Paige Garpstas, from The Pennsylvania State University, explains her time abroad and all that it taught her. She writes:

Studying abroad was a college dream I had always imagined. When looking at schools, one of my top priorities was seeking out their abroad program and what I could do to get there. I am currently a junior at Penn State, studying early childhood education with a minor in human development and family studies. Going abroad meant broadening my horizons and teaching myself lessons I never could within in the walls of a classroom.

In December of 2018 I received an email that I would be going on an art abroad trip in Sydney, Australia. Everyone has that one location in the world they dream of visiting, and I was finally getting to live my dream. I chose to study abroad not only to get the credits I needed in my arts requirement, but to open up my world of possibilities.

A ride on the ferry gives a perfect view of the Sydney Opera House

As any student here, there are courses you are required to take that don’t align exactly with your major, and art was one of mine. Despite this fact, it was only when I got to Australia and began exploring that I realized how interconnected this trip truly was with my major. It showed me more than art, it showed me the differences between people and their cultures which brought a deeper understanding of the world around me.

Days spent at Manly Beach working on our sketch books

I began to realize how sheltered I was, how closed off I had become from the world from never truly exploring it. Though it initially frightened me to my core, traveling alone, going to a new country, attending a program with not a single person I knew. It was the growth I needed and the soul searching I called for. From this trip I learned a great deal about Australia, but I also learned a great deal about myself. I learned to always say yes to new adventures, I learned I am far stronger than I ever thought, and I learned there is a lot more out there waiting for my arrival to explore.