My interest in participating in this program has developed as a result of the benefits I gained from my first study abroad program. Last summer I studied abroad for the first time in Florence, Italy, as part of the UNL Interdisciplinary Arts and Culture study abroad program and the experience had a positive impact on me academically, professionally, and personally.
One way in which my study abroad program positively impacted me academically was by equipping me with background knowledge on the subjects that I would be studying upon my return in the fall semester. For instance, this past fall semester when I took a course in Renaissance Art History I was better able to recall information about Renaissance art during exams because the background knowledge I acquired about Renaissance Art while studying abroad in Florence, Italy, the birthplace of the Renaissance, reinforced the information I had been learning in the classroom.
Studying abroad positively impacted my professional development by inspiring my artwork and helping me build my portfolio and resume. While in Florence, Italy, I was immersed in art and I had the opportunity to take inspiration from both the Old Masters and upcoming contemporary artist. My study abroad professor encouraged me to reflect on the visual
…show more content…
Having never travelled outside of the country prior to this experience, I had to learn how to navigate unfamiliar environments, and employ verbal and nonverbal techniques in order to communicate with people who spoke a different language than I. As a result of overcoming these new challenges I faced, I emerged from the program having fulfilled some of my personal goals regarding becoming more confident, independent, and patient with myself and