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Sienna Kuhn
Sienna Kuhn is an Ambassador who studied abroad in Rome and Greece.
Briefly describe a specific cultural experience you had on your trip that made a lasting impression.
Going to the post office in Rome. I had to mail a package back home and I went to the large post office all by myself. I didn't know very much Italian at this point and it was extremely difficult to communicate. I didn't know what line to go to and then when I got up to the clerk, she didn't understand me. I was super grateful when a local who knew a little English stepped up to help. It made me realize how amazing it is to learn other languages and how kind people can be no matter what you look like or how you live. Mailing a package has never been so challenging, yet so eye opening!
Why did you choose the program in which you participated?
I wanted to experience a different culture and see as much of the world as I could while learning as much about it while I was there. I chose the Roman-Greco program because of the large art influence (as well as the director) and the environment that I would be in. I also chose it because I got to experience culture shock twice and learn tons about two different countries. It was great to see how they related as well as how they were completely different!
Describe your overall study abroad experience.
I would say that this experience is something that you can only experience at this time in your life in this aspect. The group that you are with (at least in our case) became my family. I didn't know any of these people before my trip and now I love them all and get so excited when I see them. They are the only other people who understand exactly what I was going through and created this aura of support while we were learning who we were, how we adapted to change, and our personal level of independence. It's an experience that will later feel like a dream but while you're in it is absolutely inspiring.
How has the trip affected you? How are you different for having completed the experience?
This trip and my experience has made me realize how large the world is. I think most people say that it seems smaller because you realize it's easy to travel and to have these experiences; however, I feel like there are so many millions of places that I want to see! There are so many people in the world who have such different lifestyles and I want to experience them all! It definitely made me realize how much human relationships and qualities mean to me as well as realize how much I love mountains! I see more beauty in every little detail in life and think that life is worth feeling and noticing all the details now that I have had this amazing experience.
What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?
Take risks! Safe ones, but try new things and really LOOK at what's around you. Draw what you see even if you think you can't draw. It will make you stop and take in what's in front of you. Write about all of the feelings you're having, it will be interesting to look back on them when you have gained confidence. The main thing I can say is DO IT! There are way too many benefits for your life than to not experience a different culture. I would also recommend traveling before and/or after your designated program so that you can see even more and try traveling on your own/in smaller groups where you have to be in charge. I think most people are surprised with themselves!