Matthew Coleman
About My Study Abroad Program
Major/Minor: Political Science, PWAD, Translation and Interpreting
Program: USFQ
Location: Quito, Ecuador
Email: matt128@live.unc.edu
Term: Summer 2019
Why did you choose to study abroad and how did you select your program?
I wanted to learn Spanish. I also wanted to live and learn in a place that was slightly off the beaten path.
What did you learn about yourself?
I can adapt to circumstances in different countries and different environments quite well. I can also achieve great things if I just take the initiative, take a chance, and just do it.
What is one of your favorite memories from your program?
Taking the bus everyday and seeing the mountains, and looking down on the valleys below. I also got to see the pacific ocean again for the first time since I was a kid. I also fell in love, but that's a whole other story.
What advice do you have for future study abroad students?
Take every chance you get to travel and see the country you're in.
Would you do it again?
Yes. A million times yes.
How did your study abroad experience prepare you for your future career?
I can speak Spanish with decent fluency. I also am familiar with how life moves in Latin American countries, how travel in country works, how to conduct myself to locals, etc.
How were your classes abroad different than if you would have taken them at UNC?
They would have been a little more difficult without the immersion factor.
Memories
