Alexandra DeMattia Ireland Study Tour Summer 2008

I went to the North Western coast of Ireland on a study tour to the city of Sligo. I went to Ireland because of the great opportunity and that St. Angela's College in Sligo was interested in hosting international students for future study tours.

Of the several mountains and hills we climbed, the most exciting was walking up the 1,000 ft Knocknarea Mountain. Sitting at the top is the warrior Queen Maeve's tomb, one of the largest and most superstitious that dates back to the Neolithic era. The view at the very top was one of the most amazing sights that I have ever seen. You get a chance to admire the green backdrop of the Ireland landscape from above.

This experience made me realize how much I would love to see the rest of the world. After visiting Ireland I obtained an insight on a culture other than my own. I instantly fell in love with the carefree, loving lifestyle that most in Sligo displayed. Before this trip I never imagined myself visiting Europe but since then I have been to France and Italy. This was such a great opportunity and experience that I would love to do it again.

Jim Anderson Czech Republic Fall 2008

I studied abroad at Charles University located in one of the nicest areas of Prague, Czech Republic. I chose this destination because I have always been fascinated with the history of the area and beer only costs about one dollar. As far as location, it is considered to be the 'gateway' to Eastern Europe, and is literally within four hours of several other countries.

The most exciting experience I had on this trip was traveling for a week through the Balkan region of Southern Europe, visiting Croatia, and specifically Zagreb. In general I believe the entire trip was too exciting, meeting and hearing stories from expats in the Czech lands made me NEVER want to leave.

This is my last semester at Bridgewater State College and I will be traveling as soon as I am done. I will either be attending graduate school abroad in the Czech Republic, among others, or teaching English in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

It is difficult to really pinpoint exactly what I took from all of this European experience while studying abroad. I learned so much more about myself as a person and as an American student. I learned that there is so much more outside of the commuter rail train to Boston from Bridgewater and I feel as if that is all some people will get from your stay here. My only advice is that if you have any sense of comfort, it is best to stay away from it!

David Cutler China Study Tour Summer 2009

I studied abroad in the cities Beijing and Shangahi, China for a few weeks in the summer. I chose this program because it offered me a unique opportunity that little amount of people get to experience. Also I was interested in studying one of the world's oldest human civilizations.

One my favorite parts of the program were being able to walk the Great Wall of China and walk through the Forbidden City. These tours were breathtaking being able to see the actual size of these historical sites in person. Also, the culture shock was enjoyable learning to cope being a foreigner. The food we ate was incredible ranging from jelly fish and tofu, to scorpions and grasshoppers.

Erica Robinson Australia 2008  

I decided to study in Australia because I wanted an experience that no one I knew had done. When I look back on it now,   going to Australia has impacted me in every way possible - it changed my life.   

On the trip I made 20 best friends - everyone in my class. I experienced something I never dreamed of and I got to   understand what aboriginal culture really was. After spending just a few weeks in Australia I began to respect and know a whole   other culture that is unlike our own  .

            One of my fondest memories from the trip is a hiking trip through the Outback. We went to Mutawintji and walked on   this huge sand spine called the, "Walls of China."  

Mutawintji is this massive national park off in the desert that had some of the most breathtaking sights I had ever seen.  

Raul Vazquez Paris Study Tour 2009                      

I've never had a chance to go anywhere. I just thought about it. I was wondering if I would have liked the experience and I was worried about the people there. After I got to know everyone, the people were great. The sites were beautiful and the overall experience was awesome.

My favorite part of the study tour was meeting the locals and getting to know my group – the people turned out awesome. The group I was with wanted to go out, wanted to do things, and wanted to meet new people. We'd go to cafés and stores every day. We saw monuments and made sure that everyone had a great time.

I'd recommend anybody to do a study tour or to study abroad because itll be one of the best experiences you’ll ever have. You'll get to meet a lot of people, experience a lot and see another culture.

     Tyler Clancy MMU Exchange Fall '07   

I  wanted to go to Manchester because I lived with exchange students the year before while at Bridgewater. When I arrived in   England it was awesome. My time abroad has increased my interest in travel and foreign cultures immensely. While over there, I   created lifelong global relationships with people. I met other exchange students from Portugal, Belgium, Germany, Greece and  so  on. Through them I got to experience other cultures and countries I didn't have an opportunity to visit  

Ben Talbot Spain 2009

I wouldn't change my time abroad for anything. The whole experience was amazing from the moment I got off the plane to the moment I left. The program I went with, ISA, helped me out a lot. When I arrived there, my Spanish was terrible. They helped tutor me and took the time to introduce me to locals to practice Spanish conversation.

While I was in Spain I got to travel all throughout the country. By the end of the trip I visited about 9 different cities. Each one of them was unique and had something to offer. I saw Roman ruins in Segovia, beaches in Barcelona, palaces in Madrid, and so much more