As post-pandemic travel conditions continue to improve, Austin College students have returned to study abroad. Semester programs and JanTerm courses provide opportunities for students to become more independent and start to develop their role for good in the global community. Of the 16 students who studied abroad in 2022, these three have shared their favorite experiences.
Amna Haque ’23
Major: Anthropology
Minor: Chemistry
Studied in Amman Jordan; School for International Training
How did you prepare?
Aside from the practical components such as making sure my passport was valid, figuring out my flight details to Amman, and packing, I also wanted to make sure I was spending quality time with my family, friends, and community before I left. For that reason, my summer was full of wonderful memories. I have friends who have lived in Amman or visit their family there quite often, so I made sure to ask them any questions I had and sought their advice on life in Jordan. I also did my own research on what to know going into a study abroad. Lastly, I tried to practice some Arabic, so I had a baseline of phrases and vocabulary to use until Arabic class started.
What did you learn about yourself and the place you visited?
I learned so much! Honestly, this has been such an incredible time of my life. I love my people and my home, but being away and figuring out life for myself has taught me so much. I learned to advocate for myself, be truly comfortable with my own company, and to gain control over my outlook on life and reaction to events. I have gained contentment and increased my gratitude for the life I live. I knew living in Jordan would be different from Texas, and it kind of felt like the back-home feeling many in the West with Eastern origin feel—it was almost nostalgic. I loved it, though. I know a lot about Levantine culture because many of my friends are originally from this region. Being in Jordan, though, I came to learn a lot about the lifestyle because I was so immersed within it. The knowledge I gained wasn’t just on the culture, but the economy, history, and current issues being faced by those in Jordan, as well. In Amman, there are a lot of refugees and migrants—mostly Palestinians, Syrians, and Iraqis. I was able to interact with so many of them and learn from them what I don’t think I would be able to learn elsewhere. Something to know about Amman is that expenses are high and, for most, wages are low. This makes life very challenging. However, I met some of the most content and at-peace people in Jordan despite the difficulties they face.
What was your favorite experience?
My favorite area we visited was The South of Jordan. First, we went to Wadi Musa (The Valley of Moses). Most people know about Petra, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Petra is an ancient city in Wadi Musa. We stayed here for a night only and I don’t think I will ever forget the sunset I saw across the mountains that day. The next day we went to Wadi Rum, also known as Valley of the Moon. I hiked up a small mountain and watched the sun set here, too. I had so much fun with my study abroad family during our night in Wadi Musa learning Jordanian dabke (a traditional dance) and doing karaoke. Stargazing was my favorite part. It was incredible.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF AMNA HAQUE '23
Hector Diaz III ’23
Major: International Economics and Finance
Minor: Accounting
Studied at University of Westminster in London, England
How did you prepare for your trip abroad?
I began preparing for my study abroad trip a year before I planned to go, which meant I had to do extensive research on where I wanted to go and what university I wanted to attend. Then, I met with Cheryl Marcelo, the Director of International Programs, to go over my options and begin the process. I renewed my passport, ensured I had all important documents ready and applied to the study abroad program of my choice. I was able to meet with Hayley Jordan at the Office of Financial Aid to discuss the finances of my trip and with Dr. Ashley Tharayil, Department Chair of Economics and Business Administration, to confirm the classes taken abroad would keep me on track to graduate in four years. Having Cheryl Marcelo and the study abroad program, International Studies Abroad (ISA), guide me throughout the process allowed me to be fully prepared for the journey that was awaiting me.
What did you learn about yourself and the place you visited?
Aside from having the urge to now travel all around the world, I learned that the world is bigger than what we are used to seeing. Meeting people from different cultures, talking with locals in London and visiting places that I once dreamt of visiting as a child proved to me that whatever we want to do in this world, we are more than capable of doing it.
What was your favorite experience?
My favorite landmark that I visited abroad was the spectacular scenery at the Seven Sister Cliffs, and I enjoyed an unforgettable hike through the cliffs from Seaford to Eastbourne, England.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF HECTOR DIAZ '23
Zuni-Ire V. Rubio ’23
Majors: Creative Writing & Communications
Studied in Dublin, Ireland; IES Abroad
How did you prepare for your trip abroad?
Going to Ireland, I honestly didn’t know much about it. I don’t have any familiar connections to the country and hadn’t heard much historically or about the culture. I stuck to watching a few YouTube videos about social etiquette and the rest (such as transportation) I figured out once I was in Ireland.
What did you learn about yourself and the place you visited?
How boring American English is compared to Irish English. I will definitely say that you can wait to get your phone SIM card until you are in Ireland, rather than buying a pre-paid one ahead of time. It’s a lot cheaper.
What was your favorite experience?
It’s technically not an event but joining the Trinity Swimming and Water Polo Club in Dublin was one of the top decisions I made in Ireland. Not only did I make great friends and meet the sweetest people, but because of the international nature of Trinity College, I’ve met people from all over the world. Other than that, I really liked visiting Sligo and Donegal—the west coast is so pretty if you like nature! Do take the time to go to Heritage sites, like Newgrange.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ZUNI-IRE V. RUBIO '23