Studying abroad has done wonders in shaping who I am academically and professionally and as a person. It has put me out of my comfort zone in ways that I needed. I am very thankful for everything I have done.
Studying abroad felt far out of reach when Danielle Johnson, ’25, G’27, first came to Bridgewater State University. But, with support from BSU and her parents, Danielle now considers herself quite the globetrotter.
“I had never been on a plane before,” recalled Danielle, who earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and theater and expects to complete her master’s in reading (with a concetration in teaching English to speakers of other languages) next fall. “I never thought that traveling, in general, was in the cards for me just because of my own anxiety and finances.”
She will conclude her time at Bridgewater having completed four study abroad experiences – twice to Ireland, Switzerland, and upcoming in the spring, the Dominican Republic. She’s a great believer in studying abroad, as each journey allows her to experience new cultures and even inspired her to pursue a job teaching overseas after graduation.
“Studying abroad has done wonders in shaping who I am academically and professionally and as a person,” she said. “It has put me out of my comfort zone in ways that I needed. I am very thankful for everything I have done.”
Her first trip was a two-week BSU social justice in education travel course, where she explored Dublin and Belfast alongside fellow Bridgewater students. Being surrounded by other Bears provided familiarity and comfort in a new environment.
Danielle next completed a special needs and inclusive education class in Switzerland, where her classmates (and newfound friends) came from across the world. She then returned to Dublin to student-teach in an Irish classroom. Danielle will conclude her BSU journeys with a travel course on teaching English in the Dominican Republic.
She especially appreciates the support from her parents, who always answered her 3 a.m. calls from overseas. One video call they won’t soon forget came as Danielle was standing underneath the Eiffel Tower crying in amazement and gratitude.
“As much as I have worked really hard saving money and applying myself, I definitely would not have studied abroad without my parents,” she said.
Danielle has worked as a resident assistant at BSU for four years and is a graduate assistant for the Honors Program. She has also received funding through the Study Abroad Office.
“I’ve made a lot of awesome relationships through the BSU community,” she said, adding: “It has been really rewarding being able to feel supported in every aspect at Bridgewater. That has been one of the main highlights of my college career.”
Inspired by her Bridgewater experience, Danielle hopes to eventually earn her doctorate and become a professor who introduces a new generation of students to global education.
“I never thought this would be something I would do,” she said of traveling. “Now, I’m changing the course of my career because of how impactful it has been.”
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