I chose API to study abroad with because their profile was the most inviting and comprehendible. The logistics of studying abroad can be very confusing, but API illustrates it so anyone can understand it. API stood out to me because of the economical value, the weekend trips offered, and the on-site advisors.
Alumni Spotlight: Kelly Limberg
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Kelly is a recent University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee grad that majored in Marketing and International Business. She constantly pushes herself to the next level and always finds positivity in the things she does.
Why did you choose this program?
What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
API provided us with the application to John Cabot University, an apartment, weekend trips, safety, and many transportation opportunities. API really made it easy and safe to study abroad, which helped ease my nerves prior to leaving. I had to organize other weekend trips, which I preferred, as well as getting my visa and paperwork all in order before semester started.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
I would advise them to go on each and every tour/trip API offers because they are honestly very fun, informative, and something that you would probably would not have done with out the help of API. For example, API took us to Capri on Earth day and we were able to be on top of the island in the clouds. It was an experience I will never forget. I would also suggest students to go there with no expectations and to say yes to things you normally would not do.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
With this program, there was no average day/week. You did attend school weekly; however, API was always offering tours for us to attend (for free too!) Independently, you can literally do anything you want, and with Rome being so big, our days were never average. The thing I miss most about studying abroad is that there was NEVER an average day.
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
Upon going abroad, I was so afraid of being lonely because that is the leading reason why someone becomes homesick. I overcame this by branching out and talking to everyone I met and getting to know a lot of people. I viewed loneliness as something so scary and now I see being alone as a time of peace and for reflection. Now that I've been home for over a year, I make sure to always take time for myself and I feel like it has improved my happiness with myself and those around me.
Is there any other advice you'd like to share with prospective travelers?
Because you are young when considering studying abroad, you can't afford the luxuries of hotel rooms and fancy tours, so you have to be resourceful. There were many times we stayed in places that I would not be caught in today.
As a young traveler, you worry less and experience more than anyone else. You are closer to the culture than you probably ever will be again. I would strongly suggest traveling every weekend you are there, even if it's to a different city. We were lucky enough to only have classes 3 days a week, so we would explore our host city during the week and travel else where on weekends. We would hike, bike, kayak, and walk anywhere in order to create memories that will literally last a lifetime.