As cliché as it sounds, studying abroad completely changed my perspective on my academic pursuits, on myself, and on life in general. Before the program, I questioned if Communicative Sciences and Disorders was the right major for me. I struggled connecting with certain subject areas in class, as all we do is read out of textbooks and regurgitate information back into a Google Doc. This program (CSD 419) allowed my fellow students and I to connect with real people who either practice as Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) or who actively see SLPs for treatment; the information they were able to bestow upon us was rawer and more impactful than a textbook can ever be. Hearing real-life examples of how this career path has the opportunity to impact others was revolutionary.

Expanding off of that, visiting different clinical sites and listening to a multitude of guest speakers gave us great insight into various jobs within the field. Initially upon entering college, I pictured myself in the hospital setting helping those affected by swallowing disorders. This program completely altered my future goals, as now I envision myself working in a school setting with children with speech and language disorders.

Going out into the world alone and without the confines of normality and familiarity definitely forced me outside of my comfort zone. Boarding the plane was one of the scariest things I’ve ever done, and yet I would do it again in a heartbeat. I was very concerned about making friends, fitting in with a different culture, and further studying a subject I wasn’t 100% committed to, but there was not a minute from the second I landed in London that I regretted my decision to go. Overcoming these fears (along with hundreds more) made me stronger and more confident.

I had many preconceived notions about studying abroad, such as crippling homesickness and culture shock, and while I’m sure many people do experience these things, I did not. My program was short (only three weeks), so I was able to avoid the loneliness often accompanying those studying abroad, and I found London to be quite similar to the United States—so much so that I felt as if I could’ve just been in a different state. With that being said, FaceTime was my best friend, and, to England’s credit, there were some cultural differences that threw me for a loop.

Being a student born and raised in Lansing presented unique challenges as well. Many college students study out of state, spending weeks—if not months—away from their family. I will say that I assume studying abroad would be easier for those people, as this is something I have not yet experienced. As for my family, I can guarantee that they were wary of me traveling so far away…but I can also guarantee that they are so grateful I did. Ever since I’ve been back home, they tell me how amazing this opportunity was for me. They see that I’ve come out of my shell, tried new things, met new people, learned in abundance, and am more confident with my future pursuits. I can’t say that being away from home and loved ones comes without challenges, but it is worth it.

Name: Grace McNeil
Status: Junior
Major: Communicative Sciences and Disorders
Hometown: Lansing, Michigan
Program: Communication Disorders in the UK