Chloe Ittel

Study Abroad, Rome and London 2018

My time studying abroad has been an amazing experience during which we took an in depth look at varying cultures of groups and individuals and how they influence the society around them and far away. In order to accomplish this we observed surrounding areas and had discussions with different groups of people such as the British league of Muslims, or current students at the University of Sussex and, we also were able to participate in service projects to see how the community supports those around them. All of these things contributed in our goals to become strong and effective leaders within our own communities.

Initially I chose to do a study abroad trip because I wanted to learn more about myself. At home and at school I usually stick to the same small group of people and so I chose to go on this trip to push myself out of my comfort zone. I was afraid to do this but I learned so much about myself. I learned that I can be an independent person and an effective leader.

Not only did I learn more about myself but I learned more about the world. My world consists of Columbus Ohio, a small bubble that I rarely see beyond. And, when I did imagine other countries I idealized them. I thought that London and Rome were the perfect places that we see in the movies. They were amazing cities but, from my travels I have seen that they too have problems as we do in the U.S. It has shown me the connections that we as humans share throughout the world, We may have different cultures and customs but we still share many of the same morals, values, hopes, and dreams.

One great thing about this trip is the relationships you are able to make abroad. I think that the reason I was able to realize the similarities that we share with countries abroad is due to the interactions we had with the locals. An example of this is when we spoke with students at the University of Sussex. Through this we were able to speak about issues they faced and we soon came to realize many of these issues we shared. We also had discussions such as this before we even left on the trip with people like the head of the political science department at OSU. Through this we learned more about the politics surrounding the countries we were visiting.

Another thing we were able to take part in during our time abroad were cultural tours of surrounding areas. These also pushed me out of the small bubbled I had lived in and made me see more of the world. Some of these tours included Brighton, which is a city home to a large LGBTQ community, and Naples through which the influx of tourists still remains rooted within its own culture. These things allowed me to see beyond the small world I had at home and notice the complexities that other countries contain.

I also spoke of how I have become a more independent person, and an effective leader. This independence was gained through the activities we did throughout the day. We always had tours or activities on our agenda but, everyday we’d also have time to explore an area on our own. This was a great way to learn about myself and what I enjoyed doing abroad whether it be sitting in town square, eating at a new restaurant, or shopping in the local stores. I also feel that this trip has taught me how to be a more effective leader. This is because of our tours and activities I feel as if I am more culturally and socially aware of my surroundings which will someday assist me when I am working with a diverse group of people.

This experience has impacted me in many ways and the experience will stay with me for the rest of my life. I learned so much about myself and how to be an independent person and as I am growing further into adulthood this is an aspect that I am glad to have worked on. Also, my future plans are to become a teacher and this trip has given me many tools that will assist me in my professional career as well. These things include how to be a leader and a role model to my students. I also learned so much about culture and diversity and in my classroom and life in general this is knowledge I am grateful to have. I already miss being on this trip and all of the people I traveled with, but I am glad that I will forever hold onto this knowledge and these memories.