Katherine Abramski, Spring 2013

Class year: 2014

Study Abroad: Italy, Spring 2013

My study abroad experience had a profound impact on my life, and I would encourage all students to take advantage of such a great opportunity.

I had never planned on studying abroad. In fact, as a student athlete and a STEM major, I had completely written off the idea until my professor encouraged me to reconsider. Reluctantly, I followed her advice and I spent four months in a small town in central Italy. I did not anticipate that those four months would change the course of my life. I was lucky to have a very immersive experience, which completely shifted my perspective. It made me realize that I don't have to live my life in a certain way just because those around me live theirs in a certain way. There are many ways to live, and I learned that by exposing myself to different ways of living, I can choose for myself what I like and what I don't like, while respecting and appreciating those who choose to live differently from me. It sounds trivial, but for me it was a realization that prompted me to reflect on what I really want.

After I graduated, I ended up moving back to Italy. In the ten years that followed living there, I worked as an au pair, a camp counselor, an English teacher, and a data analyst at the UN. I attended a master's degree program and a PhD program. I learned foreign languages, and I made life-long friendships with people from all over the world.

I have had the great privilege of being able to choose my own path in life. My study abroad experience helped me recognize that privilege, and it exposed me to choices that I didn't even know I had.

I hope that my positive experience can inspire other students to take advantage of the opportunity to study abroad. Living in another country can be challenging, frustrating, and scary at times, but there is great value in learning to overcome such difficult situations. Like many things, you get out what you put in, so I encourage students to immerse themselves as much as possible, approach every situation as an opportunity to learn, and enjoy every moment!

I am happy to connect with students who would like to know more about studying, working, or living abroad.