Amanda Catalano: Seriously Though

Studying abroad has definitely given me a sense of independence. But isn’t that what everyone says?

Seriously though, there really is no better way to gain independence then to move away from your family and friends and everything you have ever known to be familiar.  As soon as I moved away I found myself being more assertive and more open to new possibilities. Stepping outside your comfort zone is never easy, but if you can put yourself in a position where you have to do so, it can open up your world to so many more possibilities.

Poznan, Poland 

My favorite way that I have grown abroad is in the form of relationships. When you are in a new environment, you have to form new relationships. I found myself becoming great friends with people that I may have never even talked to in my regular life because I already had my own set of friends. I met and became good friends with people from all around the world, and all were completely different and had extremely fascinating stories.

Edinburgh 

Study abroad made me realize that no matter how different someone is from you, everyone has the ability to add great value to your life. That is a lesson I will never forget.

Iceland

Amanda Catalano is a  Bachelor of Business Administration Degree program student at Capilano University. Amanda studied abroad at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Scotland.