Alexa Piker's Spotlight
Alexa Piker
(she/her/hers)
About Alexa
Alexa is a fourth-year student at Penn State Abington majoring in Biology - Vertebrate Physiology track. Over spring break 2023, Alexa studied abroad in Croatia through our PSYCH 144Z: Climate Change: Individual Behaviors and Group Attitudes program.
Continue reading to learn more about Alexa's highlights of her time in Croatia in her own words, how studying abroad will affect her future, the lessons she took away, and her advice for students interested in studying abroad!
Alexa posing on the top of a hill overlooking Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Alexa at Plitvice National Park in Croatia
Photo of Alexa and her classmates taken at the highest point of Dubrovnik, Croatia
Photo of Alexa and her classmates on public transportation in Zagreb, Croatia
Photo of Alexa and her classmate in Dubrovnik, Croatia in front of a castle featured on Game of Thrones!
Photo of Alexa and her classmates on a stop during their Tuk Tuk ride in Dubrovonik, Croatia.
Photo of Alexa and her classmates in Zadar, Croatia on the Adriatic Sea during sunset
Alexa's Education Abroad Experience
"I had never been to Europe and I knew that I wanted to travel abroad, so this program seemed like a perfect fit. I was interested to see how other countries approach climate change, as well as how their lives differ from those in the US in a sustainable sense.
Some of my favorite experiences from my program include watching the sunset on the Adriatic Sea, hiking in the Plitvice National Park, touring the castles from Game of Thrones in Dubrovnik, riding "the 6", and exploring the cities of Zagreb and Split with my friends.
I was surprised at how much freedom we were given during the experience. Each time we arrived in a new city, we were given a walking tour by incredibly knowledgeable local guides and then given the rest of the day or the next few days to explore on our own. I really appreciated this because it gave us the opportunity to experience life in Croatia: to get lost, discover new places, and meet new people.
I learned that it's important to be flexible and embrace every part of studying abroad, whether it's something you expected or not. There were many days were we would only sleep for a few hours and then have to be up early to travel to a new city or attend some type of event. Although it was difficult at times, you have to remember that this is possibly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and to make the most of it while you're in the country (you can sleep at home!!).
My experience abroad has taught me to value other cultures, traditions, and histories that are not always prevalent in the US. This will help me achieve my future goals by motivating me to travel more so I can experience these aspects in other countries, making me a well-rounded employee as I will be able to offer new perspectives as a result of my international experiences.
I would say studying abroad is by far the best decision you will ever make. The relationships you'll develop with other students and the leaders on your trip will be unbreakable. It'll be an experience you'll remember for the rest of your life. If finances are is what holding you back, there are many resources offered by Penn State Global to help you afford studying abroad because it's truly an experience that every student should take advantage of."