Stephanie Lahr

Stephanie Lahr is an Ambassador who studied abroad in Greece and Italy.

Briefly describe a specific cultural experience you had on your trip that made a lasting impression.

Shopping in the open market in Rome was amazing. I shopped at the one in our neighborhood at least once a week to buy fresh produce. The market I shopped at went on for blocks, and hardly any of the farmers or stand owners spoke English! Because I hardly spoke Italian, it was always an adventure to go to the market.

Why did you choose the program in which you participated? 

I could study abroad only fall of 2008, and this trip piqued my interest because of the two different locations.

Describe your overall study abroad experience.

I have never been more frightened by anything in my life as much as I was afraid of being with 28 complete strangers for 3 months. Turning into a family of 30 (32 including our director and assistant director) did not take long. I went on more random trips and adventures in those 3 months, and made more friends doing it, than I probably will for the next decade of my life. On a different note, I have a better appreciation for EVERYTHING that I used to take for granted, including (but certainly not limited to) clothes driers, fresh air and green grass, free water at restaurants, and the English language.

How has the trip affected you? How are you different for having completed the experience?

I now value public transportation more than most people! But more than that, I have a greater appreciation for interpersonal relationships. I truly believe that every person on my trip taught me something about myself, be they good things or bad things. I never used to appreciate being around people, probably because I am an introvert, but now that I'm back, I wish I could be around people all the time, because that's what I was used to when I was abroad.

What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?

Try everything at least once. Even if it sounds like something small at the time, you might regret not doing it. You don't want to go home thinking, 'Gee, I wish I had ___________ while I was in __________...' Also, if you're able to do it, plan a large budget for yourself. While I'm an advocate of smart spending, sometimes financial issues just shouldn't stand in your way. Travel on some weekends, but stay in your host city on some weekends, too--after all, it's where you're living, so you want to go home and feel like you LIVED there!