From Iowa to Italy
Growing up in a small Iowa town, Sarah wanted to experience something completely different on her study abroad. In her semester at Florence University of the Arts, she took drawing, Italian, Florentian art walks, and a 10-day Introduction to Italian Culture course, in which students traveled around the country and learned about its culture and history. An elementary education major, she would love to teach abroad for a while after graduation before returning to her home state.
The European experience
My apartment was in the city center with a view of the Florence Cathedral (Duomo) right outside my living room window. They did such a great job of putting me with girls I instantly clicked with. The easy access to public transportation was super nice; I was constantly going on weekend trips with friends on the trains, buses and planes. In the four months I was in Europe, I went to six countries.
Time of growth
I grew a lot independently. I arranged my own trips across Europe and made my own reservations. Not only did I have to find a church on my own, but I had to research which ones had services in English. Now back home, I’m much more comfortable and confident figuring things out, which will benefit me after college.
Not just a tourist
When we go on vacation, we experience places in a surface-level way. But studying abroad is one of the only times when we can experience another place and culture as not just a tourist but as a member of the community.
Welcomed
I love how supportive Northwestern’s staff are. All my professors welcomed me—a transfer student—with open arms. Switching majors was super simple because of how great the Compass Center and my advisers were. I feel like someone is always looking out for me and helping me succeed.
Added value
I started at a different university, but after my first semester, I felt like something was missing. At Northwestern, I’ve grown in my faith. I no longer view being a Christian as something on my list of involvements but as the way I live my life.
