Gamma Gamma Gone Global
Gamma Gamma Gone Global
By Jane McKinley
With the COVID-19 pandemic seeming to begin to de-escalate, mask mandates are now being altered, classes are back in-person and students finally have the opportunity to get back on a plane to study abroad!
Miami University prides itself on its study abroad program that has opportunities to live in 90 different countries. Each year, over 2,000 students are given the chance to indulge themselves in a new culture and learn impactful lessons that will change their perspectives on life and their relationship to the global community.
Aidan Schwind, Abby Larson and Emma Grisdale are all PSE members that, this semester, packed their bags and left the quaint town of Oxford to travel across the globe to new and exciting places.
Here is my conversation with them:
What is your major and where are you currently abroad?
Aidan: I am an Information Systems & Analytics Major with a European Studies Minor and I am currently in Barcelona, Spain with the FSB Barcelona program.
Abby: I’m an accounting major and am studying at MUDEC in Differdange, Luxembourg.
Emma: I am a business analytics major with a minor in supply chain. I am currently studying abroad in Luxembourg through Miami's MUDEC program.
What is your favorite memory so far?
Aidan: My favorite experience has probably been the weekend trip I took to Prague with some other Miami students, or seeing the Sagrada Familia for the first time. It's really cool being able to travel independently and experience amazing new things all on my own, which I've never really been able to do before.
Abby: So far, my favorite memory has been traveling to Bellagio, Italy and watching the sunset over Lake Como!
Emma: My favorite memory, so far, has been seeing the sun set in the places I've visited. The liveliness of cities like Brussels and Luxembourg City on a Saturday night is unparalleled. I love the urban layout of European cityscapes.
Has this experience brought a new cultural perspective that you are excited to bring back to PSE or Miami?
Aidan: I have definitely gained a new cultural perspective that is growing stronger with each day. I have never lived outside of the United States until now, so I was never able to experience first-hand how people in other countries go about daily life. Upon returning back to PSE/Miami, I want to ensure other people are educated on different traditions and routines of people from other places of the world, and that it is beneficial for everyone to embrace our differences and learn from each other.
Abby: This experience has definitely helped me gain new perspectives that I will bring back with me back to Miami and PSE. Studying and living abroad has given me a deeper appreciation for different cultures and ways of living life. It has shown me the importance of seeing things from new perspectives and collaborating with others who see things differently and have different experiences.
Emma: In building a relationship with my host mother, I have learned more about the cultural values and normalities of a Luxembourger. I am beginning to feel more comfortable and confident with my intercultural interactions in my everyday life. I have made a few friends my age who are locals here, and I love getting to know them. We will go to sports outings, out to dinner, or sometimes I will host a dinner party. I am excited to share my experiences and be more open and accepting when making new friends when I get back to Miami.
Has PSE in any way helped you prepare for some of the experiences or encounters you have had while abroad?
Aidan: The professional experience I have gained from PSE has helped in the inevitable situations where there are problems that occur here. In issues, such as a language barrier or being lost in the city, I have been able to maintain a composure that I have learned from my PSE experience. It's extremely interesting that PSE prepares us for the professionalism of a career, but this experience can be applied to other social situations in which a calm and professional demeanor must be used.
Abby: Working on projects and committees within PSE has allowed me to develop creative problem-solving skills while showing me the importance of being resilient. Through these opportunities, I’ve also learned to embrace ambiguity and the unknown. These skills have been valuable studying abroad from planning the logistics of weekend travel to navigating trains and public transportation.
Emma: I have a marketing internship with a local independent consultant and PSE has helped me prepare deliverables, problem solve, and think creatively during this experience.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned so far? Possibly elaborate on how you learned it?
Aidan: If something goes wrong, remember that things will be ok and be able to work around it. Almost everyday, at least some aspect of my plans goes awry; I've taken a cab to the wrong side of the city, I've gotten on trains going the completely wrong direction, I've lost items at Airbnbs, and I even missed a flight once. You can not focus on the money or time being wasted when these events occur because there is nothing you can do to change them. Just realize that things could be worse, and everything will work out. It's been a struggle for me to look on the bright side, but I am learning to become an optimistic person.
Abby: The biggest lesson I’ve learned so far is to embrace opportunities to try new things because you never know how they might turn out! From trying new foods like escargot in France and currywurst in Germany to spending time with my host family, some of my favorite memories while abroad have come from saying ‘yes’ and not being afraid of being spontaneous and stepping outside of my comfort zone.
Emma: I have learned many lessons since coming to Luxembourg. Above all, I believe that the most important one is knowing how and when to slow down. Life moves fast and there is nothing more important than the relationships you create and your personal wellbeing. Knowing how to focus your time and energy on important matters will help you accept and adapt to the stress you encounter while abroad. Being OK with discomfort is necessary; however, having personal time each day where you are comfortable is vital to avoiding burnout and exhaustion. Being in your best mindset will help you learn things that never have passed your mind before.
Fun Fact from Emma: a "Pug" in German is a "Mops"