This experience has enhanced my academic pursuits and career goals by allowing me to experience mini dissertations and horticultural crop trials while creating a final report including statistical analysis. I feel if I did not pursue studying abroad, I would not have been able to perform a crop experiment this soon in my academic career. Pushing myself to explore and take this opportunity has allowed me to challenge myself academically and explore my interests sooner. 
My experience abroad has improved my ability to communicate efficiently in a non-English speaking environment tremendously. Although I am not fluent in any language I have been around, my time abroad has allowed me to pick up common phrases and mannerisms that I was not familiar with before.
During my time abroad in Northern Ireland, CAFRE hosted a fall break where me in my roommate and I explored Germany, Italy, and Greece. I was introduced to three other languages during this time, and it was an unforgettable experience that would not have been possible without the opportunity to study abroad in Northern Ireland.
After the fall break I went to Paris, France a couple of weeks later for three days where I learned more about the French culture.
Balancing classes and exploring abroad took a little time to manage between tests and large reports, but it was possible.
The experience of studying aboard affected me on a personal level by allowing me to gain confidence and more independence during my trips taken during the semester. I gained independence by traveling with my roommate, Ana, by train and plane to Germany, Italy, and Greece. On our way to Italy from Germany, we passed through Switzerland by train and got to see the Swiss Alps from afar.
I gained confidence academically 
African Futures:
Cohort 5 arrives on campus
AAP awarded $895,000 by
Carnegie Corporation of New York
AAP Bridge:
Connect and
collaborate online
COIL Faculty Fellows Program:
Announcing our third cohort
