December 2023:
"Travel means everything to me. I was so lucky to get this gift as a present from my parents."
December 2024:
"Studying with LeadAbroad was the best thing I have ever done. Everyday I wish I could be abroad again. I am truly so thankful for every person at LeadAbroad for giving me the best memories with a fantastic group of people."
One year ago we interviewed Olivia Higley, a freshman at Auburn University joining our GO Lisbon program the following summer. For Christmas, Olivia was given the present of a lifetime: the opportunity to travel abroad! She grew up in a family that traveled frequently, but was ready to embark on her own adventure and create a home away from home while abroad. After attending our 2024 program, Olivia has been able to reflect on the experience that changed her forever.
Her biggest takeaway from traveling abroad was the personal growth she experienced. "In just 5 weeks I really became the person I wanted to be. It also gave me a much better outlook on life." Her perspective had changed in a positive way - she found herself enjoying the little things more than ever before. Our programs are filled with exciting adventures and activities throughout your entire stay in Lisbon, yet one of Olivia's favorite moments was watching the sunset with her new friends that quickly became family. "This really made me take a step back to be even more grateful for the best gift given to me."
While Olivia had an amazing time exploring Lisbon and all it had to offer, she still found herself thinking of her family and the incredible experience they were able to gift her. "I knew I would not have been able to make it happen without them. I sent my parents pictures and videos just about everyday. From the campus we studied at, to our weekend travels, I made sure my parents saw what I was doing. I wanted them to know how grateful I was for this." It's not everyday that she was able to explore some of the world's most beautiful cities, and she made sure to take full advantage! Studying abroad is truly what you make of it, and Olivia fully immersed herself into any and all opportunities.
There are many exciting parts to studying abroad, but there's no denying it can be nerve-racking at first going to a new place with no clue what to expect. Olivia's biggest piece of advice to JUST DO IT! "You NEED to take that step into the unknown. I was very nervous to go to a place I have never seen, with a group of people I did not know. Lisbon has come to be one of my favorite cities and I have a new group of best friends. The fear of the unknown is a very reasonable fear, but once you can break through it, you will grow so much." The memories and lessons learned that come out of studying abroad are so rewarding, they make those few moments of uncertainty all worth it!
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