Jennifer made new friends and expanded her
horizons on the Discover the World program!
Major: Communications; Minor in Business and
Spanish
Global Studies Program: Discover the World:
Europe
What is your background?
My mom was born in Korea, and my Father was born in upstate New
York, in the same town where I grew up. I am
Korean, Swedish, and Italian. Before Discover the World, the
only place I had ever been outside of the United States was the
Bahamas. I never thought that I would get the opportunity to
travel as much as I have.
Where are you originally from?
I was born and grew up in Upstate New York. I always
dreamed I would go to school in New York City. I
couldn’t wait to be on my own in a more fast-paced
setting.
Why did you decide to study abroad?
My roommate actually came in one day and started talking to me
about studying abroad. I had never given any thought to this,
but our conversation got me really hyped up and we both
applied. The more I learned about it, the more interested I
became, and when my family found out how affordable it was, they
were interested too. My friend and I both got accepted, but
at the last minute she decided not to go!! I went without
her, and had the best time of my life. She tells me every day
she wishes she would have gone too.
What appealed to you about the particular program
selected?
The idea of being able to study abroad for a semester in
multiple cities sounded amazing. It allowed me to really
experience and soak in not only one, but three different
cultures.
What did you like best about studying
abroad?
It’s impossible to pinpoint a single moment that was “best”
while I was abroad. Each new experience had its own amazing
memories that I will never forget. While I was in Europe, I
was able to travel to 10 different countries, and 16 different
places within those countries. It was the best experience of
my life.
What was your most memorable
experience?
My most memorable experience was the people I studied abroad
with in general. When I first left for Europe, I was alone
and did not know a single person in my program. During the time I
spent abroad, I became so close to these 23 people that we became a
family. The best memories were when all 23 of us would go out
together, because every single person brought something wonderful
to the group.
How has the study abroad experiance affected you now
that you are back in New York?
It is definitely hard to come back to the Queens campus and not
be traveling to different countries every weekend, but being home
has its upsides too. I feel that I am more knowledgeable of
the world as a whole, and I think that it’s important to understand
how the rest of the world lives, instead of just how it is in New
York. In general, I think studying abroad makes you a
well-rounded person.
Would you recommend studying abroad to a
friend?
I would strongly encourage anyone to go abroad! It’s such
a wonderful and positive experience. It really helps you to
learn and grow, and the memories that you create are
priceless. The time I spent abroad was the happiest time of
my life!
What plans do you have once you
graduate?
Another wonderful thing about my time abroad is I was able to
find interest in communications (which I have now declared as my
major). I loved being in Europe so much that my goal is to
minor in Spanish, and possibly go abroad and get a job in Spain
after I graduate. Without studying abroad, I would have never
thought to consider this option.