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Gannon McGrath
Gannon McGrath is an Ambassador who studied abroad in Chile.
Briefly describe a specific cultural experience you had on your trip that made a lasting impression.
Teaching my family how to bake chocolate chip cookies was such an amazing experience. I learned how to bake chocolate chip cookies as a really little kid with my family, and it's such a simple component of my culture and family tradition, that I couldn't believe my host-family had never had them nor had they baked them previously! They loved them so much we baked them regularly and it was such a unique experience that brought our family closer together.
Why did you choose the program in which you participated?
I wanted to study abroad to learn about another culture and to increase my proficiency in a foreign language. I chose Chile because it had a fascinating history, allowed me to speak Spanish, allowed me to live with a host family, and provided great travel/cultural opportunities.
Describe your overall study abroad experience.
It's absolutely life-changing! It is an incredible experience that allows and individual to experience self-discovery and personal growth beyond any sort of imaginable limitation.
How has the trip affected you? How are you different for having completed the experience?
This trip taught me so much about who I am as a person. Throughout the entire semester, I was constantly learning new things about myself as well as noticing unique aspects that I wasn't aware of before. I feel that I have become more confident in myself as an individual, I have learned where I want to go with my life, and I gained the tools needed to accomplish my goals.
What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?
Whatever program you get accepted into, live it up because the experience flies by way faster than you could possibly imagine!! Always be willing to try new things and to put yourself outside of your comfort zone. At the end of your study abroad experience, you will regret the things you didn't try more than the things you did!