Introducing Avery DeValk

What is/are your major(s)?

Psychology and Kinesiology

What is/are your minor(s)?

Criminology and Writing Practices

What is the name of your study abroad program?

University of Nicosia

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

Nicosia, Cyprus

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

I don’t believe that is it very apparent, but I do deal with some mental health disorders. I am nervous for how this will effect me abroad, but I think sharing my experience will help other students who have similar struggles be more confident in their abroad experience.

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

I am most anticipating meeting new people. There are not many DU students going to Cyprus, so the opportunity to meet new people in a new place is exciting.

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

I decided to study abroad because the opportunity is once-in-a-lifetime. I’ve also never been to any other continent, so the new experience was very appealing to me. My peers really inspired me to go abroad, as they are always pushing me to try new things and get out of my comfort zone.

A group photo of my friends and me about to go skydiving!

Introducing MayaLuna McCrum

What is/are your major(s)?

Anthropology

What is/are your minor(s)?

Geography and Studio Art

What is the name of your study abroad program?

Maynooth University

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

Maynooth, Ireland

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

I really value other peoples’ stories and experiences and love to learn about other people and cultures.

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

I look forward to meeting and learning about people and cultures that are different from me and my own culture.

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

I want to learn about and experience different cultures by being immersed in them. By studying abroad and being immersed in the culture, I am looking forward to gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation for cultures that are different from my own.

Over the summer I had the opportunity to visit Costa Rica. The photo with the plants is one of my favorite photos I took there.