Sans Fin

Studying abroad is a lotttt of work! Now that I have finished all the required things I am working on my own stuff. I have been working on a lot of scholarship opportunities. I have already turned in one application and I am working on 2 more now. They are very time consuming because I want it to be perfect obviously in hopes of being awarded a study abroad scholarship. Here is my essay for the application I already turned in:

I first heard of the many study abroad opportunities Clemson University has to offer during orientation before freshman year. I knew I wanted to study in a Francophone country because I truly enjoy the language. I was going to find my own program in France but after hearing about Clemson’s exchange program in Belgium I was sold. One of my French professors, Dr. Kelly Peebles, the director of Clemson French Immersion: Belgium, recommended the program to me. This program is designed for students, such as myself, pursuing a business major and a French minor. Upon further research, I discovered that this program could not be any more perfect for me.

This past summer, when I studied abroad with Clemson, we visited Belgium and I fell in love. The Belgians were all so kind and willing to help me with my French. Unfortunately, I was only in Belgium for a few days, but I knew I had to return. Similarly, last year I bonded with many of the students in the UCL- Clemson exchange program over their culture. Knowing Belgians who attend the university gives me the opportunity to become more involved in student life on campus.

One faces a multitude of challenges when encountering an entirely new culture, including adapting to differences in customs and learning the language. I chose this program because I believe it is a challenge I can overcome. I look forward to testing my French skills and applying my knowledge of the language, learning as I go along, in hopes of becoming fluent. Furthermore, this program allows me to experience the culture of a member of the European Union. I will be given the opportunity to improve my understanding of the world as a whole, from a more international perspective. This perspective would thus allow me to have a better standpoint in comprehending how the world works and ways in which I can influence it.

I wish to study abroad for personal reasons as well. I feel that an individual can grow and discover themselves when put into such a situation: gaining independence and personal responsibility. I vowed not to limit myself to simply obtain a degree; I want to seize all opportunities for intellectual enrichment and personal development available to me. In addition, I view spending a semester away from family, friends and daily habits as a “breath of fresh air” and personally constructive.

I believe I will not be fully satisfied by simply studying abroad. I wish to enjoy all of the other benefits of being abroad and to become involved at UCL, giving them everything I have to offer; this way we will all derive the maximum benefit from my experience.

Thank you for your time and consideration.