Introducing Catherine Baker

What is/are your major(s)?

International Relations; English with Creative Writing

What is/are your minor(s)?

French

What is the name of your study abroad program?

Sciences Po Rennes – Exchange

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

Rennes, France

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 readers to know that I love adventure, trying new things, and travelling to new and exciting cities and countries, but I also love to find hidden gems and experience local cultures in a city where I am planning to spend the year.

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

I am most anticipating (and excited about) is travelling with other study abroad students and learning how to use my French in more of an academic setting.

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

I decided to do study abroad because I wanted to have a new perspective of academia by experiencing a different country. I wanted to immerse myself in a different culture where there are people that come from all around the world.

Introducing Addison Baker

What is/are your major(s)?

Political Science, Journalism

What is/are your minor(s)?

Spanish, Leadership Studies

What is the name of your study abroad program?

WorldStrides (ISA): Universidad de Sevilla: Hispanic Studies & Electives

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?

Many people who meet me do not realize the amount of anxiety and self-doubt I deal with on a daily basis. For me, Study Abroad is a huge opportunity to not only face my anxiety, but fight it and put myself into situations that I may not have the confidence to do back home.

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

I am truly so excited to be staying with a Spanish host family. Spanish is one of my minors, and I think that this experience will really help me with my fluency and understanding of the language. Not only that, but I hope to build a cross-cultural connection with my host family. I can’t wait to learn about Spain and Spanish culture from them, but also share my experiences as an American.

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

Growing up, I always knew that my life goal was to travel the world. I remember in Kindergarten, we had a cultural day, and speakers came to share with us stories of their culture and the countries they are from. This event sparked my passion for learning about people and my dream to experience many different cultures around the world. Study abroad is my first real opportunity to live out this dream, by immersing myself in a culture that I am fascinated by for three whole months!

I love vintage shopping, and I took this photo at a huge antique store in my hometown of Kansas City, MO. Go Chiefs!