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Insights Gained from International Education Experience

Embrace the unfamiliar: Dive into the unknown and confront the fearsome.

Insights Gained from International Education Experience
Insights Gained from International Education Experience

Insights Gained from International Education Experience

A student, who wishes to remain anonymous, recently shared their study abroad journey in Croatia, offering insights into the rewards and challenges of this unique experience.

The author's academic adventure began when they decided to enroll in RIT's Web and Mobile Computing satellite program in Croatia. This choice was driven by the program's reputation and the opportunity to immerse themselves in a new culture.

However, the author found the academic schedule to be less challenging than they had anticipated, which was a slight disappointment. Despite this, they seized the opportunity to travel extensively, visiting cities like Rome, London, Vienna, Barcelona, Prague, Dresden, Berlin, and Saxony Switzerland.

The author's travel escapades didn't stop there. They made friends along the way, connecting with a woman from Australia and even visiting Rome at the same time, exchanging updates on their travel journeys. In London, they made a friend and even enjoyed a night out clubbing in Berlin.

The author's social experiences were not limited to their academic circle. They found themselves engaging with locals, trying out local restaurants, and even feeding stray cats. They also ventured to Montenegro, further immersing themselves in the region's culture.

The author's time in Croatia was not without its challenges. They struggled with conversation due to not speaking Croatian, which was a common hurdle for many study abroad students. However, this did not deter them from embracing the local culture.

Classes were taught in English, but many students and professors conversed in Croatian. Two of the author's professors even canceled two weeks of classes to give students time to work on their final projects. This leniency around lectures and assignments compared to their previous studies at Oberlin's Computer Science program was noticeable.

The author's biggest advice for those planning to study abroad is to seek out challenging experiences. This includes talking to someone in a foreign language, volunteering abroad, and even eating alone. These experiences, while daunting, can lead to personal growth and unforgettable memories.

Croatia, a coastal country in Central and Southeast Europe, is known for its seafood, wine, coastline, and well-preserved Roman ruins. The author's study abroad experience in Dubrovnik, Croatia, was undoubtedly a memorable one, filled with challenges, rewards, and unforgettable adventures.

This seems to be a common effect across study abroad experiences, offering students a unique opportunity to grow, learn, and explore the world.

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