Three of Rowan University’s own study abroad students have won the Study Abroad Photo Contest. In first place was Rebecca Sterling where her picture captured the Santorini Streets. In second place was Taylor LeBlanc where she was paragliding over the Swiss Alps. Lastly, Emily Olsen won third place capturing the Cliffs of Moher. 

 Winning the award, LeBlanc couldn’t believe it. It was a special moment that her photos evoked the same unforgettable feeling that she had while capturing the picture. When Taylor LeBlanc went abroad she was given a camera where she enjoyed taking pictures when she traveled from country to country. 

“I wanted to take pictures so I could preserve those experiences and remember them for the rest of my life. With the photos I took, I created a scrapbook, and now it’s so rewarding to look through it and relive those cherished moments,” said Taylor LeBlanc, Rowan abroad ambassador. 

Becoming an abroad student can make students experience so many different things about the world. Studying abroad can open many paths where one can immerse themselves in new cultures. Study abroad also allows students to meet many different people while traveling the world. As a study abroad student, it makes students open up to adventurous moments and grow as individuals. Even though studying abroad can be difficult at times, it can be rewarding.

“As an ambassador for the program I used, I get to talk to students on campus about the incredible opportunities studying abroad has brought into my life, helping them decide to pursue it too. As a senior about to graduate in a few months, studying abroad gave me a deeper appreciation for the world and taught me to live life to the fullest,” said Taylor LeBlanc. 

Having the opportunity to study abroad can make one grow as a person and learn many different things. Traveling to different countries alone can make a student get out of their comfort zone and embrace different cultures around the world. There are many benefits that involve studying abroad. It allows students to network, enhance their resumes, have a diverse perspective by traveling to different countries, and build confidence in a new environment.

“Studying abroad has completely changed my life, and I have no regrets. I hope everyone gets the chance to experience what I did; living in a new country, traveling the world, and discovering that you truly can be anything and do anything,” said LeBlanc. 

Third Place winner, Emily Olson was so thrilled to get the news that her photo won 3rd place. She submitted one of her favorite photos from the trip and was amazed that her own photo had won.

“It’s my absolute favorite photo from the trip, so I’m really glad other people appreciated it as much as I do,” said Olson. “The Cliffs of Moher are even more massive than they look in my photo, and it was just an incredible chance to be able to see them. I wanted to remember it forever.”

The reason for becoming a study abroad student, Emily wanted to capture moments of the amazing sights there she saw on her trip. What brought her into photography was the life-changing experiences it can bring. Olsen did study abroad at Rowan University twice, once staying in Ireland for a full semester and doing a 10-day trip to Ireland, Wales, and England. 

“The full semester experience boosted my confidence so much as I was able to travel independently and live by myself, across an ocean from everyone I knew, and I was able to make some incredible friendships with people I met over there. The week-long experience was also amazing, I got to bond with my classmates even more than we did over the semester, and I learned so much history about the places we visited,” said Olson. 

When studying abroad it is important to plan correctly and figure out how it will fit into your program. There are many things to be mindful of when studying abroad but you have to enjoy the experiences that come along with it. In order to become a study abroad student you will need a minimum of a 2.5 GPA and have completed 30 college credits. Studying abroad can be absolutely life-changing. 

“Go for it! Taking the leap to live in another country for an extended period can feel intimidating, but the rewards far outweigh the challenges. It’s natural to feel apprehensive, but sometimes we have to embrace the fear and ‘do it scared.’ The experience of immersing yourself in a new culture, learning a different language, and seeing how others live is truly life-changing,” said Laura Kahler, advisor for education abroad. 

Studying abroad has a lot of opportunities for Rowan University students and opens doors for students in the job market. It allows students to build connections and life-long friendships.

“Live in the moment, but do budget your time, money, and energy to get the most out of your experience. Take fun opportunities if they arise, but make sure you’re not overexerting yourself or your bank account! It’s going to be over way sooner than you think, so try to enjoy every second of it. Make friends on your trips, and keep in touch with them,” said Olson. 

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