I am often asked about my experiences studying abroad in Australia my sophomore year. Generally the questions are easy to answer. Yes, the beaches are amazing; yes, the people are great; yes, the classes are interesting; and yes, vegemite is revolting. However, when asked why I went abroad and what it has done for me, the answers get more difficult.

It is easy to say there is a huge impact on students who spend time studying in another country. I have yet to meet a participant who denies this. Yet quantifying the “awesomeness” of this kind of experience is difficult to do. Most participants can talk for hours about their experiences; to sum it up in a few sentences seems like a betrayal to ourselves.

There are great people you are almost guaranteed to meet from all over the world. There is the leg up you get when listing the experience on your resume. Don’t forget the increases in maturity and confidence that come with being self reliant for months at a time, plus the gradual understanding of a different culture, and the ability to see and experience things other college students never get to. But most of all you are going to better understand yourself and what you believe.

So if you really want to impress that face in the mirror, consider going abroad. There are a myriad of options available to you as a Platteville student. Check out the International Programs Fair in the PSC on February 19, it will be a great way to start looking into your options. You will never regret it, guaranteed.

Joe Elsinger
Senior
Civil Engineering