Meet Jess in Florida!

"It makes you more confident. You get used to figuring things out yourself."

Why did you choose to go abroad?

I love to travel. For some reason, the US has always attracted me, so this felt like the right choice after my internship in Canada a few years ago. I also wanted to gain more experience in another country and get to know a different culture. And of course, the weather in Florida is good all year round! 

How does the US culture differ from your culture and what has impressed you most so far?

People here are really open and easy to talk to, even if they don't know you. They're also more expressive and a bit more spontaneous, which makes everything feel more relaxed.

Could you take us for a day in your life? What is your routine?

On weekdays I work from 7.30 to 4 at my internship. I spend most of my time in the greenhouse and doing research, so it's a mix of practical work and looking into different problems in the crops. After work I relax, or hang out with friends I've made here. On weekends, I like to explore, try new things, and go on small road trips. 

How has this experience abroad helped you to grow personally?

It has made me more independent, as you have to figure things out on your own. I also got better at adapting to new situations and different people. 

Why would you recommend others to do a program abroad?

It makes you more confident. You get used to figuring things out yourself. I also do a lot of things on my own here, like going to sports events, exploring new places or making new friends. 

If you could express your experience in three words, what would these be?

Independent, Freedom, FUN!