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It is wild to think that it is already week five and that week six is about to start. This program is going by faster than I imagined, and my time here has taught me many lessons as well as things I potentially want/need in my future. The biggest culture shift I have experienced is how things open later in the day and that people tend to have dinner around nine or eleven at night. In the United States around that time, I would usually be asleep, but I have adapted to the nightlife and have gotten used to resting a little during the day before going out again.

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My time abroad has been so

Hi, I’m Favi. I’m a Peruvian international student who has been living in Oregon for the past four years. Experiencing another country’s culture, food, and traditions has once again proven to be enriching and eye-opening to me. A formative experience for me was a trip I took to Europe when I was fifteen, where I saw the place that first inspired me to pursue a career in architecture. I’m incredibly grateful that while on my study abroad trip, I got to revisit that place: the Basilica of Assisi.

During my time at the Asia Centre, I created and redesigned slide deck presentations that were used internally and externally. These slide decks were often presented to guests and showcased what Asia Centre does.

The first task I did at the Asia Centre was a social media and website self-audit, where I analyzed if the website was up to date and ensured that all the medias aligned with Asia Centre's values as a nonprofit. I did this by taking notes on a document, and I also used Excel to track engagement numbers.

I believe the fact that there was no guarantee that you would have the same major as someone else and almost everyone going didn't know each other, but were still eager to meet other students motivated me into studying abroad before stepping foot on campus. I think that it made for a great mix of people who may have typically not found each other on campus due to different interests but were able to make great friendships and bonds over the shared experiences of studying and navigating through a foreign country together. 

Studying abroad has broadened my horizons academically, professionally and personally beyond my wildest expectations. During my time abroad, I met with professionals in my field of interest and made life-long connections that will truly benefit my future career. While learning to navigate life in a new city I gained so much independence and confidence. I was initially worried about COVID safety while traveling abroad but with all of the precautions in place I never felt unsafe. Even with the changes that have come with COVID, traveling abroad was the best decision I could have made.

I was responsible for launching a project that would promote olive oil sales for the company. I created a project called “Adopt an Olive Tree” which is a restoration project for olive trees in Tuscany. I also created two other experience-based weekends involving picking from the vineyards and a foraging walk. Some of the smaller tasks I had were photographing the oils and wines and updating the description card for both during tasting. 

My exchange left a remarkable impact on me. Everyone says “study abroad changed me.” While I don’t feel like a different person (your problems are still your problems even if you’re abroad), I now have incredible memories to reflect on. I got to live with people from all over the world! I got to travel with people who are now some of my closest friends! I also got to have once-in-a-lifetime experiences every day! I constantly found myself taking a moment to absorb everything around me to remember every detail.

Ciao, my name is Sarah Shewaye! I’m a third-year Honors College student from Salem, Oregon, majoring in Political Science with a minor in Global Studies. I am a first-generation American and college student, the daughter of a Ukrainian refugee and an Ethiopian immigrant. 

Hi Ducks! My name is Ariel Carreon, and I am a junior, majoring in English with a legal studies minor. I am handicapped due to being visually impaired, but that has not stopped me from choosing to study abroad!