One year ago, I was super brave and told myself I am going to apply for Study Abroad. Last year I did the program Arizona in Orvieto. The Arizona in Orvieto program was one of my best decisions I made at my time at the University of Arizona because I lived in a different country for six weeks, studied Communication in Italy, made new friends/ met new people, and the town of Orvieto became my home. The Italians in Orvieto were so genuine and became family. It takes a lot of bravery and courage to live in a different country and tell yourself "I am leaving the United States and living in Italy for six weeks." I did not complain because once I was experiencing what living in Orvieto was like, it was such a good life. The Italians are so happy what they do in the town of Orvieto and getting to know the people that live there are so kind.
One week till I am a UA graduate, I cannot thank the UA Global community enough for helping find the Arizona in Orvieto program and telling me to be brave. The UA Global community is so diverse which makes it unique in every way. I think their goal to make the University of Arizona diverse is so amazing because a world and university without diversity are not the same. The UA global's saying is "International. Redefined." Does that say something about them? Yes, it does, it says a lot about who they are and how they want to make the world a better place for everyone. If we did not have diversity in this world, how would we live our lives each day? Did you know that study abroad programs at the University of Arizona are technically cheaper than attending the University itself? There are a lot of affordable programs students can join and enjoy.
A quote I found very interesting is, "Diversity may be the hardest thing for a society to live with, and perhaps the most dangerous thing for a society to be without" (William Sloane Coffin Jr.). I don't know what we would do as a society if we did not have diversity. It is very important to learn about and experience it. I think since I was able to learn how to live in a different country with a different language besides English, it taught me a lot about life and how I can apply the skills to the job process. I am so happy I am a part of the study abroad community, especially with my program. My program is so supportive, fun, inspiring, and motivational. I know to study abroad may not be for everyone but it was worth my time and it helped me grow as a person. I got stronger from living in Italy for six whole weeks. You may be wondering is six weeks long? The answer is yes. I will never forget when I was enjoying life and eating spaghetti for days.
Sheetal Tadiparty
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