Adams, Charlotte

Charlotte Adams

Why did you choose to study abroad and how did you select your program?
I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone and prove to myself that I could go abroad on my own. I chose Italy because I took two years of Italian at Chapel Hill.

What did you learn about yourself?
I learned that it's not so hard to overcome your fears and that doing something out of your comfort zone is worth it in the end. I got to practice a new language that I was uncomfortable and unfamiliar with and found out that you will adjust to anything that life throws at you.

What is one of your favorite memories from your program?
My favorite memory from the program would be getting gelato with my friends and looking over the Ponte Vecchio. I remember the incredible feeling of looking out at the city and realizing that I had finally conquered one of my greatest fears which was traveling abroad alone.

What advice do you have for future study abroad students?
I would tell future abroad students to branch out of their comfort zone and try fun foods in their country they visit and to practice the language as much as possible. You definitely do not want to leave the country feeling like you have accomplished none of the goals you set out to do beforehand.

Would you do it again?
I would not do it again simply because I do not have the time, but I would encourage anyone who does study abroad once to find a way to do it again since it's your one chance to do something like this ever again.

How were your classes abroad different than if you would have taken them at UNC?
My classes abroad were more discussion based compared to my classes here. I was able to push myself to speak in the classes more because they were smaller and the teachers were adamant that you participate. I appreciated that because I never feel comfortable speaking up in class, but I had no hesitation to provide my thoughts on discussions in my classes abroad.

Memories