Studying abroad has been one of the greatest experiences I have had in my collegiate career and will have. I have seen firsthand that there is a world outside of the University of Alabama. But, because of this program I learned a valuable lesson that I don’t have to have my whole future planned out right now or even when I graduate. Just hearing from top executives who didn’t know what they wanted to do in college and have changed their career path several times gave me some comfort for the future and because of this program I will look at college differently. After seeing firsthand the difference between Panama and the U.S.A. I have gained a greater respect for both countries. I learned that Panama is a service country so they produce higher quality goods and lower quantities. While the U.S. is a goods country and produces higher quantities. Both countries have their pros and cons and have made great strides, and although neither of them are perfect they are continuing to grow and be better. The best piece of advice I could give to a future study abroad student is to just push yourself beyond your limits, strive to learn, and be optimistic. It is such a beautiful thing that we are all diverse and have different values. There are so many opportunities in other countries and it would be unfortunate to not experience them all. If you are blessed enough to study abroad, push yourself outside of your comfort zone.
