Where I studied: Cirencester, England

Major: Global resource systems

Year: Junior

How did you hear about the program?

Through the College of Ag Study Abroad Office.

Why did you decide to study abroad?

I’ve always wanted to travel to a foreign country but hadn’t had the opportunity to. It just seemed like the perfect opportunity, and I couldn’t pass it up.

What year did you do it?

2009-10 school year.

What was your favorite memory about your trip?

There are so many amazing memories, but one of my favorites has to be biking through countryside in County Cork, Ireland, and getting lost in — according to my Irish friends — the only mountainous part of Co. Cork. The bike ride totaled over 70 km and lasted 13 hours up and down and all around the mountains. I have never been so sore in my whole life, but I will never forget it.

What was the biggest thing you learned from the experience?

Don’t ever be afraid to try. It’s scary living in a foreign country and traveling on your own for a whole year, but if I wouldn’t have done it, I would have regretted it for the rest of my life and never have met so many amazing people or seen so many amazing things.

What advice would you give to students interested in studying abroad?

Never say never. I thought I would never make it outside the U.S., and even if I could I thought I could never afford it, but I did and it was so worth it.