EmilyAnne Garcia

EmilyAnne's Education Abroad Experience

"During my time in Barcelona, I had the incredible opportunity to stay with a local host family, which deepened my cultural immersion and significantly improved my Spanish language skills. Living with my host family allowed me to experience authentic Catalan and Spanish traditions, from enjoying homemade paella to attending local festivals. Exploring architectural marvels like Gaudí's Sagrada Familia and navigating the city's vibrant lifestyle taught me adaptability and broadened my global perspective.

In the Czech Republic, I focused on academic growth through International Business and Communications courses. These classes provided valuable insights into Central European markets and global communication strategies, directly applicable to my future career in international business. Additionally, exploring beautiful cities like Prague, Budapest, Vienna, and more further enhanced my understanding of the region's history and culture, while also helping me develop essential professional skills like cross-cultural communication and problem-solving.

I chose my education abroad programs in Barcelona and the Czech Republic because they offered the perfect blend of academic and cultural experiences. The courses aligned with my major in Marketing and my minor in International Business, providing me with a unique opportunity to study international markets and communication strategies in two distinct regions. I was particularly drawn to Barcelona for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant city life, and the Czech Republic for its central location in Europe, which allowed me to explore other neighboring countries. Additionally, both programs were affordable and highly recommended by Penn State's Education Abroad Office, making them the ideal choice for my academic and personal growth.

What surprised me most about my experience abroad was how challenging the return to the U.S. would be. After such an immersive and enriching time in both Barcelona and the Czech Republic, I didn’t anticipate how long it would take to adjust back to my routine at home. Jetlag hit me hard, and it took weeks to fully regain my energy and adapt to the time difference. Beyond the physical adjustment, it also took some time to mentally and emotionally transition from the vibrant cultures I had been living in back to my daily life. The re-entry process was more demanding than I expected, but it also made me appreciate the profound impact my time abroad had on me.

One of the most important lessons I took from my education abroad experience is the value of adaptability. Being in new environments independently pushed me to navigate different cultures, languages, and ways of life with an open mind and flexibility. I also learned the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone—whether it was through trying new foods, building connections with people from diverse backgrounds, or tackling unfamiliar challenges in my coursework. These experiences taught me how to be more resilient, culturally aware, and confident in handling new situations, all of which will benefit me personally and professionally in the future.

My experience abroad has significantly influenced my future goals and aspirations, particularly in the realm of international business and marketing. Navigating different cultures in these countries gave me a global perspective that will be invaluable in a career that involves working with diverse teams or clients. The skills I developed, such as cross-cultural communication and adaptability, are directly applicable to roles in international marketing, which is a field I’m passionate about. This experience also solidified my desire to work in a global environment, shaping my career aspirations toward opportunities that allow me to engage with different cultures and markets. 

My advice to Penn State students considering education abroad is to embrace the opportunity and not let nervousness hold you back. The process can seem intimidating, but the Penn State Education Abroad office offers tremendous support to guide you through every step. It's helpful to connect with past participants who can share their experiences and reassure you about any concerns. Also, don’t hesitate to ask questions and utilize resources available on campus. The experience is truly life-changing, and the challenges you might face during the process are more than worth it for the growth and memories you'll gain abroad."