Ana Altman
About My Study Abroad Program
Major/Minor: Global Studies and Information Science /Russian minor
Program: Advanced Russian Language and Area Studies Program (RLASP)
Location: Tbilisi, Georgia
Email: anamalt@email.unc.edu
Term: Summer 2023
Why did you choose to study abroad and how did you select your program?
I chose to study abroad because I wanted to be immersed in a culture and language incredibly different from my own so I can learn about and communicate with an entirely new group of people. I selected my program because it was a Russian language intensive program in a country that I never would have otherwise had the opportunity to travel to.
What did you learn about yourself?
I learned that it is important to not be afraid when talking to new people and forming new relationships. Speaking in a new language while being immersed in an entirely new culture can be awkward and of course uncomfortable at times, but breaking through that initial fear will bring you so far and allow you to form relationships that you otherwise never would have.
What is one of your favorite memories from your program?
My favorite memories are traveling to different parts of the country with friends I made on the program. We ate such delicious meals and saw beautiful sights together.
What advice do you have for future study abroad students?
It's okay to have reminiscences of home during your time away. During the first week or so of my program, I was incredibly homesick, but I found ways to adapt. For instance, I love Spongebob. Whenever I need a good laugh Spongebob is the show I turn to. When abroad and it was just me at home, sometimes I would turn on Spongebob in the language I was studying so I had a little remembrance of home while also remembering why I chose to study abroad in the first place.
How do you identify?
Scholarship Recipient
Memories
