COMMENTS FROM PARTICIPATING STUDENTS

 "Just as any student of my age, I was always curious about studying abroad. The desire to learn another language, experience foreign cultures and visit important sites sounded really exciting to me but it also sounded really hard to accomplish. Without knowing my chances, I approached the Dean of Arts and Humanities Ms. Amparo Codding, who is in charge of the Studies Abroad Program of Bergen Community College. Ms. Codding was the first one to support my dream of studying abroad. She guided me in how to collect all requirements necessary to apply for the program and yet helped me to correctly file my financial aid application which it had covert the total expenses of my classes abroad.    With no inconveniences, my classes, my accommodations, student visa, and health insurance were appropriately settled before my arrival in France. The school that I attended was great. Every week we had different cultural activities. We had competent teachers who devoted themselves to educate us in an efficient and diverse manner.   I had classmates from all around the world with the opportunity to build life long relationships and to expand my network. The different and convenient ways of getting around Europe helped me to accomplish my dream of going to places like Rome, Athens, Istanbul, Berlin, Paris, Barcelona, and many others extraordinary places. 

It has been a month since I came back from studying abroad, and I realized that the six months that I spent in France were the most remarkable experience of my life. The opportunity to study abroad changed my life and my way of thinking.  It helped me to clearly recognize my aspirations, my current identity and who I want to be.

Bonne chance à tout le monde dans leurs plans,

Sincèrement

Mauricio Urtubia
Annecy, France, Spring 2009

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 "I signed up to go to Costa Rica without any idea about what I wanted to major in, or how I was going to spend the next few years of my life.  I studied topics I had not thought about before, and talked to people with new, fresh ideas.  Being immersed in a culture totally different than mine helped me to better understand  others. I decided on a major and adapted to a much simpler and gentler life style than I had known previously. In order to learn and grow, we need to put ourselves out in the world and experience different things. Studying abroad helped me not only to better understand others and how they live, but myself and how I want to live."

Alicia Raeburn
San Jose, Costa Rica, Spring 2008

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"Studying abroad in Seville, Spain has been and still is truly an unforgettable self developing experience - as cliche as that may sound it is true- and I am proof of that, as I´m sure the majority of students who go abroad are as well. Everything from taking classes at the breathtaking University of Seville (I highly recommend) or even at the institution there is one aspect that is shared and that is the enthusiasm within the classes of the professors and students all wanting to learn and yes even the professors are there to learn about our culture. After your classes you go to a local, humble or if you want a large cafe/bar and engage in a conversation with a local about everything from futbol to current events around the area -many time contrary to what many believe many of the local Spaniards want to converse with foreigners, so just go for it!- trust me,doing this is not only a boost for your confidence but a very valuable course in the infamous Universidad De la Vida (University of Life). Then there is the social scene at night which is incredible but takes time to get used to keeping up with the long hours, but incredible for sure as you will find out.

Finally, I know I can´t even come close to write about everything I want to say about Seville in a paragraph, but one again it is an ideal time to truly grow up and culture yourself and not only motivation to perfect every aspect of the Spanish language and culture but also a push to study in other countries in the near future. Just as long as you take everything in with a learning state of mind and take advantage of everything the program has to offer, your time abroad will be one that will never leave your mind."

Diego F. Lopez
Seville, Spain, Spring 08

*****

"I´m doing great! better than great! Already dreading coming back to the US. My family is so sweet and I´m happy that I´m not with a  residencia..." " I´m having such an enchanting time that no words could possibly do justice. One problem is getting ahold of a computer. They only have 2 in the school and they´re usually occupied so sorry for this delay. Hope all is well in NJ."

"It´s one of the most beautiful cities I´ve ever seen. At night I sometimes believe I´m living in a jewelry box while looking at all the illuminated buildings and bridges. But all the precious stones in the world couldn´t measure up to something as grand as Sevilla! I pinch myself at least once a day and so far I haven´t woken up (Thank God!). And to be quite honest, I´m already dreading coming home.
Regards from Heaven."

Larissa Wadden, Seville, Spain 
Fall 07

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"I'm having a GREAT time!

 My classes are very interesting and exciting.  The Art of Rome class turned out to be lessons through excursions. Every Wed. we meet in the historic center at a different location.  It is amazing how much the professor knows and can remember all at once as we walk through the city. She can explain all of the history before, leading up to, and during the construction of a particular building and explain the building material and how it reflects what the Roman Republic was trying to say to the people and neighboring nations through the architecture.

 I've been able to do some traveling of my own too.  I've visited Capri and Ischia.  I like Ischia a bit more because there was more of a European, Italian feel to it then when in Capri with all the tourists.  I did enjoy the stunning site of the Grotto Azzuro and Faraglioni, though in the sea off the coast of Capri. I've visited the Amalfi Coast and toured around Napoli as well. I've seen Florence Briefly, but plan to definitely return shortly and see the Uffizzi gallery, the Duomo  and some other beautiful sites. I also plan to visit Venezia, Greece, and Paris.

 I'm still in shock that I'm here and able to experience my dream!"

Melissa Toscano

Rome, Fall 07