Emily Stewart

San Jose, Costa Rica; Tuscany, Italy

Q: What motivated you to study abroad during your time at Carnegie Mellon University?

A: I wanted to study abroad during my time at CMU because I wanted the opportunity to improve my foreign language skills, become more independent, learn about different cultures and worldviews, and to take a break from the cold, gray Pittsburgh weather.

Q: What variables influenced your decision to pursue a summer opportunity in your location of choice?

A: There were several variables that influenced my decision to study abroad in Costa Rica fall of my junior year. I knew I wanted to improve my Spanish language skills, to have a homestay, to study abroad through a CMU sponsored program, and I wanted the academic calendar to work out in such a way that would allow me to be on Orientation Staff. The AIFS program to study at Universidad Veritas in Costa Rica met all those criteria, so that is where I decided to go!

In terms of my summer study abroad opportunity, I received special permission to go on the Belmont University Maymester trip to Italy as a non-degree transfer student. There were not as many variables that influenced that trip – it seemed like a great opportunity, and it all just fell into place pretty seamlessly. I’m a big fan of art and history, so Italy seemed like a great opportunity for me to explore those interests!

Q: What challenges did you face while living and learning in a new culture?

A: The biggest challenge for me during my semester abroad in Costa Rica was the social dynamic with some of the other American students. While doing your best academically is admired and appreciated at CMU, that was not always my experience while studying abroad. Some of my peers would look down on me and make disparaging remarks for putting forth effort with school work and showing interest in what I was learning in my classes. This was challenging because it made me self-conscious in a way I had never been before, because I have always been fortunate to be in learning environments where trying my best and being interested and engaged was valued.

But despite these challenges, I was able to make friends and have an overall positive experience learning and growing in a new culture.

Q: Name a few of your favorite landmarks/cities/experiences from your time abroad

A: In Costa Rica, some of my favorite locations included, Manuel Antonio National Park, Volcan Poas, Barra Honda National Park, Cahuita National Park, Veragua, and Rancho Margot.

In Italy, some of my favorite locations included San Lucca in Bologna, Assisi, Fiesole, Florence: Il Duomo the Galleria dell’Accademia, the Uffizi gallery, Santa Croce, and the view of the city from San Miniato al Monte,  Rome: the Vatican Museum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon

Q: During your study abroad experience, what did you learn about yourself that surprised you?

A: During my times abroad in both Costa Rica and Italy, I had to become comfortable with being by myself. I consider myself to be an extravert, and gain energy from positive social interactions. But, there were many times when I was abroad when I had to take initiative and do things by myself, and in doing so, I learned a great deal about myself and my abilities and now I am more comfortable being independent and marching to the beat of my own drum.

Q: What advice would you give to another student about to embark abroad?

A: My first piece of advice would be to research social customs, especially ones around food. It is a sign of respect to the host countries you visit to abide by their customs as much as you can. My second piece of advice is to be as present in the moment as you can – this really helps you to make the most of your experiences. It can be easy to get homesick or to wonder if your friends back home are missing you or even care that you’re gone, but if you allow yourself to become fully invested in your time abroad, you will experience so much more personal growth!