Edie studied abroad on Wellington: Victoria University of Wellington (Exchange Program) program .

If you could give only one reason, why would you suggest other students study abroad?

College is the best time to study abroad- you don’t have family or a job to take care of, you’re independent and capable, so definitely take advantage of these years to travel!

What concerns/fears did you have about studying abroad, and how did you overcome them?

As an out of state student, I was worried about the cost of a Penn State Exchange program. I suggest applying to all scholarships and grants that you qualify for and make sure you get any letters of recommendation that’s required from your professors ahead of time.

What experiences did you have while studying abroad that you feel you could not have had if you had stayed at Penn State?

The Victoria International Leadership Program was wonderful and provided speaker events and seminars for students on all kinds of topics; there’s definitely an event for everybody. Penn State has the Presidential Leadership Academy which is unfortunately only for select students, but I thoroughly enjoyed VILP and meeting both Kiwis and international students and hearing their perspectives on the different issues including New Zealand’s role in the world, Human Rights in the Pacific, and etc.