Lindsey Eckstein
Ireland
Fall 2015
Major:
Health Science
Hometown:
Cincinnati, Ohio
Other activities:
During my free time I am an active member of Pioneer Activities Council (PAC) and am a Community Advisor (CA) for the first-year complex.
How did you choose the location of your Education Abroad experience?
I always knew I wanted to study abroad but I struggled with where I wanted to go. I ended up choosing Ireland in part so I could experience a new culture without a language barrier, but also in part because of the beautiful landscapes. Ireland really is as green as they say!
How has your time in another country impacted your view of the world and your future goals?
Spending time in another culture definitely impacted my view of the world. Traveling made me realize the world is more interconnected now more than ever. When I hear about turmoil in other countries it isn’t simply a country I have heard of but now a country I may have visited. I have become more cognizant of the world around me through my study abroad experience.
What was your best/worst meal while abroad?
My best meal abroad would have to be a traditional Irish dish called Boxty, an Irish potato Pancake. The one I had was a twist on the original with chicken and a delicious sauce! I actually went back to the restaurant in Dublin a second time because it was that good.
If you ever visit your host country again, what will be on your list of things to do?
I realized from being abroad that it is not always about what you do, but whom you do it with. I would love to visit all my Irish friends I met while abroad and simply spend time with them if I get the chance to visit again.
What advice can you give fellow students who are considering the Education Abroad program?
My advice to those considering studying abroad is to go for it! It is difficult to be in a new country not knowing anyone but it is through experiences like this that you grow. My study abroad experience was comprised of both highs and lows but in those low moments was when I really grew as a person. This experience gave me an opportunity to travel and experience a new culture first hand. I met so many friends from all over and I do not regret studying abroad for a moment. Studying Abroad enhanced my Marietta College experience by allowing me to look at things from a new perspective.
Colin Williams
Australia
Fall 2015
Major:
Advertising and Public Relation
Minor:
Broadcasting
Hometown:
Brooklyn, New York
Other activities:
Founding member of AMEN, used to run track and play football
How did you choose the location of your Education Abroad experience?
The classes that were offered fit within my major and the cost was right.
How has your time in another country impacted your view of the world and your future goals?
My time abroad was a humbling experience. That’s the word that best fit how it made me feel. More understanding, but humbling.
What was your best/worst meal while abroad?
Worst meal was a vegemite sandwich (so awful). Best meal was the Australian meat pies and kababs.
If you ever visit your host country again, what will be on your list of things to do?
Go to the Great Barrier Reef and go to the north island of New Zealand and go to Bali. I went to the south Island of New Zealand.
What advice can you give fellow students who are considering the Education Abroad program?
There are a lot of things you have to do on your own that takes effort. But try to take it one thing at a time and before you know it that checklist will be complete at the end.