Studying abroad
at Edge Hill really
changed my life.
Facing your Fears - Edge Hill’s Student Success Story
The thought of leaving home for the first time, living on your own, and venturing outside of your comfort zone can be terrifying! Although there are many people who allow their reservations to repress their adventurous side, there are loads of us that welcome change and use our fears as stimulation.
With these challenges come great rewards. We asked our Alumnus Mandy Reinig, a perfect example of this brave class of individuals, to share her success story.
“I studied abroad at Edge Hill during the autumn semester 2000. I chose Edge Hill because I had never lived away from home and wanted to go somewhere where they spoke English so I did not have to struggle with a language barrier while also living away from home for the first time.”
“I truly loved Edge Hill. I had a difficult time the first two weeks with homesickness but that wore off as I got to know the people in my dorm and made friends with other Americans and European students alike. One of the more interesting aspects for me was sitting in the common room and trying to figure out what each other was saying because even though we all spoke English sometimes the words were totally different. Some of my best memories were going on trips with my new American and European friends. I was able to see things I had never experienced before. I also had the opportunity to visit some of my friends' homes and stay with their families and get a nice home cooked meal.”
“Studying abroad at Edge Hill really changed my life. Due to the experiences I had, I came back home with a new perspective and enjoyed my time abroad so much I decided to switch my major and go into International Studies. I now help others be able to experience what I did and work as an Education Abroad Advisor at one of the Penn State University campuses. I have been continuing my studies related to culture and the world, earned a Masters degree in Latin American Studies and I am presently finishing a Masters degree in Teaching English as a Second Language. I feel everyone should study abroad at least once to be able to more fully understand their country, themselves, and the world."