Hi! I'm Kensley and I am studying abroad this summer on the UA Engineering in Europe trip. We are going to Italy, Germany, Slovenia, and Austria. I have wanted to study abroad since I was in high school and when I got to college and found out that UA offered a program for my college, I was so excited! My grandparents had 11 foreign exchange students from a variety of different countries. Hearing about each one of their cultures and how different they were from America played a huge role in my decision and desire to study abroad. I specifically want to visit Italy because of the architecture and unique infrastructure of the towns and roads, which are unlike anything that I can experience in America. When I found out about this program, I had to consider the cost of the trip and the time that I would be gone, but I felt for an in-state student, the trip was extremely affordable. Before going abroad, I have been ordering international necessities such as convertors and adapters, researching the countries I am going to, and budgeting for my trip. While we are in Europe, the weather should be mostly warm, but some days and nights can be cooler. I am packing for any type of weather change whether that be rain or cooler weather. I have bought many new outfits because it is untraditional to wear athletic wear and lounge clothes in public like we do in America. While I am extremely excited about going, I have also had to mentally prepare myself for this trip. This will be the farthest I have gone without my parents or any family member. I have realized while preparing for this trip, how much I took my parents for granted on vacations growing up. I did not think about all the little things that go into a trip, especially international. I have had to do a ton of research, make lists so I do not forget anything, and order many things including new luggage! It is a lot of work, but also a learning experience and now I know I am more prepared for the future when I go on trips. While studying abroad, I hope to see and learn many new things about the cities and cultures. I am most excited about trying new food, shopping, and touring new places. I am very excited about this opportunity, and I cannot wait to share my experience with everyone!
New luggage for my trip! Yay!!