Learning in Lupeni

Julia has always had a love for traveling and being immersed in different cultures. When she discovered Northwestern’s study abroad options, she knew it was in her future. During her study abroad in Lupeni, Romania, she took Romanian language, Romanian history, experiential education, sustainable development and Eastern orthodoxy. As an elementary education major with a reading endorsement, she plans to be a fourth or fifth grade teacher.

Warm welcome

I am from a small town, so when I visited Northwestern during my senior year of high school, I felt at home. I immediately felt welcomed by the students and faculty I encountered. When I thought about the person I would hopefully become by attending NWC—someone who grows in her walk with the Lord and is curious about the world around her—I knew this was the place I was being led to.

Rooted in relationship

During our time in Romania, we lived with an incredible host family that made us feel like we were a part of their family. We spent many evenings eating dinner, playing games, and on Fridays, watching a movie together. Some of my favorite moments during the semester were hiking mountains, kayaking in Macedonia and going on a road trip to Greece. I also enjoyed taking a step into adulthood by buying groceries and cooking for myself, which is different from how I live on campus.

Life lessons

Being in a country with different customs where I did not speak the language was hard, yet rewarding. I grew in independence because of this. When you study abroad you are completely immersed in a new culture, and that gives you a new perspective on how to interact with the world around you.

Teacher as servant

Each education class I have taken focuses on the motto “teacher as servant.” Professors remind us that each day we teach is a day of serving our students, and I have gained the understanding that I am going to do much more than simply teach. I am going to be the hands and feet of Christ, and I have the privilege of loving each of my students for their unique gifts and personalities.