What inspired you to go abroad?
I was inspired by a deep curiosity to experience the world beyond textbooks and classrooms. I’ve always believed that education doesn’t end within four walls—it lives in the streets, in conversations, in history, and in the cultures we immerse ourselves in. I wanted to challenge myself by stepping into unfamiliar environments, discovering new perspectives, and building a sense of global belonging. What inspired me most was the desire to connect with people, hear their stories, and allow those encounters to shape who I am becoming.
Why did you choose your specific organization?
I chose Forum-Nexus because it wasn’t just about going to one country, it was about traveling through several cities, each with its own history, culture, and rhythm. The program blended academic learning with exploration, and that balance felt right for me. I was drawn to the idea of learning about the European Union in Rome, discussing art while standing in front of Da Vinci’s Last Supper, and bonding with fellow students over shared experiences. Forum-Nexus offered something rare: the opportunity to study while traveling, and to travel while learning.
Last day ceremony in Amsterdam
What was your favorite part about your host country/city?
Each city had its charm, but what stood out most was the way culture lived in every detail. In Barcelona, I loved the mix of tradition and modernity, from Gaudí’s architecture to the vibrant markets. In Paris, the simple act of sitting at a café with classmates sparked unforgettable conversations. In Rome, walking among ancient ruins reminded me of how small we are in the long story of humanity. What I loved most was not just the beauty of the places, but how alive they felt with history and people.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
It wasn’t just the places I saw, but the way they changed me. My experience was extraordinary because it combined discovery, learning, and human connection. Traveling with classmates turned strangers into lifelong friends, and together we built memories that belong to all of us. Standing in world-class museums, hiking through beautiful landscapes, and even getting lost in new cities felt like chapters of a story I’ll carry forever. What made it extraordinary was how the trip reminded me that the world is much bigger, but also more connected, than I ever imagined.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
The staff played a huge role in making the experience smooth and enjoyable. From guiding us through logistics, to giving tips on the best hidden restaurants, to being there whenever unexpected situations came up, they made sure we always felt safe and supported. What stood out most was their warmth, they didn’t just manage the program, they made us feel like part of a family traveling together.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
If I could do one thing differently, it would be to journal more consistently. Each day was packed with so many experiences, conversations, discoveries, personal reflections, that I sometimes relied too much on memory. Writing more would have helped me capture the little moments, the things that can fade over time. I wish I had paused more often to reflect in writing while still in the middle of the adventure.
Barcelona on a yacht
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
A typical day started with breakfast at the hotel, where classmates and I would talk about what lay ahead. Mornings often meant academic sessions or lectures, but they were never ordinary, one day in a classroom, the next inside a museum or walking through a historical site. Afternoons were for exploration: wandering through neighborhoods, trying new foods, or visiting landmarks. Evenings were for laughter and connection, often with a group dinner or a spontaneous adventure in the city. No two days were the same, but all had the same rhythm of learning, exploring, and bonding.
What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?
In my free time, I loved simply walking without a plan. Some of the best discoveries happened when I let curiosity guide me, whether it was stumbling upon a small bookstore in Paris, finding a local bakery in Milan, or sitting by the canals in Amsterdam watching the world go by. Free time meant conversations with friends that went from lighthearted jokes to deep reflections about life. It was in those unscheduled hours that I felt the true magic of being abroad.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
We stayed in comfortable hotels, which provided the perfect base for each city. What I liked best wasn’t necessarily the rooms themselves, but the sense of community that grew around them. Hallways became meeting spots, hotel lobbies turned into planning hubs, and breakfast areas became places where the day’s energy started. The hotels gave us the stability we needed while still leaving space for adventure just outside the doors.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
Be prepared for movement, physically and mentally. Forum-Nexus is fast-paced, and you’ll be on the go, but that’s where its magic lies. Every day brings something new, and the best way to enjoy it is to stay open-minded and flexible. Pack light, walk a lot, and let yourself say yes to things you might not normally do. The program rewards curiosity and openness more than anything else.
Would you recommend your provider to others? Why?
Absolutely. I’d recommend Forum-Nexus to anyone who wants to experience education in the most dynamic way possible. It’s not just about lectures, it’s about living history, art, and culture firsthand. The program attracts curious, open-hearted students, so you end up surrounded by people who share your spirit of exploration. It’s the kind of experience that stays with you long after it ends, shaping how you see the world.
InBetween
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
The biggest benefit is perspective. Traveling abroad forces you to step outside of your comfort zone and see the world through different lenses. It teaches adaptability, empathy, and independence. More than that, it reshapes your understanding of home, you realize that while cultures may differ, people share the same basic hopes, fears, and joys. That realization is powerful and lasting.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
My time abroad has given me a stronger sense of confidence and clarity. I came back with new friendships, memories, and stories, but also with a deeper belief in my ability to adapt and thrive anywhere. It showed me how much I value global exposure, and it’s already influencing how I think about my academic and career path. I now see myself not only as a student of biology, but as a student of the world.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means traveling not just to check places off a list, but to let those places change you. It’s about connecting with people, learning their stories, and carrying those stories back home with you. For me, meaningful travel is when you leave a place with more questions than you arrived with, questions that push you to grow, to reflect, and to keep exploring. It’s travel that transforms you from the inside out.
