Introducing Skyler Chiabai

What is/are your major(s)?

Psychology

What is/are your minor(s)?

Business administration

What is the name of your study abroad program?

ISA: Universidad Pompeu Fabra: Spanish Language, Liberal Arts & Business

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

Barcelona, Spain

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

I would like them to know that I live to travel, and on this particular journey I’m trying to test the limits of my comfort zone. I tend to be cautious when I’m in uncomfortable situations but I’m going to try my best to say yes to as many things as I can!

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

The food!!

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

My close friend had studied abroad and had nothing but good things to say about the experience. I would love to live in a place where I am out of my comfort zone and see new things

My hometown in Manhattan Beach California

Introducing Romina Dadkhah

The solo shot photo of me is the time when my friends and I went back-country camping in the Sand Dunes. It was one of my best college experiences!

What is/are your major(s)?

Marketing

What is/are your minor(s)?

Business Legal Studies and Film

What is the name of your study abroad program?

ISA: Universidad Pablo de Olavide: Hispanic Studies, Business & Spanish Language

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

Seville, Spain

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

I would like the blog readers to know that I am a first-generation American, and I can speak Farsi fluently. I would also like for readers to know that I am a Colorado native, and I have lived in Colorado my whole life.

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

One thing that I am most anticipating about my study abroad experience are the excursion trips my program offers, specifically the Morocco trip. I cannot wait to tap into my Middle Eastern heritage by camping in Morocco and exploring old mosques in Seville. Seville is a city with a rich history that dates back to the Romans, Christians, Jews, and Muslims. Going on excursion trips to learn about Sevilla’s history and visiting old historical sites will be extremely unique and exciting!

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

I decided to study abroad, because I have never been to Europe or traveled by myself internationally. Both my parents are Iranian immigrants, and I have been to Iran a few times throughout my childhood. However, I have never gotten the opportunity to go elsewhere. My mom passed away when I was 14 and her passing increased financial pressure on my family. The DU Partner Program has made the study abroad experience financially affordable and has given me the opportunity to travel to places I have always wanted to go. I have seen so many of my friends travel abroad, and I talked to professors who have shared their study abroad experiences with me. Their stories and wonderful experiences inspired me to invest in the study abroad experience. One day, I hope to share my stories and experiences with other people.

The second photo is an overlook shot of Acadia, Maine. This was my first time being in the East Coast, and we were standing on the edge of the national park, looking out to the Atlantic Ocean. It felt like I was in the Caribbean, even though I have never been there before 🙂