Macdonald, Megan

Megan Macdonald

Why did you choose to study abroad and how did you select your program?
t was the best choice for me as a Studio art major! They had the most alumni of the Arts Departments that I knew of and I had heard it was amazing from each of them. Every time I've been asked "what my dream country to visit was" since I was little, the answer has always been Italy. I knew coming into college I wanted to study abroad at some point, I had been saving up to travel in and after college since middle school. With as exciting a school as Carolina is though, it was hard to commit to a semester-long session, which is why I decided to study in the summer. I didn't want to get FOMO watching football or basketball from afar, now I'm just jealous of everyone going back over! 🙂

What did you learn about yourself?
I'd always been an independent person but had always been restricted to the same house, in the same rural town until college. I had always dreamed of living in a brand new city but there always was some fear of being lonely, homesick, or never feeling safe. This experience lifted that veil- that I could do it on my own if I wanted. After a few days of getting used too and a few baby steps of doing things on my own, that I discovered that I could thrive and make the best of anywhere the world placed me. The key is to stay curious. 🙂

What is one of your favorite memories from your program?
The first specific one that comes to mind would definitely be getting to hang glide in Switzerland, I've always wanted to and the best place to do so is for sure the alps! But overall, I feel like my favorite part of my time there was going around the city by myself exploring. I met so many locals (that I'm still pen pals with now) who are SO friendly, and they always had the best recommendations. I love learning art history as a hobby, so Florence was quite a dream for exploring all the churches, museums, and even just random buildings that had more original art than American-born students could ever imagine. And don't even get me started on the food and shopping...5 stars *****

What advice do you have for future study abroad students?
Keep the faith- it's just like anywhere, there are going to be good days and bad, the key is to not let it discourage you from all the beautiful parts of your surroundings. Just keep going- if you've done your research, prepare yourself, and stay aware of the culture and surroundings, then all you can do is your best, the city will treat you well on your journey. Be polite - it's crucial, to have a few greeting words and phrases memorized and do a tad bit of research on the non-negotiables, the rest you'll pick up easily. If a local corrects you, just say sorry and take their lead, it can be frustrating for all parties to argue your way. As long as you are in their country, they're right. Locals always treat you nicer when you're doing your best to keep an adapting and open mind. **For Italy, remember that older adults are less likely to speak English and younger adults are more likely to if you're in a pinch. With restaurant seating, typically you always ask, even with cafes/bars, the assumption otherwise is that you are going to stand at the bar. Listen to yourself - if you need a break take it, because you likely will. You won't enjoy whatever you were planning in that case and the things you're going to discover are too special to spoil. And naps are just as important as everything else. 🙂

How do you identify?
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Could you share any experiences where your identity played a role in your time abroad?
With Italy, if you are walking around without a man accompanying you, you will get unwarranted attention from a variety of characters which can be uncomfortable and jarring. They can see American students a million miles away, which prompts it even more when they know they won't run into you again and that you don't know how to protect yourself in even worse situations. We had a problem particularily around the study abroad bars/clubs, and within them. Predators knew that they were frequented by non-locals who aren't prepared with emergency numbers etc. and were further unfamiliar with the environment. We experienced flashers, sexual harassment and stalkers in just a few nights. The rest of the areas of the city were all otherwise very safe at night and had busy streets to go down if you were concerned.

Is there any advice you would give to other students who share your identity?
They can see American students a million miles away, so hold your tongue, throw a cold shoulder, and do what you need to get through the interaction. If it is crossing a legal line, scream that you need help and will call the police/112, making sure to add that you know it's 112 or an alternate number, that was the only time people knew to leave.

Memories