Parents

Michelle Athanas
Major:  International Studies and International Business
Minor:  Spanish
Hometown:  Lorain, Ohio
Study Abroad Locations:  Lima, Peru; Geneva, Switzerland

Why did you select these Study Abroad locations?
I chose Peru because of its historical background and because it is a Spanish-speaking country.  I wanted to work on my Spanish and achieve one of my biggest goals in life, which was to visit Machu Picchu.  I chose Switzerland because Geneva is an international hub and I had the opportunity to have an internship with an international NGO (Non-Governmental Organization).

What benefits did you gain from being overseas?
Through my visit to Peru, I gained more confidence in my Spanish-speaking skills.  My trip to Switzerland offered me career experience in working with an NGO.  Also, I acquired more independence and “street smarts” with regard to traveling to other countries.

What surprised you most about these experiences?
I was amazed to learn how much English is actually spoken world-wide and how often it is taught in high schools as a second language.  It was more than I had expected.

What surprised you most about yourself?
It was the ease with which I was able to cope with the changing/different situations I encountered and how I experienced little culture shock.

Some people think Study Abroad is a vacation.  Would you describe it that way?
I definitely wouldn’t say that it’s like being on vacation because a lot of work is involved.  But the ability to travel and see things you’ve always wanted to see can give the impression that you are on vacation. The classes snap you back into reality, though!

Why would you recommend Study Abroad to other students?
There’s just so much to learn from being in a different country and the experience is priceless. If you plan on studying a language or focusing on anything international, studying abroad is a must.