How Studying Abroad Transformed My Confidence and Independence
I stepped onto my first solo flight a year and a half ago. I was anxious and a little emotional, unsure of what the next several weeks in London would bring. Before London, I had never flown alone, never navigated a metro system, and never been on my own in an unfamiliar country. I knew in a sense that studying abroad would expose me to new academic perspectives and cultural experiences. I knew it would be good overall experience to be in a new country, but I didn’t anticipate how much it would change my self-confidence. Looking back, I can see how that first experience abroad completely changed my mindset. Since going abroad, I traveled solo again to Greece and Spain this summer, and I flew alone to Chicago to meet friends for a weekend. With my newfound confidence, I decided to take on an even bigger challenge: studying abroad again, this time in Siena, Italy, for an entire term. I would never have imagined doing these things before London, but my experience there gave me the confidence to say yes to opportunities that once seemed too intimidating.
Before studying abroad, I thought traveling was something I had to do with others. As a girl from an immigrant community, traveling alone was considered taboo and too independent for a girl my age. I never considered that I could plan a trip, book a flight alone, or navigate a foreign city without relying on someone else. That changed in London. Studying abroad forced me to take initiative in a way I never had before. I had to figure out daily logistics in a different city, navigate London's extensive Tube system, and make my own real-time decisions. Over four weeks, I slowly realized that I could handle unexpected challenges that I had initially been anxious to face. That sense of independence carried over when I traveled to Greece alone to volunteer this summer. Unlike my structured program in London, I had to plan my own schedule, find my own way around Athens, and integrate into an entirely new environment. When I went to Spain, I traveled between cities by myself, creating my own itinerary. When I flew to Chicago for a weekend, I didn’t hesitate to book the trip alone, something I never would have done before. Even if the experiences were not the same, the independence and confidence that I gained were so applicable. These experiences have made me more adaptable, comfortable in uncertainty, and confident in navigating new spaces. I have realized that, most importantly, solo travel is not isolating or intimidating but empowering. I discovered the joy of setting my own pace, exploring places that intrigued me, and immersing myself fully in new cultures. I had never felt so alive and experienced so much freedom as when I was solo traveling
Why I Chose to Study Abroad Again
After London, I knew I wanted more than just another summer program. I wanted a deeper experience, one where I could live in a new place for an extended period of time, push myself academically, and integrate more fully into the culture. That is what led me to study abroad in Siena. Choosing a full-term program was a direct result of what I learned in London. I no longer see travel or study abroad as a one-time opportunity but as something that can be intentionally built into my education and personal growth. I also knew I wanted to continue exploring different cultures and political systems, which is why my program’s focus on modern Italian politics and history stood out to me.
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Lessons I Am Taking With Me to Italy
One of the most important things I learned from my first study abroad experience is that I am capable of handling unfamiliar situations. Before London, I second-guessed whether I was the kind of person who could thrive in a completely new environment. That self-doubt disappeared during my time in London. I know that challenges will come up while I am in Italy, but I also know that I can manage them. I have also learned that being abroad is not just about seeing new places but about how you engage with them. In London, I gained so much more from my experience because I actively sought out meaningful interactions, from attending events, exploring the city, and engaging with locals. In Siena, I want to take this even further by learning from the people around me and immersing myself in the academic and social aspects of life there.
Finally, I have come to understand that studying abroad does not end when you return home. My experience in London led me to become a Global Programs Assistant, where I now help other students see that studying abroad is possible for them. It has been a privilege to share my experiences with other students and encourage them as they take their first steps toward studying abroad. It has shaped the way I think about my future, not just in terms of travel but in the way I approach opportunities in general. This time, I am approaching my study abroad experience with a new mindset. I no longer need to prove to myself that I can do it, I already know I can. Now, my focus is on how much I can learn and how this journey will shape me in ways I have yet to discover. It’s no longer about navigating the unknown but embracing it fully, knowing that each challenge and experience will leave me changed.
By Sarah Shewaye, Diverse Ducks Ambassador
London in a Global Context, Summer 2023