The world is not so small after all. I never imagined the amount of beauty that I saw when I went abroad this past March. Travelling for me was more than just the exploration of the countries, it was an exploration of myself, meaning that I got to learn what lit my soul and passions on fire. I got to be one hundred percent me in a group of individuals who were so accepting and kind. We all created bonds and friendships that are lasting far after the trip, and it was just such an incredible experience for us to all meet each other in that environment.

Study Abroad is more than just a school trip, it is the best way of showing every opportunity that is offered. I was nervous about this trip because it was brand new to me and I really don’t like planes, but I fell in love with every part of it so much that I will be travelling again in July of this year. I highly recommend study abroad to any student who is considering it, because I promise you that you will experience things beyond your imagination and create bonds that will last a lifetime. I want to thank St. Petersburg College for giving me this opportunity because it was the best memory I have so far! 

Caitlin, SPC Collegiate High School Student, Alps Program, March 2022

“It was hard choosing just one picture, so I chose one day — one excursion. The Lindt Chocolate Museum in Zurich Switzerland has been on my bucket list from the day it opened. I had so much fun eating chocolate and exploring Zurich with people I had grown to be friends with. Recommended to every chocolate fanatic, just remember to bring some home!”

Sarah, SPC Collegiate High School Student, Alps Program, March 2022

I originally heard about a school trip going through the Swiss alps through someone at school and decided to take a look. I always wanted to go to Austria and Switzerland ever since watching The Sound of Music. When I decided to look up the trip the deadline was coming up fast, so I signed up for it without thinking about it too much. The application process was very easy and straightforward and Frank Jurkovic at the study abroad office supported us throughout.

One thing I enjoyed the most was all of the free time we had. We were able to go off in small groups to shop and explore. I got to try lots of new foods that you don’t normally eat like pancake soup and schnitzel. Our tour guide was also amazing. He always had great stories to tell and a lot of information about the places we were visiting. He even gave all the women flowers on International Women’s Day. The two professors, Professors’ Fratus and Rich, were the most amazing people to travel with and made sure we were safe and had everything we needed.

This trip was definitely an experience that I will never forget. When I signed up for the trip I didn’t know anybody but ended up making some lifelong friendships. I recommend if you have the opportunity to study abroad to DO IT!

We did so many amazing things on the trip like exploring salt mines in Germany by way of an underground train, a boat ride, and a wooden slide. I also loved taking the cruise on Lake Lucerne to a cog rail train to get to the top of a snowy mountain in Switzerland. The views were incredible and like nothing I’ve ever seen in my life.

• Emily Fernandez, St. Pete Collegiate study abroad student.