Maggie Stutzman
Major:
Animal Science
Program:
Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences (Exchange Program)
One of the biggest things I got from this experience was a better appreciation for all different cultures. I was able to leave with a more open mind for the world and I am very grateful for my time spent in Europe.
- Why did you study abroad?
- I chose to study abroad because I wanted to expand my horizons and be able to experience and learn about new cultures.
- Why did you choose to study at Wroclaw University?
- Initially, I was looking into studying abroad in Ireland, but I changed my mind before submitting my application and decided to go to Poland to study at Wroclaw University. What drew me to this decision was that I haven’t heard of many people studying or even traveling to Poland, so I wanted to learn more about its history and what it had to offer. Another thing that stuck out to me was that I knew that I wanted to travel in my free time, and with Poland being in the center of Europe it made it easier to get to other countries.
- Have you traveled internationally prior?
- Yes, I had traveled internationally a little before studying abroad. I had done a solo trip in my senior year of high school to Madagascar where I taught English. I also have gone to Mexico for a family trip.
Major difference amongst universities/ major difference in taking classes abroad?
- The biggest difference that stood out to me about the university was how spread out the campus was and the huge use of public transport. Class wise I felt there wasn’t a huge difference. For me personally, there were a lot more lectures and projects to be done than there were tests.
- What have you learned from completing a semester abroad?
- There is so much to learn, do, and see that we don’t even realize or think about! There are little things that we would not even think twice about here, are sometimes things that may be uncommon there. For example, tipping when going to a restaurant/bar. Another thing would be how people interact with one another, here in Iowa I feel like it’s common to give a little nod or smile at someone when making eye contact but that was not very common at all in Poland.
- Do you think your experience will benefit you personally, professionally, or academically?
- Yes, without a doubt. Personally, overall, it helped me to grow as a person, I think putting myself in the unknown which can be uncomfortable helped me to become more confident and not be afraid to ask questions. Professionally, navigating this specific study abroad program I felt you had to be fairly independent so working on my time management and communication skills was very important. Academically, I was able to learn more about the animal and agricultural industry within Europe.
- Overall experience from studying abroad?
- Overall was an amazing experience and would definitely do it again.
- Most memorable experience?
- When I first got to Poland, I had no idea how public transportation worked as I had never been on a tram before or used buses much. On multiple occasions, I would miss my stop or get on the wrong tram/bus. This was my most memorable experience because for the first week or two I felt hopeless in trying to find my way anywhere. Luckily, I made friends that lived in Poland that helped me navigate.
Did you do any other travel during your time in Poland?
- Yes, I was able to do quite a bit of traveling while I was there. It was inexpensive to catch a bus, train, or even a plane to go places. Being in Poland also made it simpler since it’s kind of in the center of Europe. I was able to visit 10 other countries in total while being there (Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, Croatia, Finland, and London)
- What advice would you give to students interested in studying abroad/ going on a semester-long program?
- Do it. Take advantage of the opportunities that ISU has to provide for students studying abroad. It is an amazing experience that you may not get the chance to do later in life. You get to learn and see so much, as well as meet so many new people and make new connections.
- How has this experience impacted your life?
- Through this experience I have been able to make so many new friends and learn more about European culture. After coming back to the US after studying abroad, I started thinking more about everyday things that I would’ve never even questioned before, whether it was cooking a meal or going to class. I notice small differences all the time. One of the biggest things I got from this experience was a better appreciation for all different cultures. I was able to leave with a more open mind for the world and I am very grateful for my time spent in Europe.