Santa Clara University

Katharine Deeny '09

Peer Advisor: Workshop Series Co-coordinator

I always knew I wanted to study abroad because it is the type of program that takes a person out of their element which I always promote. I think gaining a different perspective from a different culture can only help a person throughout their life and provide new exciting challenges and interests. Studying abroad in Argentina was an unforgettable experience for me. The rich cultural immersion that I explored there will forever be a part of me and I think that is so important for anyone to understand. I think one of the most important things that I learned personally and academically are that other cultures do not work or react at such a fast pace as in the U.S. Worrying and continuous production are not always the answer in my lifestyle after studying abroad. I found such a passion for my use of Spanish language that I know that I have to work at it everyday so as not to lose it. I know that I want to find a vocation that appreciates this passion for language, travel and culture.  I would say that each process or step in the study abroad experience deserves a lot of attention and work. I feel that the amount that one puts into each step has the possibility of paying off in their experience abroad. That means that each student should be researching different places to go, the requirements, how the program is set up, where they want to travel and what they want to do when they finally get to the place. Life studying abroad should be enjoyable and relaxing so getting all of these details done as early as possible will really pay off.