn’t be worth my time in the beginning, but I ended up getting to see more of the countryside and interact with people from across the city. Additionally, when I knew I’d be going on the tractor for the first time, I wasn’t too excited because I had heard that it might be boring. I didn’t have high hopes, but then the tractor ride ended up being one of my favorite parts of the internship because I got to speak with Roberto, the driver, about his life and work on the farm. We talked about the Italian and American farming systems, and we really connected. Our conversation moved me, and I’m glad I had that interaction. 

Additionally, I learned to step outside of my comfort zone. Working on a farm was a new experience for me, and the whole experience pushed me. It definitely made me uncomfortable to be in the butcher shop and to go to the slaughterhouse. I was grossed out and saddened to see the dead animals and then work with the meat myself. But I learned to adjust and to get comfortable with the uncomfortable. I learned to try my best to stay positive; look at what’s going right, not what’s going wrong. I had a lot of emotions throughout this internship experience, but I learned to always try to stay positive because things can get better, especially if you switch your perspective. I now know that it’s up to me to make do with what I have, try to change it instead of settling if I have to, and to make the most of my experiences. I also learned to look at the bigger picture. I’ve realized that while it may seem like I’m just riding on a tractor, making deliveries, grinding meat, or giving the cows food or hay, there’s a bigger picture involved. Every small thing plays a big role in the farming industry and in the Romagnoli and Italian people’s lives in general— just one person can make an impact.

Looking back on my experience, I would say to definitely look into all logistic items that would affect your experience, such as exact location, food availability, and program details. I just saw that my program was in Tuscany in “the beautiful Italian countryside” and that sounded great to me, but it wasn’t as luxurious as I had imagined. It was also extremely hot in the location I was in. If you don’t do well in extreme heat or extreme cold, take that into account. If your program is in the busy city of Rome or Florence, as opposed to the countryside of Italy, you will have an entirely different experience. So it’s really up to you and what you’re looking for! If you’re going somewhere that doesn’t have a lot of vegetarian options and you’re a vegetarian, or has focus on a food that you don’t like, maybe consider other options. Also, look into the details of the internship! My program had no details of the internship whatsoever and all the students actually ended up doing different internships at different sites. So if you want a very specific internship that’s guaranteed, make sure that is listed or get in contact with someone who can answer your questions. If you’re wanting an organized program and want to be with a group of students, I’d suggest going through Aztecs Abroad. There are also Aztecs Abroad programs that have students only from SDSU on the trip. 

Lastly, study abroad! It is scary at first, but it is so worth it in the end. You will inevitably face challenges, but they make you a stronger person. Even though I faced some challenges, I am still so grateful for my experience. I would also definitely recommend traveling on the weekends! Get on the train or bus and go somewhere with people from your program. It’s such a fun experience and if you’ve already made the trek to another country that you likely won’t be back to for a while, it’s a great time to visit nearby places! It’s also great if you are fortunate enough to have family or friends visit you while you’re studying abroad. My parents came to visit for a weekend, and we all (my sister too) met up with our relatives and got to go to different parts of Italy. It felt so good to have my family there so I could feel more at home, and it was also nice to have someone else take the lead on planning things. I could just sit back and relax, (well sort of, more like walk all around but just following my parents). 

I know it’s scary, but do your best to talk to your fellow peers on the first day! Get to know them. They’re in the same shoes as them and you’ll be with them for your whole experience. You never know, you could make a lifelong friend. Take the step, and study abroad! You won’t regret it and you’ll have memories for a lifetime!

Sophia is graduating with a degree in Sustainability and a minor in Sociology. She has been in Sirens of State, the all-female a cappella group on campus, for three years. She served as Vice President of Sirens of State for the past two years. She has also been active in her sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta, serving on Exec as both Director of Property and Vice President of Administration. Her abroad program was 6 weeks long and run by both SIT (School for International Training) and Castello Sonnino, the Italian educational institution. She did the Food Security & Nutrition program, which allowed her to complete her study abroad experience and simultaneously do an internship through the program. Her internship was on the Romagnoli Farm, a family-run meat farm. She spent a lot of time in the fields, in the barns with cows, and on tractors. She thoroughly enjoyed her experience and loved that she got to travel on the weekends, too. After graduation, Sophia will stay in San Diego and continue her paid internship through the City of San Diego in the Sustainability & Mobility Department.

Sydney in Spain!

Sydney Hoke

The following photo blog follows Sydney Hoke during her time studying abroad in Madrid, Spain. In her blog, Sydney details her favorite parts of studying in Madrid alongside her many travel destinations throughout Europe. To find out more about Sydney’s journey abroad, keep scrolling!

You might not believe it, but this is Madrid in the fall. Beautiful all year round, I can’t wait to go back someday. I always felt safe and comfortable in Madrid. It’s an international city, but rich in Spanish culture.

These flowers were being sold at the Notting Hill Farmers market in London. The street was filled with produce, handmade bags and jewelry, candles, and so much more. It also happens to be right next to the apartment from the movie Notting Hill, one of my favorite rom coms 🙂 

At the end of my trip, I decided to make a pit stop in London for a week before I flew back to The States. I was not expecting to love it as much as I did, but I could totally see myself living here. But for now, I’ll take sunny San Diego!

This photo was taken in the Crown Jewels room at the Louvre in Paris. On the ceilings of the room they had different ornate designs and statues for the astrological constellations in the sky. One of my interests is astrology, so I made sure to take a picture of my sign which is Leo!

My friend Adrienne and I have been friends since the first day of college, so of course we had to go abroad at the same time! She is still currently in Florence, and I was in Madrid. This weekend, I flew to Italy to see her and some other friends, and we stayed in the cutest hostels with a bunch of other travelers.

Local bookstore in Camden London. After spending the day at a Christmas market, my friend and I headed to the tube to go back to our hostel. On the way, we ran into this quaint book shop and did some browsing

Took a day trip to Toledo with my friends in my program. We got to go on a walking tour and try a bunch of delicious foods. We learned that Toledo was the original capital of Spain!

Salamanca Spain in the fall. In November of 2023, my study abroad friends and I went to the city of Salamanca, Spain for the weekend. Only about 2 hours from Madrid, we got to tour one of the oldest universities in the world, and finished the day with a wine tasting.

Postcard from France! My lifelong friend that I met in preschool was studying abroad in Paris at the same time I was studying abroad in Madrid, so we got to visit each other’s cities 🙂

Sydney is currently a third year student studying environmental science! Before arriving to Spain with her internship via “Let’s Do It! World,” she was really nervous to go live in Madrid where she didn’t know anyone and didn’t feel like she was proficient in the language. When she got there, many of her fears went away because of how friendly the locals and the students in her program were. She feels so fortunate that she got the opportunity to live in a foreign city, make new friends, and be able to travel all around Europe. It helped her grow into a more independent and confident person.

Abroad in Auckland

Sylvie Thibault

Sylvie Thibault is a third-year kinesiology major, currently studying abroad in Auckland, New Zealand. Since she was fortunate to have traveled quite a bit throughout her adolescence, Sylvie inevitably developed a passion for traveling the world, and studying abroad was always a goal of hers. She states: “I grew up traveling a lot, so it is a comfort thing for me. I love being able to explore a country for many months rather than trying to squeeze everything into a two-week itinerary.” New Zealand was her dream destination because it is “strikingly beautiful, rich in culture, and carries a lot of interesting history;” this ultimately made the idea of studying abroad all the more thrilling and exciting for Sylvie. 

Upon reflecting on how she felt prior to her departure, Sylvie mentions how simply getting there relieved so many of the anxieties she felt about moving to a new country. She recalls being most nervous about making friends, stating that her “biggest fear was that [she] would not make friends, or meet people [she] would mesh well with. Being halfway across the globe alone forces you to put yourself out there and be in some uncomfortable situations, and [she] was scared that [she] would not be received well.” However, in just a short amount of time, Sylvie was able to meet so many incredible people that she is fortunate to share her experience with, and knows will be lifelong friends. Her daily routine consists of spending time on campus, going to the gym, and most of all spending time with both her friends and flatmates. When discussing her days off of school, Sylvie states: “I try to make the most of my free time. It fluctuates between having a beach day, exploring the local hidden gems, travel planning, or hiking.” New Zealand is a country rich in landscapes, culture, and charm, and Sylvie has truly been making the most of her experience while she is there. 

Although Sylvie is just at the beginning of her abroad journey, she mentions how she has already grown so much as a person. “I thought I would grow–I still do. Yes, I am an independent adult back in San Diego, but here I have a smaller support system and have to restart the process of making this place feel like home through the people I meet. I am having to put myself out there, explore on my own, navigate a different culture on my own, but I am loving it and I think that is where I am seeing myself grow the most.” The personal growth and independence that she has already experienced is something that is incredibly special, and Sylvie looks forward to continuing to thrive as she finishes out her experience abroad. Sylvie enthusiastically closes her interview with the following: “Being abroad has led me to become more confident in myself. I told myself I could do it, and I did. I have been my biggest support system here (physically) so being able to navigate school, transportation, health, and relationships in a different country–and succeeding–is empowering.”  

Sylvie is a third-year student studying abroad in Auckland, New Zealand this semester! She has been traveling for her whole life with her family so she was very excited to get the opportunity to go alone. Sylvie is quite outgoing so she had little nerves about this, but meeting the amazing people in New Zealand calmed the few nerves she had instantly. Sylvie loves being active, so New Zealand was the perfect place for her as there are many parks, hikes, and activities to do!

Learning Languages Abroad

Ren McKinnell

Growing up, Ren McKinnell had the unique opportunity to frequently be surrounded by foreign exchange students, ultimately opening her mind to the idea of studying abroad from a young age. Her parent’s inclination to help others share an international experience prompted a passion for traveling that led her to be able to leave the US for an entire year— learning at both French and Spanish institutions abroad. When discussing her connection and family ties to France, Ren mentions that although she was not fluent as a child, she was exposed to the language from a very young age “with the help of the Belgian exchange student, Maud Vandepole.” It was Ren’s dream to “share with the world and give back what [she] was given.” However, due to measures beyond her control, Ren was not always sure if she would be able to have the opportunity she once dreamed of. In 2020 when Covid-19 hit, she was about to transfer to SDSU when her planned path took a turn— eventually leading her to the decision that going to a community college for the time being was what was best for her. However, it was at this community college where Ren took her first French class, once again sparking her briefly dimmed dream and sense of passion for an international experience. Following this passion, she declared her major to French, and decided that focusing on fluency was her next goal in life. 

After researching what programs would be best for her, Ren decided to voyage to Aix-Marseille Université in the South of France. Here she would spend the next year focusing on her language skills, working as an au pair and a student counselor, and adjusting to all the social norms that come with moving to a new country. Ren notes that she was fortunate to study abroad with the help of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. When asked about her experience, Ren vividly recalls her year being split in two parts—the first being focused on language development despite some of her fluidity stemming from her education at community college, and the second working as an Assistant Study Abroad Program Counselor at CSU International Programs and as an au pair, a live-in caregiver teaching English to three young French boys. Balancing this in combination with taking care of herself was tough, but ultimately made her learn how to manage her time well. She also was able to figure out the public transit system, and immersed herself further in French culture by being a point of contact for other students at the host university. 

The second half of her exchange year, though, was when she noticed the most differences. Ren recalled really being able to settle into her routine, so much so that she not only started thinking in French, but even dreaming. Additionally, this was her first time living completely alone, as the first half of the year she spent with a host family. It was during this time that Ren was able to finally grow into herself, as her independence was at its peak. She was able to stray from a mindset geared towards maintaining basic necessities, to one of appreciating a slower pace of life, exploring different cooking recipes, and even immersing herself in French theater and art. The feeling of creative freedom was something that Ren specifically paid attention to when she was there, as she felt that it brought back “an echo of [her] childhood.”

Taking in all the experiences she gained while being abroad, Ren hopes to find her way back to the place that felt like home to her for so long. When asked about her future plans, she was quick to mention her interests in earning a Master’s in International Business. However, due to her graduation this upcoming May, she has decided to take some time off and explore more culture in the world. In pursuit of growing her Spanish speaking skills, Ren plans on immersing herself in Colombia this upcoming year, and while it will certainly be different from her experience in France, she wants to use this time to once again revisit her initial goal of traveling abroad: language fluidity and cultural awareness. To any future students looking to step out of their comfort zone, Ren concluded her interview with the following: 

“Even if you’re scared, prioritize it! The opportunity to study abroad is very limited so get out there while you can and don’t regret it in the future. Try and immerse yourself in a culture that’s unfamiliar— this is where the most learning happens.”

Ren McKinnell is currently in her senior year at San Diego State University where she will soon graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in French with a minor in Spanish. She spent almost all of 2023 abroad in Aix-en-Provence in the south of France studying French at Aix-Marseille Université, as well as part of the summer in Salamanca, Spain studying Spanish at the Universidad de Salamanca. During her time abroad, she managed two part-time jobs as an au-pair, teaching English to three French boys, and as an assistant counselor for the California State University International Programs, the very study-abroad program she attended in France. In March 2023, the town hall of Marseille awarded Ren with First Prize, the “Coup de Cœur,” or “heart-stopper,” at a French reading contest open only to international exchange students. Towards the end of her stay in France, Ren obtained the DELF C1 certificate, attesting to her high level of fluency in the French language. She is also proud to have played one of the lead roles in a French theater performance that celebrated the 70th anniversary of the Service Universitaire de Langues, the French as Foreign Language program at Aix-Marseille Université.

Adjusting to Life in Florence

Brooke Ellsworth

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Studying abroad has been a dream of mine since high school. Coming from a travel-oriented family, the curiosity of exploring different cultures fueled this desire. I always envisioned spending a semester in a foreign country during college, and finally, getting the chance to do so was incredibly fulfilling. This experience has impacted me in ways beyond description. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, offering countless opportunities to learn about the cities I visited, diverse cultures, and histories, and most importantly, it helped me grow personally becoming more confident, independent, and sure of my life goals. 

The biggest challenge during my time abroad was feeling disconnected from people back home and their familiar ways of life. The 9-hour time difference and busy schedules made it difficult to keep in touch at times. It felt challenging to relate to the routines and experiences I was used to, but it taught me the inevitability of change and the importance of saying yes to new opportunities. Despite the difficulties of navigating through unfamiliar situations, I discovered the beauty in the uncomfortable, realizing that these challenging moments formed the most beautiful and important memories.

When I arrived in Italy, culture shock hit me like a ton of bricks. New customs, language, living accommodations, time change, and an entirely different way of life. As weeks passed, I started adjusting and establishing routines with my roommates and friends in the program. Talking to others about feeling homesick and experiencing culture shock helped create a sense of camaraderie and soon enough, Florence started feeling like home. My daily routine abroad was a far cry from what I was used to in The States. Early mornings with the church bells signaling the start of the day, grabbing breakfast at a local cafe, attending Italian and Renaissance classes, exploring the city’s iconic landmarks like the Duomo, and indulging in lunch at our favorite panini spot became the norm. Afternoons were filled with homework and travel research for our next adventure. Evenings were spent by the Arno River, soaking in the sunset and journaling about the day. Cooking dinner together with friends wrapped up our evenings. It was a routine that encapsulated the essence of my study abroad experience. 

Making friends in Florence during my study abroad program was surprisingly easy. The key to this was simply being outgoing and interacting with fellow students in my program. Florence’s lively ambiance, coupled with the presence of numerous study abroad programs, provided an ideal environment for forming connections. What caught me off guard was the friendly and almost familiar atmosphere that permeated the city. Locals we encountered on the streets often greeted us warmly, displaying a genuine interest in our backgrounds and the reasons behind her choice to visit Italy. This genuine warmth not only facilitated a smooth transition but also transformed the experience into one marked by a sense of community and shared exploration. 

Before I arrived in Florence, I hadn’t anticipated the level of friendliness and openness exhibited by both my peers in the program and the locals. The immediate warmth from those around me created an environment where building friendships felt natural and effortless. This was a stark contrast to my initial concerns about navigating a foreign country. The unexpected friendliness turned every interaction into a meaningful connection, turning what might not have been a potentially isolating experience into one filled with companionship. 

For students contemplating the possibility of studying abroad, my advice is straightforward—take the plunge and embrace change. Forming connections is as simple as being open and outgoing with your program. Florence, with its vibrant atmosphere, provides an excellent backdrop for cultivating friendships. Engage with locals, who are often eager to learn about your home and share their own culture. Travel extensively, if possible, document your experiences in a journal, and for those moments of homesickness, scheduling calls with loved ones and having a stash of favorite snacks from home provides a comforting touch. Ultimately, studying abroad was the best decision I’ve ever made and has shaped me with the most unforgettable experiences, so if you have the opportunity, you should take it!

Brooke Ellsworth is a fourth-year Marketing major at SDSU on track to graduate this spring. She studied abroad in Florence, Italy last spring and it was the best decision she ever made. She stayed in a flat in the city center with roommates from her program, and Florence started to become her second home. Brooke grew so much from the experiences and people she met abroad and wouldn’t change it for the world. Traveling to different countries every weekend with a simple itinerary and small backpack became routine. Seeing different countries and experiencing the amazing cultures of them was something Brooke will always cherish.

Community in Colombia

Manny Carrillo

Manny Carrillo is a third-year student who spent three weeks of his summer of 2023 in Cali, Colombia. As a double major in Criminal Justice and International Security and Conflict Resolution, Manny is a dedicated individual who makes the most of his college experience and strives to learn how to make his efforts in the community count— he was able to do so specifically when he visited Cali, and observed the unique culture and strong community. This led him to an unforgettable experience that, upon reflection, made him feel as though “the world got bigger instead of smaller.” 

Manny’s three-week trip was organized depending on what week the program was in—week one was focused on education, week two was how to take action, and week three was reflecting on their experiences. Manny thought that this was an ideal layout as it was incredibly uniting and gave him the opportunity to see how his coursework transferred into real life. When asked about the overall experience of observing day-to-day life in Colombia, Manny responded rather enthusiastically, saying, “it was so nice seeing everybody interact with one another!” He mentions how special the strong sense of community in Colombia is, and how it was the first time he ever felt unconditional support despite being in a new country and not knowing most people. Manny specifically remembers and holds dear his memory of sitting in a park listening to his lecturer with bands performing, kids playing, and vendors gathered around. He recalls that everyone had their own things going on, but when they saw a woman and child fall off their bike, everyone stopped and rushed to help. It was a simple act that set the tone for how Manny would later remember the people in Colombia: uniting, welcoming, and caring. 

This is just one of the countless anecdotes that Manny has surrounding the incredibly strong community he observed in Colombia. In conversation, he mentioned how surprised he was to witness this unconditional support for one another, and compared it to his experience with society here in The States. Manny went on to mention how his experience taught him that Columbia was much more of a collectivistic society, as opposed to an individualistic one. Everyone there was constantly looking out for one another, and their relationships with each other were incredibly important to their society as a whole. Seeing and experiencing a society like this taught Manny so much, and made his experience all the more special.

Though he was there almost a month, Manny felt time slipping through his fingers and mentioned that he could have spent much longer being abroad. Luckily, Manny was so determined to continue his studies and action in communities that he applied for, and was selected as a Mundt Scholar for the summer of 2024 in South Africa. While here, he will be able to continue his passion for finding peace, building his intercultural relationship skills, and discovering the impacts his actions have on the world. If Manny could recommend anything to future students looking to go abroad, it is to “not be afraid to try new things, learn from other cultures, and approach everything with an open mind”—you’re going to gain so much confidence and meet so many people you never thought you would.

Manny is a third-year student studying Criminal Justice and International Security and Conflict Resolution. Additionally, he is a student leader on campus, specifically a Residential Advisor who supports students in their transition from high school to living on campus in college. Manny’s study abroad experience was truly eye-opening as he got to learn about the history of Colombia and how it has impacted people at the grassroots level. Furthermore, he learned about the peace initiatives that members are implementing to support the communities that were affected by the civil conflict. Manny found this very interesting because he got to experience and see first-hand what he was learning in my classes; specifically, all the efforts that go into achieving long-standing peace.

Francis in France!

Francis Fernandez

The following photos are a reflection of Francis’ time during his semester abroad in Lyon, France. In Fall of 2023, Francis was able to explore different parts of France, as well as countries nearby that furthered his interest in all things travel. To see the world through his eyes, keep scrolling!

We got to take a lot of class trips around the city. On the first one, we went around the Old Town where I met my close friends. We grabbed some French tacos (they’re just burritos) and had a friendly chat!

After playing basketball with kids at the park, we walked through a garden in Montpellier. We were all really sweaty and hot but the garden was really calm and cool. There was also some light rain so we cooled off really quick!

My friends and I went on a road trip to Châteauneuf-du-Pape to tour the winery. The winery was created in the middle ages and they stored all of their wine in the dungeon below the house. It was super scary to walk through! Afterward, I got some much needed fresh air and saw the expansive vineyards. Here is a selfie in front of those beautiful grapes.

This is showing the iconic river which splits the upper city and lower city in Vaison-la-Romaine. As we were walking down the hill and across the bridge, people smiled and said “bonjour” to us. It’s true in smaller towns in France everyone greets each other with bonjour!

On our visit to Montpellier we saw a museum for European art, the Musée Fabre. It was one of my favorite art museums we saw on the trip and my friends and I spent a lot of time analyzing the art on display. We had a lot of intellectual conversations and it was a lot of fun!

A beautiful monument in Montpellier that is at the end of a long park. We grabbed lunch and sat in the very peaceful park. There is also an aqueduct from the 1700s that extends throughout the city.

We spent a day at the beach in Marseille. There were lots of people tanning and in the water on this hot day. It was really nice to go to the ocean after not seeing it since I left San Diego. We had so much fun!

After a day at the beach in Montpellier, we grabbed some tapas as a light lunch. They give a bunch of different smaller foods to mix with bread and crackers. It was so tasty! After eating we played different card games from each other’s countries.

This is the view of the small town Vaison-l. My friends and I went on a road trip around the Vaucluse region of France. We stopped at a village and hiked to the top of a hill to catch a view. It was such a great view! Not pictured is a medieval-aged castle at the very top of the hill. It’s one of the many old castles around France.

On a short day trip to Grenoble, we wanted to go to the top of a mountain that overlooks the city. Half of us (including myself) did the long hike to the top while the other half took cable cars. The cable cars were called Les Bulles in French, or the bubbles, because the cars were bubble-shaped. After I hiked up I wish I had taken it because I was so tired! (pictured to the right and below)

Some friends and I went to the small tourist town of Annecy. We took a selfie in front of the famous castle and prison and saw the river Le Thiou which cuts through it. The area was filled with tourists but it was still so much fun! They had a lot of great food and some gorgeous scenery. (both pictured to the left)

We had a very relaxing evening in Marseille where we got to see the beautiful city light up during golden hour. The next morning, my friends and I went to the local boulangerie to grab some food and then we ate it near the harbor. While we were eating I saw a man painting a picture of the ships in real time! (both pictured to the right)

We walked around the Lac d’Annecy and some friends even took a small boat ride. Next to the lake was a large park with fields for a game called pétanque. We spent hours playing this game, up until we had to leave! We had such a great time just relaxing and taking it slow during the trip.

My friends and I went on a trip to Marseille. The city reminded me so much of San Diego because it was right next to the ocean with a beautiful day. We got to see the water and the enormous Cathédrale de la Major. (both pictured to the right)

Franics Fernandez is a third-year computer science student who spent the fall semester abroad in Lyon, France. During his time there, he enrolled in several upper-division courses in computer science, which significantly expanded his knowledge in his major. Additionally, he participated in an intensive French speaking course, building upon the foundation he had established at SDSU. More importantly, he broadened his cultural perspective by engaging with fellow students from various countries. He was able to visit several charming cities around southern France and even venture into the UK, Switzerland, and Italy. It was an incredible experience with lessons and friends that he will cherish throughout his life.

Finding Confidence in Culture Shock

By: Celia Fisher

Now that it’s been nearly a year since I first left for my study abroad experience in Glasgow, Scotland, I feel like I can confidently and accurately reflect on my time there in comparison to my life in sunny San Diego. Though at the time I was just a second semester sophomore, I felt like I had been waiting to spread my wings on an adventure like this for quite some time. As a born and raised San Diegan, I didn’t experience much change when I came to SDSU in 2021; I knew the surrounding areas, and was very comfortable with the friends I had made here. While this easy going transition to college was just what I needed at the time, I knew that I needed a push to be able to unlock a new level of independence that I hadn’t experienced before.

After lots of research, before I knew it I was saying goodbye to my parents at the airport. I had everything I needed with me: passport, ID, outlet adapters, my favorite American candy, and sheer bliss that slowly began to replace my fear of the unknown. The first thing on my to-do list after I landed was figuring out how to switch my US phone number to a UK plan. Luckily, the UK has a “pay as you go” plan for students that are there temporarily. After walking over to my nearest Vodafone store, I was given a new SIM card along with a new phone number—easy!

Next, was figuring out public transit. Honestly, the only time I used the trolly in San Diego was to get to Petco Park (go Padres!). With no car, getting around a city can be tough; however, with the help of Google Maps, I was able to find bus routes fairly easily. What they don’t tell you though, is that you need to flag down the bus you want to take from the street. That’s right, if you look down to check your phone and miss the bus driving by you’re stuck waiting for the next one. Unfortunately, I didn’t get this memo and was late to the first day of classes. However, after a kind Glasweigan told me this niche piece of info, I quickly caught on. After realizing that this would be my route around the city, I noticed that this frequent travel fare was going to start to add up. Luckily, Scotland has a program for students under 22 where you can get a “YoungScot” card that cuts your cost of travel via bus to zero dollars, and trains and ferries to a significantly discounted price. This brings me to my next point: currency conversion. 

Picture this: you’re walking in your local Tesco and you see your favorite soda, sandwich, and snack for only $5.00! A classic meal deal. Wrong. At the peak of my travels the pound to dollar conversion was 1:1.30. Though it was embarrassing to stand in the aisle with my calculator app open, finding out the actual price in US dollars definitely helped my budget in the long run. You may think it isn’t a huge difference at the time, but it adds up! While these were some of the main aspects I remember trying to adapt to the most, there were always little social norms that were bound to be picked up over time. For example, walking on the left side of the road, trying your best to understand the elegant cuisine that is beans on toast, and in my case, adapting to a new university. Looking back, none of these scenarios seem like any monumental changes; but if I go back to the headspace I was in when I was experiencing everything for the first time, I remember feeling anxious almost always. This was the first time in my life, and the first time for many college students, where their parents aren’t there to tell them what to do, and you don’t necessarily have the comfort of your hometown friends to rely on. Because of this, I was able to finally trust myself, rely on myself, and in the end, be proud of myself for figuring out everything on my own—ultimately finding confidence in culture shock. 

As I reflect on my time almost a year later, those places that once felt so anxiety inducing became my normal, and now, I long for the time where they played a role in my everyday life. Since I have returned to my routine and adapted to life back in America, I notice myself starting to forget the things I learned to become so fond of then; my UK phone number no longer comes to mind, my pass that I used for the subway station serves no purpose here if I have my car, and using the left side of the road and eating beans on toast are frowned upon. If there is one lesson I learned from this experience, it is to not underestimate your ability to adapt. Soon enough, the things you thought were simply incomprehensible will be a thing of the past, and another accomplishment in your book of life—whatever you’re thinking you can’t do, you absolutely can.

Celia Fisher is a fourth year student who is majoring in Rhetoric and Writing Studies at SDSU. After her semester abroad in Spring of 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland at the University of Strathclyde, she found herself compelled to continue working with all things travel when she returned to The States. While she and her co-editor, Noelle Higgins, currently write for the RWS Newsletter, Celia had an urge to transfer her writing skills somewhere new. In Spring of 2024, she and Noelle started as interns to the Global Education Office’s “Be International” blog. After a year has passed from her abroad experience, focusing on this blog has given her new excitement in her routine and wonderful connections with the people working on campus. Off campus, she enjoys going to the beach, exploring cafes in San Diego, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends.

Moving to the UK Alone and the Importance of Unexpected Connections

By: Noelle Higgins

It has been over a year now since I packed up all of my belongings and moved to England for a semester, and my experience there will forever be such a joy to reflect on. Although I have always been described as an independent person, the true independence that comes with moving to a new country was a brand new experience that I had to quickly learn to navigate. I remember being incredibly apprehensive to go alone, just wishing I had a friend to go with so I would have some sort of familiarity in this unfamiliar territory, especially considering I had never even left the country before. I was completely unaware of how important going alone would be for me and the self-transformation that I was about to go through. My journey abroad was filled with countless memorable experiences, but perhaps most importantly, I learned how special and important interactions with unexpected strangers can be. Whether these people turned into best friends, or I simply interacted with them in passing, the connections that the UK brought me ultimately changed my life in one way or another. 

It is rather compelling to me when I sit and think about the people that I met and the ways in which they shaped my experience abroad. England was perfect for me, and it was my dream study abroad destination since before I can remember. Although I was so excited to be in the UK, I found myself thinking about how I have always been quite reserved when meeting people and how making friends always took time for me. This is something that I decided I really needed to work on in order to adapt to a new country and make the most of my time there. Essentially, I came up with two rules for myself: 1. Say yes to everything. 2. Start conversations with strangers. I stuck to these two rules throughout my entire experience and I really am so happy that I did—I honestly cannot even imagine what my experience would have been like if I didn’t. 

Thinking back on my time in England, there are quite a few examples of the way strangers taught me so much and really made me understand how important these interactions and relationships were to my own personal self-development. I remember at the very beginning of my experience, saying yes to and signing up for orientation and an optional campus tour. Following the goals I had set for myself, I told myself to go out of my comfort zone and be the one to start conversations with other exchange students. Through starting conversations with a few strangers, I was quickly led to a group of exchange students that would turn out to be my best friends—I was so fortunate to have met and shared my experiences with them. We were all complete strangers with one thing in common: studying abroad in England. Perhaps it was because I was more self-aware after moving to a new country, but I truly found each one of these friends to have taught me some sort of life lesson in one way or another. Most notably, I consider them and their infectious positive energy to be most of the reason as to how my self-confidence grew exponentially.  

Not only did my newfound best friends teach me so much, but also the strangers in my town were the perfect example as to why those two little rules I made for myself made a huge difference in my experience. I studied at the University of Kent in Canterbury, which is in quite a small town in the Southeast of England. My friends and I decided to take advantage of living in a small town by completely immersing ourselves in it and becoming friends with many of the locals we came across. We found ourselves frequenting the same places, not just because we liked them, but also because we absolutely loved getting to know the people working there. All of these people were complete strangers to me, yet I still found myself looking forward to going out just to simply talk to these people about life. I feel as though if I had not gone to England, set the goals that I did, and come across the friends that I did, I would have completely missed out on learning that I really am more outgoing than I ever thought I was. The kindness that these locals consistently showed me is a great example of another lesson I learned in the UK: how nice strangers can be. Even though our meetings were fleeting, the kindness of these individuals ended up playing a pivotal role in my self-growth journey and I cannot imagine my experience without them. 

Lastly, I wanted to mention an interaction that I had with a stranger in passing. At the very end of my time abroad, my family flew out to meet me in London. While I was with them, we got into one of the iconic black London taxis, and we ended up having an incredibly kind taxi driver (which honestly wasn’t rare at all). He sparked up a conversation with us and my family mentioned that I had been studying English Language and Literature in Canterbury the past few months. The taxi driver then expressed so much excitement, saying how proud he was of me and urged me to write and share about my experience. He continued on to wish for so much success and love in my future. It was a completely selfless and kind thing to do, and it really touched me, especially as I was nearing the end of my abroad experience. It was a great way to wrap up my journey, as I was reminded of how kind the strangers I met in England were and just how important it is to connect with people, even if it is just in passing. I tend to think about that interaction quite a bit—I think that that taxi driver would be happy to know that I am writing about my experience right now. 

Noelle Higgins is currently a fourth-year Rhetoric and Writing Studies major at SDSU. She studied abroad in the Spring of 2023 at the University of Kent in Canterbury, England and enjoyed her time in England immensely. Along with her work on the RWS Newsletter, Noelle felt that she wanted to further develop her passions of both writing and traveling and was led to the Global Education Office. She is very fortunate to have the position of the Be International Blog Intern alongside her co-worker, Celia Fisher and looks forward to continuing her work for the office. When she is not at school or working, she loves to read, frequent coffee shops, and spend time with friends.

Cartago, Costa Rica: A hidden gem

Ridden with volcanoes, lush rain forests, high mountains and beautiful beaches, Costa Rica is a hub for tourists — and in my case studying abroad!

I am counting down the days (nine to be exact) to when I will be sitting on the beach, drinking a lemonade with the sun on my face. I will be living in the 3rd largest city in Costa Rica called Cartago. Cartago has a population of around 160,000 and sits at the base of the famous Irazu Volcano. I am excited to explore this city and all it has to offer. During my 5 months abroad I plan to travel around and experience the beautiful country as a whole and I can’t wait to share all of my unique experiences.