University of South Florida
Education Abroad GloBull Ambassadors
Thinking about studying abroad? Want to know what it’s really like to live in another country? Want to know what classes are like overseas? Talk to an Education Abroad GloBull Ambassador! These students have been on our programs, and are excited to tell you about their study experiences. Click on the links below to find a student who studied in your dream location!
Americas
Name: Andrea Farinas
Email Address: andreaf@mail.usf.edu
Program: I have studied in Costa Rica with the USF Costa Rica Language program, as well as in China with the USF China Learning in the Culture Tier I program.
What did you find most interesting about the country that you studied in?
I found the cultural differences very interesting. They were most dramatic in China. For example, they serve their water hot instead of cold, and tend to avoid extreme descriptions when they talk ("He's a dot mean" instead of "He's really mean.")
Favorite activities during free time while abroad:
My favorite thing to do in both countries was definitely to hang out with people that are natives! Not only was it fun, but I also got to learn from them.
What was your favorite food while abroad?
My favorite food in Costa Rica was gallo pinto (rice and beans), and my favorite in China was dumplings.
What advice would you give to students who wish to study abroad?
My advice would be to do it, but pay for as little as you have to out of pocket. There are lots of scholarships for study abroad out there, especially to the "less popular" locations like China. Getting them makes studying abroad even more affordable. It's much easier to earn one than people think - just apply!
Name: Lazaro Navarro
Email Address: lazaro1@mail.usf.edu
Program: Argentina - Language.
What did you find most interesting about the country that you studied in?
The people, the language, and the lifestyle.
Favorite activities during free time while abroad:
Explore the wonderful city of Buenos Aires. I only went home to sleep.
What was your favorite food while abroad?
Do I have to choose? Haha. The steak, for sure. They are known for their beef.
What was your funniest/most embarassing moment while abroad?
We had so much fun that it is hard to pick just one moment. But, there was a really funny incident with a classmate in an elevator.
What advice would you give to students who wish to study abroad?
Enjoy every moment while abroad. Make the most of every minute you have in a new country. Do something that you wouldn’t normally do at home.
Name: Madison Zide
Email Address: mnzide@mail.usf.edu
Program: I've been to Spain and France through the USF in Madrid four week summer program, and I've been to Panamá with the USF Honors College: Beyond the Classroom program.
What did you find most interesting about the country that you studied in?
The thing I found most interesting about visiting both Spanish speaking countries was how friendly and open the people were. Spanish culture is extremely welcoming and accepting in comparison to the American society.
What was your favorite food while abroad?
In Panama, my favorite thing to eat was patacones, a very common dish that consists of mashed and fried, green plantains. They are usually eaten as an appetizer with ketchup, and are salty and delicious.
What do you miss most about the country you visited?
I miss living in big cities and being able to spend time in places with such great historical value. While studying abroad, I had the opportunity to explore ruins in Panama, tour the Royal Palace in Madrid, and visit the famous Louvre art museum in Paris.
What advice would you give to students who wish to study abroad?
I would tell other students thinking about studying abroad to just take a risk and do it! Studying abroad is the best way to experience a new culture and practice foreign language skills outside of a classroom.
