Video by Jeff Davis "11
Major: Economics
Studied at the Budapest campus
Fall & Spring semesters, 2009-2010
Study Abroad Returnees
Affiliated + Other Study Abroad Programs
Argentina
Only three words can describe my study abroad experience in Mendoza, Argentina: confusion, adjustment, and development. With time, patience, and not the tendency to break down and flood my brown eyes with sorrowful tears, I adjusted to the new world and found it very fulfilling. I can also argue that not only have I developed mentally, but I have also grown as a person who appreciates the smaller things that appear only to be specks of the imagination. I have broadened my perception of other cultures and was granted the opportunity to see the many abstract issues through the spectacles from another part of the world. There is no other way to find out who you are individually and to take charge of life than to walk the path in a foreign environment from studying abroad. – Butler: Mendoza, Argentina
"I was apprehensive about living in a country where everyone speaks Spanish, and I have never taken a Spanish class before. The first few days were difficult. But once I was aware of my surroundings, how to get to school, and when meals are served, I fell in love with Argentina! The intensive, month-long Spanish course was really helpful. I learned phrases for getting around and communicating with locals. I feel as though I learned more Spanish than some people who have taken three years worth of classes. I loved Argentina—the people were so friendly and the food was delicious. I would recommend that everyone give studying abroad a chance!" --ISA - Buenos Aires
Australia
The classes here are different than things offered at McDaniel. I was able to take classes that required me to think from my heart instead of just from my mind. I was welcomed with open arms by everyone and met life long friends. I learned things about myself and took chances I thought I would never take, but am glad I took the chances. I was afraid, but jumped in and gained more than I could have imagined. Arriving was better than I thought. I thought I would be really homesick, but was rarely homesick at all. Coming home was harder, because I had to leave my new life and friends behind. I was almost like waking up from a dream when I returned home, because everything in my life changed in Australia, but my life at home was just as I felt it. – Butler: Lismore, Australia
For me, coming to Australia meant venturing out to really put myself into the local culture and I can say I have definitely achieved that. My studies here in Australia have proven both challenging and rewarding. I have been exposed to a new teaching style that I really gravitated towards. The large class sizes here at Griffith are an exciting change to McDaniel. Sure, there may be culture shock at first, but that is what is so fantastic about the experience and that is what we remember and grow from.
--IFSA-Butler, Griffith University, Australia
I’ve heard that going to Australia can ruin your GPA, but I did really well. Classes and university procedures were very different, and I was also living in a big city, which I’ve never done before. I loved learning to navigate public transportation and get a feel for what living there was like. I enjoy being truly independent from my family and really running my own life. Australians are really friendly, and it’s great fun to learn their slang and any cultural differences. Don’t be afraid to ask someone what a phrase means, they have a lot of fun explaining it to you. --AustraLearn University of Queensland, Australia
Studying abroad is not only about learning about a new place; it is about learning about yourself. At McDaniel it was easy to stay in my comfort zone, but going abroad was about testing myself. I took classes that McDaniel was not offering in an education system that was known to be more difficult than the American system. I learned the Australian education system, and that they take academics very seriously. I traveled all over Australia just to see as many sights as I could. --AustraLearn University of Queensland, Australia
My study abroad experience surpassed all my expectations. The classes were challenging and eye-opening. I met so many wonderful friends and traveled the east coast of Australia. I got involved with a local church and a grade-A field hockey team where I learned so much. I am making plans to go back and visit my lifetime friends and finish my travels. --IFSA/Butler–Lismore, Australia
Studying abroad showed me how important it is to travel and learn about other people’s cultures and societies. Seeing how people in other countries live allowed me to better understand their culture and way of life. It also allowed me to better appreciate all of the things Americans take for granted. --Australearn–Newcastle, Australia
“The SIT program [on Natural and Cultural Ecology] in Cairns [Australia] was an incredible life experience. In the heart of backpacker paradise I experienced true freedom in being myself and discovered the ineffable value of friendship. … My independent study research project [involving freshwater turtles] taught me independence and self-reliance in a foreign place where I had no personal contacts. I used my networking skills and learnt about a new field of science with which I had no experience. If I had to describe Australia’s people (Aboriginal and white), its environment and spirit, I would . . . sum it up in one word . . . ‘magic’. --SIT – Australia: Natural and Cultural Ecology
Culturally, Australia is a very musical and "hippy" atmosphere. Everyone was laid back. I enjoyed many open mics and festivals. - Southern Cross University, Lismore
Belgium
I was able to greatly improve my French, which I appreciated. Also, I enjoyed the independence that I gained from living on my own – having to shop and cook for myself for every meal was a new experience for me and I learned a lot. --BrusselsExchange Program, Belgium
I was able to get an internship with UNICEF, and it was a great experience working outside of the school environment. My experience has been a positive one. I have met great people, and have had the chance to attend a workshop on education called 'Child Friendly Schools' Program. During this event, I had the opportunity to meet members of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and many other important people who are working to help children in developing countries. I am currently working on a project that I will present at the end of my session here. It concerns African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries, and their trade and development partnerships with the European Commission. I would recommend all potential new Vesalius students to apply to this program, as they will discover learning in another form and environment. – Vesalius College, Brussels, Belgium
Make sure to pack for cold weather, especially if you plan on traveling; if necessary it is simple to have things mailed to you but expensive. Be careful with your credit cards, becasuse it is difficult to have them replaced. I didn't experience many gender issues. Travel by train, it is convenient and cheap. It is very windy, very rainy, and very cold, so be prepared. - Brussels Exchange Program, Belgium
My study abroad experience was unique from a lot of others because not only was I direct enrolled, but my program was made up of students from all over Europe. I got to experience not only the culture of Belgium but also all of the nations that were represented. The urban environment and campus also taught me skills that will be valuable for the rest of my life. - FUSL Program, Belgium
Botswana
Homestays were awesome! They were also challenging at times. The hardest but really awesome part was being immersed in the culture. Besides that, excursion camping was great as we could hear the lions and hippos at night. You would need to live camping and not always have luxuries like showers. . . . [Study abroad in Botswana] was a complete learning experience; not only did I learn about the facts of ecology and conservation but I also learnt about another culture. I also learned a lot about myself. It was an amazing experience that was hard, and rewarding at the same time. I would not have missed it for anything! --SIT- Gaborone, Bostwana
Costa Rica
While studying abroad, I learned a lot of Spanish. I grew to be able to comprehend the majority of what was spoken to me. I learned to carry on casual conversations with the Costa Rican people (ticos) and how to properly address and greet others. I learned to adapt and engage in a culture very different than my own. I learned that studying abroad should be something that every student should experience. The world is much bigger than we imagine. -ISA San Pedro (San Jose), Costa Rica
Living with a host family was a great way to enforce the language and allow me to practice it. I was often pushed outside my comfort zone which allowed me to have new experiences.
Advice: Gender issues—Be aware of this hugh cultural difference: women and men normally have more defined roles and expectations.
Safety—Never walk alone at night time, especially single women, it’s simply not safe; never walk around with expensive items or large amounts of cash; have the number of your bank in a safe place in the event that you may have to call immediately to cancel a stolen credit card.
Overall—Use common sense and enter with a completely open mind; don’t judge and don’t go in with too many expectations; be willing and eager to learn and try new things. . .that’s the only way you’re guaranteed to get the most out of your experience.
-ISA-Costa Rica (ULACIT) program:
I had an excellent host family and the food was delicious. Costa Ricans are generally friendly people, therefore I didn't encounter any problems getting around or asking for directions. The courses were challenging yet exciting and the atmosphere was conductive for learning. - University of Costa Rica
Pack light and bring at least $1000 dollars to spend, and enjoy the experience. P.S. Costa Rica is not always warm (remember there are rainy seasons). -University of Latin America Science and Technology, San Jose
France
Practicing the language [while abroad] is less threatening than in a classroom setting . . . more casual. --IES-Paris, France
Studying abroad is the scariest thing I have yet to do in college, but it was also by far the most fun, educational, and rewarding experience. Learning to make mistakes and conquer the fear of offending people by butchering their language was a challenge that, once overcome, made life in a foreign country exciting and liberating. --API-Université Stendhal, Grenoble, France
I learned more from studying abroad than I ever would have imagined. I went into it with practically no expectations and I came back with some of the best experiences of my life. It’s a terrible cliché repeated by almost everyone who studies abroad, but it bears repeating – “It’s the chance of a lifetime and you’ll certainly come back changed”. Going to France opened my eyes to how different people are and yet, at the same time, how incredibly alike. I will always cherish the friends and memories made during my four months in Toulouse. --SIT – Toulouse, France
I learned a lot about myself while I was abroad. I learned that I am much more independant than I originally thought I was and that I can handle many things on my own. I gained many friends from across the world that I still keep in touch with. The language and culture really opened my eyes, I felt so much smaller in a way that I wasn't expecting but I loved that the feeling there is so much more out there to the world than McDaniel College. I travelled all over the country hitting the popular spots like Paris and also more historical places like the beaches of Normandy. I absolutely loved meeting new people and my time abroad. I would go back anytime. - Universitie de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
Germany
The classes at the German University were very different from the classes at US colleges. The students are required to be much more independent. Instead of having regular graded homework, we were given a final exam or a paper at the end of the semester, off of which our grades were based. The students were expected to be responsible and keep up with the work during the course of the semester.
-University of Heidelberg, Germany
It was amazing to study in a country where I was speaking the native language every day for 4 months straight. I thought learning in another language would have been difficult, but I was surprised by how easily it came to me. I came back [from Heidelberg] feeling like a part of the culture, feeling German. – University of Heidelberg, Germany
One of the highlights of my experience was traveling. My program took me to see Berlin, Frankfurt, Mannheim, Schwetzingen, and parts of East Germany, and I explored many other cities on my own. – University of Heidelberg, Germany
My apartment was everything I could have asked for. I had access to a kitchen and shared bathroom facilites. My flatmates were very open and accepting and we got along well. It was a four-minute from the tram to the center of town, and another five-minute walking distrance from our study center. Safety and cleanliness were never a problem at all. - University of Heildelberg, Germany
Greece
I found that in greece especially, people were willing to offer help if you needed it. Everything you do feels like you are in another world, and in some ways its true. You'll never feel quite the same afterwards. - College Year in Athens, Greece
Hungary
I loved getting to experience a new culture. It made me realize that there are a huge variety of languages and people in this world.
I learned so much during the study abroad program. I learned things that are never covered and could not be covered in academic classes, form navigating public transportation to Hungarian politics and the effect of the soviet occupation. Also, I learned from my fellow students as much as I did from the professors. They were all from different countries with different perspectives and different experiences from my own. -Budapest, Hungary
High level + challenging, math classes in a beautiful city. – Budapest Semesters in Mathematics
Ireland
I quickly learned that as long as you are open to experiences and cultural differences, a whole new world can open itself up to you. I feel that I am a very different and more independent person now versus the person I was back in January before I left to go abroad, and I would recommend anyone to go abroad who is considering it. – Butler University – Galway, Ireland
The culture is very interesting and you will get accustomed to it pretty quickly as long as you are open to making Irish friends and getting involved in activities/ events on campus. – CIS Dublin, Ireland
I got involved with the Irish students and people learned to be very open to all ideas and viewpoints. With that you can look at the new things around you objectively and enjoy everything for what it is. --IFSA Butler Galway, Ireland
To experience the culture and to learn about it as well in my studies I feel has made me a more rounded person. I met some excellent people over there and by just having a regular conversation, clued me in to the cultural differences of our respective areas. I loved the Irish landscape and all the trips that the program set up. --CEA Galway, Ireland
I learned a great deal about Irish history and the politics of the country, something I was completely ignorant of prior to the trip. I learned how to get along in a foreign place and how to not look like such a tourist all the time. I was eager to get to Ireland, happy to be there, in the last week there I was eager to return home and back to McDaniel, and I now find myself missing Dublin at times. --Arcadia University Dublin, Ireland
One of the biggest shocks I came to realize and accept is that many Americans, especially me, are very high-strung, stressed, workaholics, and often prioritize their life completely backwards with success being at the top and living life happily at the bottom. After studying abroad, I was no longer that type of American. I never felt so much joy and freedom as I did in Ireland and I realized that I need to hold onto that feeling in every aspect of my life and just relax. My study abroad experience has changed me forever and I cannot wait to do it all over again on my next adventure. - National Universtiy of Ireland - Galway
Irish/ European culture is amazing. Though it is similar to U.S. culture in some ways, it is still very different. Just the history I learned was worth going abroad. I definately reccomend it. - Dublin City University, Dublin
Italy
The classes were interesting and the professors were very engaging. They were willing to explain anything in more detail and were very prompt at replying to emails. The program provided many opportunities to attend cultural events, clubs run by Italians, etc. The program leaders were also available for questions about cultural practices, issues, etc. Through the program, I was able to attend a Florentine soccer gain, 2 operas, [and] many excursions around Italy. – API Florence, Italy
Advice: Pack light, you don’t want to travel heavy because you will buy things. Set a budget. See as much as you can, but spend quality time in your host country. –API Florence, Italy
Jordan
As a girl, you should be very careful taking taxis or walking around at night. If you are taking a taxi alone, have a guy hail it, tell them where to go and take down the license plate number. When you get home, call your friends. I never had any problems with this, and SIT will describe in great detail any potentially dangerous situations. - SIT Jordan, Amman
Morocco
In my opinion, the residential situation was the single most meaningful experience of my life. Moroccan families are some of the most easy-going, respectful and generous people I have ever met. If you ever needed help, a scream would send the entire street running to help you. Huge spiritual and mental growth, great sense of peace and acceptance- take life as it comes without question is really the Moroccan way and it quickly becomes yours. --SIT Morocco, Africa
Nepal
I tried not to expect much going into it. The program did a good job in allowing us to really live in Nepal. The lectures and lecturers themselves were the best I have received ever. Easily world class. Very stimulating and engaging. I learned that the worst thing a person can do is have preconceived notions about what a study abroad experience is going to be like. I learned that it makes for a more enjoyable experience when I don’t expect things to turn out in a familiar way. [Some of the advice that I would give:] 1) research the country to the best of your ability, 2) realize that half of the info you learned is wrong, 3) realize that American students are the extreme minority, prepare to go into the real world, and 4) Be open, there is no reason not to try something new as long as your being safe. – SIT Nepal, Kathmandu – Tribhuvan University
New Zealand
The decision to study abroad is usually made because you have a desire to travel and get away from your home university.? What you don't always plan for is the shot of adrenaline that your life takes from the experience.? The lessons, adventures, and friends gained from your journey are forever infused into your life. --AustraLearn: U. of Canterbury, New Zealand
If you’re an outdoors enthusiast, New Zealand is the place for you. Within an hour of town, one could go skiing and surfing (in the same day if you want), rock climbing, tramping, skydiving (do it!), bungie jumping – just about anything you can imagine. --IFSA/Butler-University of Canterbury, New Zealand
Quebec
Universityof Laval hosts a Summer Language Program on its campus in Quebec City each summer. The Department of Foreign Languages organizes outings and events for the summer that highlight Quebecois culture and the French language. Living in the city was a great way to learn French outside of the classroom. With sidewalk cafes, stone castles, and a rich culture, Quebec City has all of the flair of Europe but closer to home. --French Language Program at the University of Laval, Quebec
Living in the city was a great way to learn French outside of the classroom. With sidewalk cafes, stone castles, and a rich culture, Quebec City has all of the flair of Europe but closer to home. --Université Laval, Quebec City
Semester at Sea
I cam back a completely different person with knowledge about many different cultures.
Always clean on the ship, stewards were constantly working to keep the ship in order. The students felt free to leave personal items unattended for short amounts of time because it was a very trusting environment on the ship. The SAS Program also allowed me to grow mentally as a traveler: what is essential to pack, how to deal with being a foreigner in a foreign land, how to interact with a very close social environment on ship without getting into social conflicts. Be aware of the gender issues of a country, don’t wear flaunty clothes even if its hot out… don’t draw undue attention to yourself (plus it’s easier to enjoy a culture if you’re blending in).
South Africa
My semester in Cape Town was one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. It offered me the chance to fully immerse myself in another culture and to meet other people and students with life experiences very different from my own. --Arcadia University of Cape Town, South Africa
Spain
I had a life changing experience in my year abroad in Spain. Nothing in college could have taught me what I have learned from my being in a foreign country. Already I have shared my experience with other students and I think a study abroad trip should be a mandatory experience whether it be a Jan term or a semester. It wasn’t necessarily just my program that enlightened me; it was learning to speak a different language and see the world from a new perspective because of that. It was talking to locals, incorporating yourself into the culture and branching off from your American ways.
Read about the country you’re going to!! I cannot stress this enough! If you want to find a deeper sense of appreciation for the monument, architecture, food, music, culture, customs, and people than do some reading. It will help to alleviate some anxiety about where you are going to travel and help to ease your transition into a new culture. Also, I would try to learn the basics of the language before you go.
-ISA Granada, Spain
I would suggest taking clothing for all seasons. I went to Seville in the Fall and it was very hot there for the majority of the time. However, I took the opportunity to travel a lot on the weekends, since we never had classes on Friday, and not everywhere we went was so warm so I needed to buy another coat or two while I was there. I would also suggest making international friends because they are very welcoming and interested in you too. – API Seville, Spain
Academically, it was especially interesting to hear foreign instructor’s viewpoints on subjects concerning America and even the rest of the world. I feel that studying overseas gave me a much broader perspective when considering major world issues. Socially speaking, living (primarily on my own) in a different culture, in a city that spoke a completely different language gave me a confidence and feeling of independence that living in dorms does not particularly cultivate. --St. Louis University, Spain
If possible, take the chance and immerse yourself in a different culture; you’ll see that your personal growth is one of the greatest gifts that you can give yourself. When I returned to the states, I felt like I had less freedom, and life seemed so fast paced compared to Spain. --API: University of Granada, Spain
Inside the classroom, I was able to improve my knowledge of the Spanish language and learn more about Spanish culture. The real learning was outside of the classroom. Interacting with locals, traveling, enjoying the Spanish hospitality, meeting new people, confronting new challenges--this was the most enriching part of the experience and what made me appreciate it all the more.
Advice: Make sure to pack at least two changes of clothes in your carry-on. --API: Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
UK
Getting used to the academics and learning about a culture tend to get emphasized when it comes to study abroad, but… it’s more about throwing yourself into it. Yes, you will complete your courses and learn how to live in a foreign country, but you may also come back with some unusual slang and a slightly funny accent, a fondness for the local cuisine , ridiculous stories, and friends from all over the world. Sure, I loved the day trips to see other cities, but my memories of being wheeled around Tesco in a shopping trolley on Raisin Sunday, or jumping in the North Sea at dawn along with hundreds of other students for the May Dip, and generally being ‘the token American’ are by far some of my favorites. I learned that in order to get used to unusual situations, there’s nothing wrong with embarrassing yourself in style the first time around and that on another continent you have the freedom to reinvent yourself and come back to your home country as yourself, just improved. When you visit a place for a week you’re mostly there to see the sights, but when you go to a country for eight months, it’s something else. And for someone who wants to move overseas someday, it was pretty much living a dream.
-IFSA Butler St Andrews, UK
My study abroad experience was more than I could have ever asked for. Living in the city of Glasgow was a huge change from Westminster, MD, but it is one that changed me for the better. I met people from all over the world and lived for 4 months in a city that I will never forget. The academics offered classes that I could never take at a small liberal arts school like McDaniel and the cultural richness of Scotland cannot be beaten. I felt welcome and every day was a chance to learn about a new way to live and experience some things that simply don’t exist in the state of Maryland, let alone the United States. I already miss walking through Kelvingrove Park or taking the tube down to City Center. I crave chippies, Irn Bru, and hearing the rich Scottish accents of my neighbors and friends. I would go back in a heartbeat and would recommend the program to anyone who may be interested. – University of Glasgow Honors Program, Glasgow, Scotland
My study abroad experience was wonderful. I lived in a country which I had always wanted to see and immerse myself in the culture while being challenged academically by new course material which I would not have been exposed to at McDaniel. I would do it again undoubtedly and would suggest it fervently to others. I am overjoyed about my experience but extremely sad to leave it – I felt very at home there, and feel a bit like I have found my place. – University of Glasgow Honors Program, Glasgow, Scotland
Being on my own in another country helped me grow and look at life in new years. – IFSA Butler – University of York, England
Studying in London was an experience of a lifetime. I was in the heart of a multi-cultural place where I experienced things that I never thought I would. Everyone should study abroad. – AIFS London – Richmond University
I ended up making a lot of friends with international students, it was an awesome experience getting to hang out with them and get to know them. There were students from Iran, Egypt, India, South Korea, and Australia – truly an international class! – Arcadia – Edinburgh, UK
If you’re a young writer trying to learn how to become better, this is definitely a good program. There wasn’t a mass of work say here at school, but just enough for you to realize you were there to take a class and improve your writings. – Creative Writing in Scotland – University of Edinburgh, Scotland
Socially, I ended up making a lot of friends with international students, it was an awesome experience getting to hang out with them and get to know them. There were students form Iran, Egypt, India, South Korea, and Australia.- truely an international class! - University of Edinburgh, Scotland
Next time I would try to avoid getting into Edinburgh at the same time as all the American tourists. Simply because things got very hectic, and a lot of them were staying on the campus in Resident Halls as well. They were a bit distracting in a quiet town. - University of Edinburgh, Scotland
Advcice: You will need three times as much money as you think you will—England is EXPENSIVE! --ISA-University of Reading, England
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