Logan Elkins

Winter 2024: Comparative Public Policy, Budapest, Hungary

Major: Communication

Future career field: Digital media, graphic design or journalism 

Why Budapest? I’ve always been interested in European culture and architecture, as well as how other nations differ from what we’re used to in America.

Biggest culture shock? The biggest culture shock I experienced in Budapest was the difference in currency. I’ve only ever used U.S. dollars, so using the Hungarian forint was pretty different. For example, a loaf of bread there may cost a few thousand Hungarian forints, whereas in America, that same loaf of bread may cost like $5 U.S. So it was a bit challenging getting accustomed to how many forints equates to dollars. Also, living in the city, we had to get used to walking or taking public transportation — trains, trams, metros, etc. — to get wherever we needed to go. In Delaware, I’m so used to having my car and just driving to wherever I need to go. 

Impact of the experience: With this experience, I’ve taken away how different daily life and culture are for people in Hungary. It’s one thing to just research and learn how different it is to live elsewhere, but it’s another thing to live and experience it. I’ve seen that Hungary is a pretty religion-heavy nation, which is something I don’t see in the U.S. I learned to be more open-minded about various religious beliefs that are incorporated into their society. From a wider standpoint, everyone in some capacity should be accepting of how different regions function and respect the religions that they hold close to them.

Khalid Khider

Winter 2024, Morocco

Major: Mechanical Engineering  Minor: Arabic

Future career field: Automotive engineering

Why Morocco? I really wanted to travel and explore the world, and I found out about this opportunity to study abroad in Morocco in winter 2024. It was a great experience. After I applied to the study abroad program, I thought of minoring in Arabic to help boost my GPA so that I could meet the requirements for a mechanical engineering major. With a language and a STEM major, it will open up a lot of opportunities for a job in the Middle East, such as in Saudi Arabia or Qatar.

Biggest culture shock? I didn’t really experience any culture shock since I'm originally from Sudan, and Morocco can be very similar to Sudan. The hospitality of the people is very welcoming, no hatred. Everyone welcomed a lot of the tourists and I thought it was a pretty cool experience.

Impact of the experience? Since I was traveling without my parents to Morocco, I felt like I could fully experience this to the fullest. Once I arrived, I made sure to be open-minded and enjoy every second, and I'm glad I did. As the weeks went by, I learned more and more about myself with regards to self-development and making improvements in my life. I feel like I came back to a different person, and I'm glad I took this chance to study abroad in the winter. It was a fun experience and also helpful with regard to my GPA. I definitely recommend studying abroad! It was amazing.

Caroline Powell

Winter 2024, Italy

Major: Public Relations  Minor: Writing
Future career field: Public relations in Washington, D.C.

Why did you select this program? Other than the program being in Italy, it was a travel writing course, which aligned with my writing minor. I also love writing in general and write consistently for The Review. 

Biggest culture shock? There is no salt in the bread! I've noticed how salty everything is here in the States since coming back. 

Impact of the experience? The rich history that Italy had to offer. I learned so much about the history of all the statues and artists there between the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican. Of course, I knew enough to know who the artist was, but before my trip, I didn't really grasp how much influence the art had not just in Italy, but all over the world.

Shanmarie Salmon

Spring 2024, Spain

Major: Elementary teacher education

Future career field: English as a Second Language teacher
Why did you select this program? I wanted to delve into educational differences across countries and enhance my cultural competence. Given my interest in teaching abroad post-graduation, I aimed to gain valuable insights during this experience.

Biggest culture shock? The most significant cultural shock for me was adjusting to the different eating times. In the U.S., our meal schedule is typically breakfast at 8 a.m., lunch at noon, and dinner at 5 or 6 p.m. However, in Spain, breakfast is around 10 a.m., lunch spans from 1 to 3 p.m., and dinner is at 9 or 10 p.m.

Impact of the experience? This study abroad experience has not only broadened my understanding of diverse educational systems but also provided invaluable cultural insights. The variance in daily routines such as mealtimes has taught me to appreciate and adapt to different perspectives. I believe these lessons will be integral as I pursue a career in international education.

Alejandro Trujillo-Reyes

Winter 2024, Costa Rica

Major: Leadership

Future career field: Business administration
Why did you select this program? I am involved in extracurriculars on campus that educate others on the Latinx culture, so I wanted to increase my knowledge on other Latin American cultures. 

Biggest culture shock? I didn’t really have any major culture shock, but I was surprised that pedestrians don't have the right of way and Costa Ricans eat rice and beans for breakfast, whereas in the U.S., it’s typically eaten for lunch and dinner.

Impact of the experience? I learned a lot through this trip. I never expected to end up loving the experience as much as I did. I got really close to my host family, and they did an amazing job at making me feel at home. During the month, I traveled with them, tried new foods and cooked typical meals with them. It showed me the importance of being open-minded when learning about other cultures.

Brayden Moore

Winter 2024, Italy

Major: History

Minors: Anthropology, Asian Studies, and Museum Studies
Future career plans: Museum curation, research, and programming

Why did you select this program? Previously, both time and money were barriers to studying abroad, but this trip to Italy was shorter, situated during Winter Session, more affordable, and it completed my European history requirement for graduation. I had also taken a class with Dr. Trembanis in the past and I had friends who also wanted to attend this trip, so I was familiar and comfortable with members of the group.

Biggest culture shock? The difference in restaurant etiquette. There is a cover charge instead of a tip, name-brand water is sold as opposed to it being offered for free, and you are given much more freedom to relax at your table for up to an hour or more after finishing your meal. The focus on eating as a slowed-down, social activity was a cultural difference that I really appreciated.

Impact of the experience? My trip to Italy was my first time leaving the United States, so the experience definitely expanded my contemporary cultural understanding of Europe. In addition, as a Museum Studies minor expecting a career in the museum field, I enjoyed the opportunity to see different methods of interpretation and display of fascinating artwork and historic architecture from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance.

Ibrahim Wilson

Winter 2024, Morocco

Major: Business analytics   Minor: Arabic

Future career field: Investment banking or international trade

Why did you select this program? This study abroad opportunity helped me complete some courses towards my minor in Arabic, and it also helped me learn more Arabic. I also have family members there whom I haven't seen in 8 years, and I was able to visit them during my trip.

Biggest culture shock? I didn't have any culture shock since I'm already familiar with the culture.

Impact of the experience? I had the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in Moroccan culture while furthering my understanding of the Arabic language and history, which complements my minor. The experience not only helped me with my academic pursuits but also provided a deeply personal aspect as I reunited with family after eight years. Also, exploring most of Morocco and venturing into Granada, Spain, allowed me to broaden my horizons.