Madeline Hessmann

Madeline studied in Israel on the Tel Akko, Israel: Anthropology, Classics and Mediterranean Studies and Jewish Studies Program during the Summer of 2015.

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

It gives a much broader mindset than the consistent environment at Penn State

If you could go abroad again, what would you do differently?

Absolutely nothing: I feel I took full advantage of my entire program.

What specific factors influenced your decision to go abroad?

It has been a dream of mine from a young age and that was my main motivation. But the easy ability to transfer courses through Global PSU and not having to worry about my classes counting for something definitely helped my confidence in going abroad.

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

I was nervous about security. Obviously the world is not a friendly place and the middle east is especially dangerous, but I recognized ways to not stick out and made certain I was constantly aware of my surroundings. I met people in my program before going abroad so that I was not both unfamiliar with the people as well as my surroundings.

What was it about your program specifically that fit your personal goals over other programs?

I wanted to live and work in the place I was visiting, not just study there or tour the area. I wanted to understand the culture and the history of the places I was seeing. In Akko, not only were we working on a relevant archaeological site, but also were led by knowledgeable professors around the nation and taught about the country and the culture.

How have you used the skills you learned abroad now that you are back; either in job searching, or in other activities?

I feel that I am more aware of other cultures. I think that I am more adventurous and willing to leave my comfort zone. Employers often ask about my listed abroad experience when they see my resume, and I think this gives me a leg up in the job market.

Did you participate in any service projects while on your program? How did that enhance your study abroad experience?

I worked with kids from the area who wanted to learn some archaeological skills and taught them how to use tools, or how to excavate. It was incredible to be able to talk to members of the community. The kids wanted to practice their english with us, and ask us about life in the states. It was an experience and an opportunity for me– but also one that they will remember and grow from.

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

Seeing sites that were over thousands of years old, walking through gardens I have only read about in the bible, and being fully immersed in another culture were just some of the few experiences I would never have gained if I had stayed at Penn State. It is one thing to study how a peoples live. It is entirely different to truly live as they do.

What advice would you give to outbound study abroad students to help them make the most out of their study abroad experiences?

Take advantage of everything. It is easy to fall back into old habits: staying in at night, worry about costs and getting enough sleep, or keeping in contact with friends back home. Let go of all that. They will all be waiting for you at home when you get back. You can sleep on the plane ride home. Take advantage while you can because you are going to regret not doing everything you don’t when you return to Penn State.

Share an experience where you interacted with someone in your host culture in a way that taught you something.

I went for a run one night and got turned around in the nearby city. I stopped at a small shop, looking for anyone who spoke English. I had no money on me for a taxi and the owner did not speak English. I realized how heavily we rely on language to communicate. No matter how loudly you say something or how wildly you wave your arms, if someone doesn’t speak your language, it is near impossible to share a thought. Eventually, I found my way home, but the entire experience made me appreciate what immigrants face in the United States and around the world.