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Around the World: Taylor DeVoe ’15 Around the World, W&L Winter and Spring Term Abroad, ISA, Universidad de Pablo Olavide

“Good and bad things will happen when you take risks and leave what’s comfortable, but I promise it’s worth it.”

To me, studying abroad meant leaving my comfort zone and being open to every and all opportunities thrown my way until one day it hits you; you’re comfortable. Even though I studied in Spain, I traveled all across Europe and even into Africa, seeing some of the most extraordinary sights. Though I could list each amazing city I spent time in, the highlight of my study abroad experience wasn’t a place. It was the new life I had formed. I had a family with a 12-year-old host sister who would have sworn we were real sisters (even in spite of my blonde hair), friends who would introduce me to their families and help me work on my Spanish without even knowing it, and a city I knew well enough to give lost tourists directions. To those who are interested in studying abroad, I would tell them not to waste a single day of it. Every second you are there is an adventure, so spend it connecting with as many people as you can, learning as many new things as you can, and traveling as far as you can. Good and bad things will happen when you take risks and leave what’s comfortable, but I promise it’s worth it.

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