Bella Maiwurm

How did you learn about your study abroad program?

I learned about the study abroad program in Wales online through the ISU Abroad website. Then I was able to find more information at one of the study abroad fairs. For Chile, I saw the flyers about the program that were placed in the Science II building and decided to attend one of the informational meetings.

Why did you choose to participate in the study abroad program?

I knew I wanted to study abroad at least once in college. I have been very fortunate to travel around the United States, but before college I had never left the country. I wanted to learn more about different places; their history, food, landscape, wildlife, etc. Several of my friends and family members expressed their regret at not taking advantage of study abroad opportunities while they were in school and encouraged me to do so if given the opportunity. Those things combined really drove my interest and supported my decision.

Have you traveled internationally before studying abroad?

I had not traveled internationally before. Studying abroad in Wales was my first time out of the country, and Chile is now the 12th country I’ve visited.

Most memorable experience?

That is difficult to choose for both Wales and Chile. I traveled to Swansea University with two of my closest friends and we were able to travel around several different countries during the semester and had fantastic experiences in each one. However, I think some of the most memorable times were when my family came to visit. It was the first time my parents and younger sister traveled outside the U.S., so I got to play tour guide and explore London, Edinburgh, Inverness, and the Isle of Skye with them. There are so many more stories and life lessons from being abroad a whole semester, like “make sure if you rent a car, it has a spare tire”, “have some cash in the correct currency for the country that you are in”, and “always double check the bus/train schedule”.

Chile was a very different experience, in a good way. It made me think and sit with topics that I had not given much time to before. On numerous occasions, I felt that I did not have the words to describe what I was experiencing. One of those moments was the first night in Conguillío National Park, where myself and a few others stargazed late at night, surrounded by ancient trees, lava fields, and an active volcano. I had never seen the night sky so incredibly clear and full before. I felt absolutely tiny in comparison. However, there was a greater sense of wonder and fortune to be in that vast landscape.

Did you experience any difficulties?

Wales and Chile offered different challenges. In Wales, I struggled instigating conversations. It was a little lonely at first, figuring out classes and various schedules with people who already knew each other pretty well. It got easier as the semester went on, but it was definitely the biggest hurdle for me. On a less serious note - there were plenty of difficulties that are much easier to laugh at now; getting a flat tire in rural Iceland, a long walk saved by a bus driver who accepted the incorrect currency in Ireland, or navigating several canceled trains in England (hence all the life lessons above).
Chile’s difficulties came in the form of physical and mental perseverance on some of the longer hikes we embarked on. It was my first real experience hiking
in areas further above sea level than the Midwest. I went into the trip telling myself I was not going to say no to any opportunity that arose, and I succeeded
in that goal. My muscles were very tired, but I told myself I could do it and so I did.

How was the application process when applying?

Both application processes were easy to navigate. Deadlines are clearly written and ISU Abroad makes it very easy to pause and come back to applications if needed.

What advice would you give to students interested in one of your programs or study abroad in general?

Do it! Even if you are nervous, try it anyway! You will get a good story out of it at a minimum, and chances are it will open more doors for you that you hadn’t even considered. I have learned so much more about myself and what I want out of my career from studying abroad on these two trips than any other experience.

Anything else you want to share from your experience(s)?

I experienced some of the most impactful moments of my life in Chile, from the people we met and things we saw. I cannot wait to go back someday! I encourage anyone who wants to study abroad to go for it, you never know what you may get from the experience.

Profile Photo: Sierra Nevada Hike, Chile (with Llaima Volcano in the Background)

Other photos from top to bottom: Villarrica National Park, Chile, Horses in Worms Head, Wales, Stargazing in Conguillo National Park, Chile