Studying abroad has been a dream of mine ever since I was a little girl. I vividly remember feelings of jealousy surfacing as soon as my peers arrived home from their winter break in Paris or summer vacation in Italy. Those places were things I only dreamed of. I never had the luxury of traveling outside of America before my time at the University of Florida. This University made the voyage a possibility for me. Not only did I appreciate the experience overall, but I learned about myself and how I view the world. I learned I appreciate change; I love catching glimpses of the world within unknown places, new people, and memorable experiences. The international scholar I became at this University is far beyond what I could’ve dreamed of. So much so that it is quite difficult for me to refine it to so few words. 

     

     My time at the University of Florida developed into an abundance of international encounters that surpassed my initial expectations. The Art History European-Highlights program allowed me to delve into culture exceeding that of the textbook. Seeing a picture of the Sistine Chapel is not the same as being in a cramped silent room with your neck bent to a 90-degree angle; nothing can transcend the knowledge and understanding of physically seeing a piece of art. However, beyond academic enrichment, I’ve created everlasting friendships. Friendships from diverse backgrounds of whom I would have never met without getting involved in international courses and events. My global experiences not only ignited a passion within me to delve deeper into the realms of art history but also inspired a broader exploration of cultural dimensions through meaningful friendships, travel, and artistic endeavors.

     

     My reflection journey truthfully began when I arrived home from my summer abroad in Europe. This trip marked a turning point in my self-growth and independence. I arrived home from my program with a whirlwind of emotions. How could I return to Gainesville and study in a typical American classroom after spending almost eight weeks immersed in rich European culture and learning about many of the most admired artworks in the Western world while visiting them in real life? The answer was quite simple; after participating in Utrecht University’s Art History summer program, I was captivated to declare art history as a second major. Initially, my counselor was hesitant to sign off on this because I was halfway through my time at the University of Florida. However, I was adamant that it was something I wanted to make time for and that I would take extra classes to make up for the lost time. The courses I took as an Art History Major challenged me with heavy amounts of reading and time dedicated to improving my writing skills. Yet, the Art History classes became my favorite courses. I owe this to my initial international experience abroad because without it I don’t think I would have ever uncovered my passion for Art History. 

 

     On the other hand, being an international scholar provided me with opportunities to make friends and create everlasting memories. Before becoming a member of NaviGators, an international student club, I had friends who were part of the Global Business Society. The internationals quickly became close members of our friend group: we took them to American restaurants, went to sports games, & took trips to the springs. They became so much of my everyday life that I decided to join NaviGators, and during my first semester in the organization, I became a mentee for someone I now consider a great friend. Becoming friends with these international students during their semester abroad was crucial during my last two years in college. These friendships, so perfectly interwoven into my life, are blessings that I hold in the highest regard, for in my mind, they reflect the best version of myself.

 

     Overall, the journey of becoming an international scholar has been an intricate tapestry of rich experiences that have profoundly shaped my academic pursuits, personal development, and the network of friendships I've cherished along the way. Each exploration catalyzed intellectual expansion, pushing the boundaries of my knowledge and understanding. Similarly, navigating the complexities of life through new cultural understandings fostered a profound self-growth, enhancing my resilience, empathy, and global perspective. Moreover, the friendships forged during this unique period of shared discovery become invaluable, offering comfort, inspiration, and joy. These relationships, transcending geographical and cultural divides, have underscored the limitless nature of what I have gained from this remarkable chapter of my life.