Class Year: 2026 
Major/Minor: Economics & Data Science
Program: University of Stavanger, Norway
Identities I can speak to students about: Student athlete, Women abroad
Program specific experiences I can speak about: Enrolled in a course in a local university
Favorite experience:
My favorite experience was meeting all types of different people from all over the world. It was nice to talk about things that are very common in the United States, that are not so common in other parts of the world. Specifically, I met two people from Vietnam, and it was very eye-opening to hear about their day-to-day experiences.
What course/internship experience during your global study semester allowed you to learn something new and exciting?
I took a class titled Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Startup where, the entire semester, we came up with a startup idea and worked on it throughout the year. It was interesting to work hands-on with the other students and talk to locals on their experiences with starting a business. We had several guest speakers, and it was very cool to learn how they go about keeping their businesses alive.
How have your global studies related to one of the 7 Enduring Skills?
Studying abroad definitely was nerve-wracking at first, but ended up being one of the most rewarding things you will probably ever do in your life. It pushes you out of your comfort zone, immerses you in a new culture, and challenges you to navigate unfamiliar situations. During my time abroad, I quickly realized that adaptability was a necessity. From learning to communicate in a foreign language to adjusting to different academic expectations, I faced countless moments where I had to be open-minded. Simple tasks like grocery shopping or using public transportation became learning opportunities, requiring a lot of patience. At times, things didn’t go as planned, whether it was a canceled train, a misunderstood conversation, or even cultural misunderstandings, but each challenge taught me to stay calm and find a solution. Instead of expecting things to be the way they were back home, I learned to embrace differences and appreciate new ways of thinking. I carry this adaptability into my daily life. Whether in academics, work, or personal relationships, I feel much more confident in my ability to adjust to change and learn how to handle problems efficiently. Studying abroad didn’t just give me memories; it gave me a lifelong skill that will help me thrive in situations I will face throughout my life.