Caroline Nemeth is an Austrian alumna who studied at the ELI for 6 months in 2018. While in town to visit friends she made through the program, Caroline stopped by the ELI to reflect on her experience and share some advice for new and current students.

What stands out about your experience at the ELI?

I really appreciated the diversity of the courses I could take. Of course, I took business and economics courses, but also theater. It was a totally new experience for me because back home, we don't have that; we just have our schedule, and we have to stick to certain classes. It was the first time that I had the chance to stand on stage. I would have never done that if I did not have the opportunity here. 

How else did the ELI impact your growth?

With the business and economics classes that I took at the ELI, I went home and started my degree in Austria. I was able to use everything I learned at home, too. I even got credit for those courses! The entire experience at the ELI helped me to grow and connect with people from all around the world. Now, seven years later, I'm back at the ELI visiting my friends who are still in the area. Even if you don't see each other every day, the memories you share together are so present that whenever you see each other again, it feels like nothing has changed.

What are you doing now?

I am working on cruise ships for six months to eight months of the year, and the rest of the time, I'm at home working as an accountant for my dad’s company. On the cruise ship, I'm responsible for all the excursions when we’re at port, like leading tour groups and translating. I'm confident enough to do that because of my experience here at the ELI and my ability to communicate in English. 

What advice would you give to someone who is looking to study at the ELI?

You need to try to be open minded. Don't be afraid when you come here on your first day; just start a conversation with other students. That was the most challenging part for me because I was quite introverted. I said to myself, “Okay, you need to talk, and you need to start a conversation.” And that's what I did. I think that's what helped me grow the most, so don't be afraid to go to any of the activities offered on campus.

Even when I was not with international students, but with American students, they were very welcoming and looked forward to helping. I never had someone judge me because my English was not as perfect as theirs. That's what helped me stop being afraid to talk.