Preferred pronouns: She/her/hers
Hello! My name is Megan Harton and I’m a third-year Visual Media student. I studied abroad in Florence, Italy during Spring 2020 through an RIT Affiliate Program (SAI).
I’ve wanted to study abroad for as long as I can remember and RIT study abroad gave me the opportunity to do just that!
I studied abroad for multiple reasons which included experiencing a new culture, learning a different perspective of my major, and having easy accessibility to travel. The most important reason was that I was going outside of my comfort zone. The unknown is scary for me and there are a lot of unknowns by living in a foreign country, but studying abroad is worth the uncertainty. The pictures you see on the internet do not do the sights justice. Everything I saw, and I mean everything, was just breathtaking!
Please feel free to reach out to me! I want to share my study abroad stories and help ease any concern you might be feeling or to answer any questions you have.
Preferred pronouns: She/her/hers
Hello! I studied abroad in Spring 2020. I went to London and Paris, and I had the best time! I chose to go abroad because it was always something that I felt called to do. Seeing other places, experiencing other cultures, and having the opportunity to speak another language were all on the list for reasons I wanted to go abroad. There's no better time to live abroad than when you're in college, so I took advantage of the opportunity! I'm excited to share more of my story and encourage other students to study abroad!
Preferred pronouns: She/her/hers
Hello! I'm Kansas and I am a fourth-year Computer Engineering Technology student. Coming from a major with a lot of lab electives, I never thought I would be able to study abroad; but during my second year at RIT, there was an opportunity to do a short-term study abroad program (3 weeks) in Dublin, Ireland for Sustainable Engineering. Choosing to study abroad was one of the best choices I've made in college. Not only did I get to see three beautiful countries while I was there, but I also gained a new passion for my major and found out what I really want to do after I graduate.
I'm a firm believer in trying anything once, especially during college because you might not be able to get the opportunity again. If you would like to talk more about taking advantage of the study abroad opportunities at RIT, feel free to email me at any time!
Preferred pronouns: He/him/his
I was fortunate enough to travel to Guatemala for a month to repair medical equipment through Engineering World Health (EWH). I enjoy learning about how the world operates and jumping into new and strange situations. Looking forward to talking with all of you!
Read Eric's post on the RIT Study Abroad blog - Making Your Own Decisions
Preferred pronouns: She/her/hers
As salam aleykum! My name is Roxette Burgos and I am a third-year electrical engineering major. I studied abroad at RIT Dubai Spring 2019. I decided to go abroad because I wanted to learn more about myself and just get a better global mindset. After studying abroad, I can definitely say I became way more open-minded and met people from different countries! I traveled to Europe and Africa while abroad. Going abroad, I did many firsts like riding a camel and even eating camel! I definitely recommend if you have the chance, go abroad!
Preferred pronouns: He/Him/His
Hello RIT students! My name is Austin Enriquez, an MBA student who has studied abroad in both Tokyo, Japan and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. I was inspired to study abroad due to my passion for adventure and experiencing new things! I was also inspired by a previous Global Ambassador who told me all about study abroad and got me excited to go. The impact that study abroad has had on me is that I gained lifelong friends, a newfound perspective on different cultures, and learned how to be more independent. Studying abroad is an experience that I would recommend to others because it is a life changing experience that can happen once, or a few times in your life. It is a chance to stay in a particular country more than the typical few days to a couple of weeks. I feel like others are missing that experience that could potentially change their lives to be the best that they can be. My hobbies are reading books and financial data, trading stocks, playing board games, and learning things about other countries or nature. Email me with any questions!
Preferred pronouns: She/her/hers
Hi everyone! My name is Paulina Hudspeth, and I am an international student here at RIT Rochester. I am originally from Dubrovnik, Croatia, and this is my junior year as a Supply-Chain Management student. I love exploring and experiencing new things, and that’s one of the reasons I’ve decided to move to Zagreb, Croatia last year and do a full year of study abroad at the RIT Zagreb campus. During my year in Zagreb, I traveled to different cities in and out of Croatia with new friends that I’ve made there. Since Zagreb is a city full of students, I’ve enjoyed many activities available for us every weekend and sometimes during the week. Being exposed to different things made me more mindful and adaptable to new situations. With all these experiences, I believe I have a good foundation of skills to get around anywhere. Study abroad really helps with this and if you have any questions about my experience in Croatia, please reach out!
Preferred pronouns: He/him/his
Hello, my name is Alex and I am a 4th year Computer Science major. I studied at Osnabrück University in Germany through a partnership with SUNY Oswego for the spring semester of 2019. During my studies, I was able to explore the city and surrounding area as well as take several longer trips throughout Germany, Switzerland, Spain and the Netherlands. This study abroad opportunity also allowed me to learn not just about German culture, but the cultures of countries from around the world through talking with the other international students at the university in Germany. Overall, studying abroad is a great opportunity and if anyone is interested, feel free to ask me any questions!
Read Alex's post on the RIT Study Abroad blog - How to Make Study Abroad Part of Your Story
Preferred pronouns: She/her/hers
I'm a 4th year Packaging Science major. I studied abroad in Spring 2019 in Scotland and it was the best experience ever. I lived in a flat with about 30 other study abroad students from all over the world. We all grew really close and they're some of the best friends I could've asked for. Obviously, packaging science isn't super common, so there weren't any classes there directly related to my major that I could take. So I finished up all of the general education and elective classes I needed, such as Marketing, Entrepreneurship, and I even got to take a Scottish Culture class that was super interesting. While I was there I traveled around to 9 different countries, which is more than I probably would be able to do in a lifetime if it weren't for studying abroad. It was such a great experience and really helped me grow and become a more well-rounded person.
Read Lauren's post on the RIT Study Abroad blog - Scotland Top 5
Preferred pronouns: He/him/his
Bok! I’m Hunter Mascia and I am a 3rd year 3D Animation major. I studied psychology in Zagreb, Croatia, at an RIT global campus. Studying abroad in Zagreb was an amazing experience! It gave me a chance to see so much of Europe! During my time abroad I was also able to go to Italy, Austria, and Germany. I was also able to see most of Croatia outside of Zagreb as well. My friends and I were able to make it to Plitvice, Split, Zadar, and Dubrovnik. While in Zagreb I also attended many festivals, museums, and attractions. Zagreb offers a lot to do. During the day you can explore the historic city, go shopping, or even go hiking. During one hiking trip, my friends and I ran into an abandoned castle! I loved trying all the food and walking through the beautiful city every week. My favorite part was all the friends I was able to make overseas! Going abroad reinstalled the hope in me that there is so much out there. It was a major confidence boost too, knowing I could go somewhere and not only survive, but thrive. Feel free to contact me if you’re interested in studying abroad! It’s worth it!
Preferred pronouns: She/her/hers
I am a 3rd-year Criminal Justice student and I absolutely love learning about other cultures. In high school, I took Japanese and Arabic classes. My (public) high school encouraged study abroad and global awareness. As a result, at age 15, I was blessed with the opportunity to go to Tokyo, Japan. The next year, I studied religious diversity, for 10 days, in India. My senior year, my Japanese class went to Hiroshima, Japan. I grew as a global citizen and it helped build my character.
While searching for a university to attend, it was imperative that I made study abroad programs a deciding factor. I love the fact that RIT has four global campuses and great relationships with affiliate providers. In May 2019, I went to Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia to study Deaf culture, with my Russian Sign Language class. This was an eye-opening experience for me. I realized that if you're curious about something, you should go explore it yourself, instead of relying on the media, or external opinions. This trip assured me that I was ready for an experience that lasted more than 10 days.
Ever since I was in middle school, I planned to study abroad at RIT Dubai. After a while, my dream was overcast by new opportunities and different challenges. However, I am so humbled to say that I had the best experience ever during my semester abroad in Dubai. Since being back, I have noticed a change within myself. I'm growing more confident with each stride I take. I want to help students ignite something within themselves that can only be achieved by stepping way out of their comfort zone. I want other students to know that removing comfort does not mean adding danger. Global Ambassadors are here, along with the rest of the Study Abroad Office, for you every step of the way! So where will your curiosity take you?
Preferred pronouns: He/him/his
Greetings, my name is Darryl and I am a fourth-year Psychology Major here at RIT! I studied abroad at one of RIT’s global campuses in Kosovo. I applied to study abroad because I wanted to gain a new perspective on life and how people and things differ from what I am used to. As a Psychology Major, I am fascinated with how people live and interact with others, and how their life experiences influence their behaviors, which is why studying the recent war, history, and current political conflicts in Southeastern Europe was so intriguing to me. Not only was it interesting to me, but it also provided me with priceless knowledge about the people and cultures in those regions of the world, which allowed me to develop a new appreciation for diversity on a grander scale than what I was used to before my experience abroad.
I want to help and encourage more students to study abroad because I firmly believe that it is the adventures that we choose to embark on in life that help mold us into the unique individuals that we are meant to be. I can’t guarantee that studying abroad will change your life, but I can say that it will provide you with a new perspective on life which may very well leave a lasting impact on you. I believe that everyone should experience life abroad on some level because we never really know what the world has to offer until we muster up the courage to go out there and explore. Yes, it may be confusing and uncomfortable at first, but life begins at the end of your comfort zone, so why wait? Let’s start living!
Read Darryl's post on the RIT Study Abroad blog - Being Black Abroad
Preferred pronouns: She/her/hers
Hi! I am Dominique Molee and I am a 4th year Computing and Information Technology major. In the summer of 2018 I studied psychology in Zagreb, Croatia at RIT’s Global Campus! Previous to studying abroad, I had never been outside of the country and as a 'new traveler’, I cannot recommend study abroad enough as it was truly the experience of a lifetime.
During my time in Zagreb, I functioned as a full-time Croatian - I lived in an apartment in the city, shopped in local supermarkets, tried local restaurants and food, took public transit to class, and celebrated the many festivals and city-wide events Zagreb has throughout the summer! I was also able to take trips to cities around Croatia, Italy, Germany, Austria, and France. Throughout my study abroad experience, I was able to connect with new people, visit places I did not even know existed, and learned truly how big and amazing the world is! Please feel free to reach out to me with questions about anything and everything study abroad!
Preferred pronouns: She/her/hers
My name is Jesse and I am a second-year Physician Assistant major. As a child, I had a natural curiosity that led me to medicine and adventures. I have always enjoyed traveling and being able to learn about other cultures.
Last summer I was offered the greatest learning opportunity possible, to study psychology while living in Croatia. While abroad I learned so much about myself and other cultures. I was able to make lifelong friends and travel to 5 different countries all in six weeks. My time abroad gave me the confidence to step outside of my comfort zone as well as a plethora of memories that I will never forget.
When I returned to the US I immediately found myself wishing that I was traveling again. However, some of my hobbies here include playing soccer and lacrosse, reading, surfing, and spending time with friends and family. If you see someone lying in the grass with their eyes closed and head pointed at the sun it is definitely me, so come over and say "hi"! If you have any questions about my study abroad experience do not hesitate to reach out.
Read Jesse's post on the RIT Study Abroad blog - Where I Left My Footprint in Europe
Preferred pronouns: She/her/hers
Hi! I'm Scilla! I love cats, food, video games, and naps. I've also always loved traveling, and to me studying abroad felt like a natural extension of that. That doesn't mean that it wasn't scary, just that I knew I would always regret it if I didn't just go for it. Studying abroad has helped me think critically in a cultural context, better understand the world around me, and be an overall more compassionate person. Also, great friends and great memories! I think everyone will come out a different person after their time abroad. Aren't you curious about what that version of you would look like?