As we sit in the airport waiting to take our flight back to the United States, there is a very bittersweet feeling, and we are all reflecting on our time abroad.

Just yesterday, we had our final presentations in Gteic, which honestly was not as scary as it seemed at the start. We were all super comfortable presenting in front of each other, and we all did really well! The direct feedback from our presentations was super positive! One thing that will need to be worked on in this program in the coming years is who the town can look to in order to get things done. Things such as the social media accounts or someone to organize certain events. This subject was the one blurry area that we found, but I believe that in the coming years, this can be something that new students work to figure out.

Now, looking back on this past month with this program, I am extremely grateful to have had this opportunity of a lifetime. Academically, this program has given me a leg up in getting my credits and getting an in-field experience that most people don’t get to do. I completed a rigorous course in the short span of four weeks, and I got to do so while also going abroad and assisting a small town. Now, personally, I know this program will hold a special place in my heart forever. I met some of the best people by participating in this program, and we will definitely stay in touch. This program has helped me grow in so many ways, and I feel so much more prepared for college after this experience. I am no longer scared of coming to campus in a week, and I am forever grateful for that.

As a group, we got to go on so many fun excursions in addition to our classwork, which is a very unique way to experience your first college course. This allowed me to create so many connections with people I probably would have never met otherwise. Overall, I am beyond grateful for this program and highly suggest that anyone applying should check out the Haller page and consider participating!