What type of international experience did you undertake?
I spent September hiking in the Alps and Dolomites and October/November sailing a Tall Ship in the Atlantic Ocean.

Where did this experience take place?
Germany, Austria (Alps), Italy (Dolomites), England, Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands (off the coast of Africa).

When did you go and how long was your experience?
August 28 - November 6, 2004

How do you think that this experience will benefit you professionally?
Professionally, this experience has helped me tremendously. When employers see that I lived in a group setting 24/7 for two months, it shows them that I know how to work well with others and am able to effectively handle problems within a group setting- they love that. Also, the technical skills I learned and the confidence I gained as an Outward Bound student helped me land a job this summer teaching backpacking skills to girl scouts in Alaska. So the employment benefits have been crazy amazing.

How do you think that this experience has affected you personally?
Personally, this experience has meant so much to me. There are only 29 kids in the world who know what I went through, and that’s a bond we’ll share forever. I learned so much about myself and the importance of human connection- things I never could have learned in the classroom.

Students should study abroad because the most important things in life can’t be learned behind a desk. By going out of your comfort zone and challenging yourself beyond your perceived limitations, you’ll learn more than you ever thought you could.

What were the main highlights of your experience?
Completing a 12 hour uphill hike for our mountain-phase final, which was only supposed to be eight hours with periodical downhills? Never trust an Italian map.

I learned that I can be whatever I imagine, so I imagine much bigger now.