“To travel is to learn” – Pope John Paul II
I was introduced to this quote last week when I was speaking with Dr. Andrew Laurie Stangel, professor at UNH Manchester and long-time world traveler.
Andy has been doing study tours abroad for the past forty years. He has journeyed with a number of students and friends, typically traveling to two destinations each year and giving tours on the art and history of the locations. He has traveled to Morocco, Egypt, Scandinavia, the Mediterranean, and essentially all around Europe.
Last year, I was lucky enough to join Andy on an Art History Tour of Rome. I had never traveled without my family or out of the country before, so the trip was a very eye opening experience for me.
I went on the trip with one of my good friends who I met in my first year of college, but other than that I knew none of the other students I was traveling with. We arrived in Rome and were immediately immersed in the shock of a new culture; a new language, a new currency, and a completely different way of life.
While in Rome, I was able to see many historic monuments including the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and the Piazza Novana. We learned the history of many churches, landmarks, and museums, and traveled to the Vatican, Spanish Steps, Appian Way, and Palatine Hill.
We were even lucky enough to be in Rome during the conclave of the new pope, where we ran to Saint Peter’s Square and celebrated with people from around the world while we toasted to Pope Francis.
During my trip, I became extremely close with the group that I traveled with. Although we had never met before, we immediately bonded as we experienced a brand new culture together. On our last night in Rome, we all sat on the rooftop of our hotel, sipping wine and reminiscing on our wonderful week. I will always look back on that night as one of the greatest nights of my life, and I will remember the memories and the people forever.
Although I only traveled for a week, I was able to expand my horizons, gain a greater appreciation and understanding of the world, and make some of the most amazing memories. My world has been forever changed.
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I chose to study over Spring Break, but there are many other options for students who are looking to study away at UNH Manchester. Students can travel over J-term, summer, semesters, or even year round.
With as many as 550 international opportunities available throughout UNH, there is truly a program for everyone. And if international travel is not for you, the National Student Exchange allows students to study in another state, Canada or in a US Territory.
Marisa Forti in the Academic Counseling Office works in collaboration with the UNH offices of the Center for International Education, National Student Exchange and The Washington Program to provide access and information to any interested students from the Manchester campus. She provides meetings and support throughout the process to make planning for study away as easy as possible.
The benefits that students gain from studying abroad are immeasurable. Students learn foreign language skills, better communication, cultural appreciation, exploration and career opportunities, and most importantly personal growth. The study away programs are specifically tailored to college students, so students are able to learn while challenging themselves and growing at the same time.
Marisa told me that only about 4% of U.S. undergraduates study abroad, so an international experience is definitely something that can boost your resume. “Why not invest in an opportunity that will help you both interpersonally and set you apart during your career search?”
I asked Marisa why students should study away and she responded with an answer that I loved, “Why not?! When else in your life will you be able to travel the world?”
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If you would like more information, you can check out the opportunities online, or contact Marisa at 641-4170 or marisa.forti@unh.edu.
