In just a few weeks, I will be leaving for the UA in Europe: Macroeconomics program, and honestly, it still does not feel completely real. As a Finance major with a Sales minor at the University of Alabama, studying abroad feels like one of the biggest and most exciting opportunities I have had so far in college. It is not only a chance to travel but also to grow academically, personally, and culturally in ways I know I could never experience in a classroom alone.
One of the biggest reasons I chose to study abroad was to step outside my comfort zone and experience a world much bigger than the one I have always known. As a first-generation traveler and someone with roots in both Hispanic and Croatian backgrounds, exploring Europe feels deeply personal to me. Culture has always been a huge part of my life, especially through food and family traditions. In my family, meals are where everyone gathers, tells stories, and connects. Because of that, I have always believed that culture is something you experience, not just something you read about in a textbook.
When selecting a program, I took into account several key factors, including location, academics, timing, and cost. Route B immediately stood out to me because it combines macroeconomics with cities full of history, culture, and global influence. The opportunity to study economics while visiting places like Rome, Florence, Barcelona, and Croatia felt like the perfect balance between education and exploration. I was especially excited about opportunities like visiting the Central Bank of Croatia because I want to see how the concepts I learn in class apply to real economies and real people.
Budget was also an important factor in my decision. Studying abroad can feel intimidating financially, so receiving scholarships and grants helped make this opportunity possible for me. It reminded me that experiences like this are attainable, even if they once felt out of reach.
More than anything, I chose to study abroad because I want to challenge myself. I want to become more independent, adaptable, and confident in navigating unfamiliar places and meeting new people. I know there will be moments that push me outside my comfort zone, but I also know those moments will help me grow the most. I am excited to learn from every city, every conversation, and every experience along the way, and I cannot wait to share the journey through these blog posts.