Introducing Jessica Mattox

What is/are your major(s)?

Psychology, but deciding on a possible double major in environmental science

What is/are your minor(s)?

Criminology and Business Ethics and Legal Studies (BELS)

What is the name of your study abroad program?

University of Otago

In what city & country is your study abroad program located?

Dunedin, New Zealand

What is something you would like the blog readers to know about you that they wouldn’t know by just looking at you?

My passion for people which drives my desire to make true, reasonable change as I continue my education and contemplate possible career choices. Since being abroad and meeting so many people from different areas, studying psychology has been particularly impactful and I am excited to see where it takes me.

What is one thing that you are most anticipating about your study abroad experience?

I am most anticipating meeting more local Kiwi students because I have mostly been around international students so far.

Why did you decide to study abroad? or What inspired you to study abroad?

I decided to study abroad because I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone. I heard so many stories of people having the time of their lives while being abroad, and in all honesty, I was more nervous than excited. However, taking the jump and just going for it rather than holding myself back from what could be a life-changing experience made it worth it.

St. Clair beach walk with friends from Norway, the US, and England. Being only 10 minutes from campus, it is definitely a go-to spot!

Introducing Juliet Eklund

What is/are your major(s)?

Sociology & Spanish

What is/are your minor(s)?

N/A

What is the name of your study abroad program?

IFSA: Argentine Universities Program

In what city & country is your study abroad program located?

Buenos Aires, Argentina

What is something you would like the blog readers to know about you that they wouldn’t know by just looking at you?

I love history. Exploring the cultural and political history of a place allows you to understand the background of its modern ways of life. You discover why people do the things they do, why they speak the way they speak, etcetera. It’s exciting to look back and watch the construction of a place and a people.

What is one thing that you are most anticipating about your study abroad experience?

I cannot wait for the new cuisines I will try in Argentina. I’m a pretty adventurous eater and look forward to trying new foods as well as cooking my own favorite meals for my host family.

Why did you decide to study abroad? or What inspired you to study abroad?

I have had few opportunities to travel in the past, but I’ve always dreamed of seeing more of the world. I also love languages and the cultural power they possess. I wanted to immerse myself in Spanish, and studying abroad seemed the perfect way to do that.