This month, Wandering Educators is working on a series on faculty-led study abroad. The first one featured a student who studied in Bruges, Belgium. Today, we’re featuring another interview with a Johnson and Wales University 2007 graduate, Ms. Natasha Pressley! She went on a faculty-led study abroad experience with her cohort of classmates in the fall of 2004 to Prague, Czech Republic, led by Dr. Andrea Canberg (we’ve featured Dr. Canberg's story - click for the professor’s perspective!).

#StudyAbroadBecause

Natasha studied Hospitality Management and Cruise Line Management. Part of her academic program included direct experience in planning a tour abroad, leading a section of the tour, and gaining hands-on experience that she can later apply to her career. Read below the interview with Natasha about what she learned and gained from this experience…

Were you always interested in studying abroad? What motivated your decision to go abroad?

I was always interested in studying abroad to gain insight and vast knowledge on cultures outside of the United States of America. The motivating factor was the opportunity to learn and experience for the first time European history while having fun at the same time with colleagues. Being from a small rural town of Nesmith, South Carolina with an increasing population growth, I always wanted exposure to different environments so that I could share my experience and ideas with others in hopes that it will  inspire people to venture out and see what great sceneries are out there. Additionally, I plan to use the experience for research on my up and coming book,  entitled The Timeless Traveler.

What was your faculty-led study abroad experience like? 

Definitely fun! We had the opportunity to “Create Your Own” experience. There were approximately 15 students split into groups of two and three.  In total we were in Czech Republic for seven days and each group had a day with a theme. On my group’s day, our theme was titled “Royalty, A day with the King and Queen.” We focused our attention on creating an imperial and majestic adventure. So prior to arriving we researched for accuracy of location and history and then scheduled for the group to tour Karlstejn Castle. [The castle was] built in 1348 as a stronghold for royal treasures, especially Emperor Charles IV's collection of holy relics and the coronation jewels of the Roman Empire. The courses studied were all related to the travel and tourism industry, two of my favorites being Geography and Travel Sales Management. In preparation for the adventure, we had to be creative and time conscience. Once we arrived, we met with our local tour guide instructor named Zuzana, to assist us. 

What skills did you develop from your experience abroad?

From my experience, I developed organizational skills, knowledge of the Czech Republic, effective communication techniques, and creativity.  Time management was also a developed skill through my study abroad experience. I learned how to be an effective tour guide by having knowledge of the attractions visited on my day, as well as fun facts. 

Do you feel changed from your experience abroad? If so, how and why?

Overall, I felt it was a great and exciting experience to learn about a different culture. Yes, I felt there was a change in me afterwards. This was a change of motivation, to explore many other places and intake as much information as possible to add quality and substance to my future book release. 

What were some challenges that you observed that happened on your study abroad experience?

Overall the experience was an amazing one.  However, the commute from our hotel to most of the attractions took 40 minutes to an hour for arrival.  Next time, we can choose locations within a perimeter-friendly distance. 

How did you prepare to go abroad? What steps did you take that really helped you? What advice would you share with other students? Did you have to attend a pre-departure orientation?

In preparing for the trip: research, research, and research.  Also too, I ordered my passport at least a minimum of four months out, in case of any mishaps and an opportunity to correct them before departure date. I honestly do not remember if we had a pre-departure orientation; perhaps it was called something else.

Many students worry about the cost of going abroad. How did you pay for you study abroad experience? Were there any scholarships and grants available? Any tips you would recommend to students who’re interested in going abroad?

The study abroad trip was included in my tuition.  Some helpful tips: Make sure you, [the student] asks as many questions as possible and seek assistance from your academic [or faculty] advisor, and spend some extra time reading up on the destination chosen to study. 

Did anything about your study abroad shock or surprise you? If so, explain.

Yes, the locals were very open to offering drugs and sex…..JUST SAY NO and always travel with two or more people.  Another surprise was how well kept the ancient buildings were, even after many years of its original designs.

Once you returned from your experience, how did you reflect upon your study abroad experience? 

Definitely took lots of pictures! Scrapbooking! We got together at my Professor’s home [Dr. Canberg] and celebrated a safe return as well as to share and exchange pictures.  

Did your study abroad experience ever come up in a job interview?

Yes.  I explained that I hosted and led a Familiarization Tour in a different country which demonstrated leadership, creativity and organization skills.

Anything else you’d like to share with us?

My study abroad experience was a great one, and if a student has the opportunity to take one, do it and make sure to do your research first.  I was always interested in studying abroad to gain insight and vast knowledge on cultures outside of the United States of America.  

This is part of a series on international education, as part of our commitment to #GenerationStudyAbroad and our commitment to the White House Summit on Study Abroad and Global Citizenship. You'll find many more inspiring stories here on Wandering Educators!