Name: Megan Niemiec

Where: Bilbao, Spain

When: Summer 2012

I decided to study abroad when I began my courses at Ramapo College. My first professor was Professor Paula Straile-Costa. Seeing the passion she had for the language and culture added to my interest which I had had since I was younger.I chose to study abroad when I did because I felt confident with my Spanish, and I was really excited to see what I could accomplish while in Spain.

At first, I was a little frightened about entering a new country that solely spoke the Spanish language,. I was quiet and not really sociable. I was somewhat reserved and did not really feel comfortable speaking or traveling on my own.  Upon Arrival, however, I realized that I could understand everyone a lot more than I had expected.

After Spain, I joined the Global Roadrunners in the Roukema Center for Study Abroad, and I absolutely loved every part of it. I really became outgoing and very talkative [as a result of studying abroad], and I could not wait to tell everyone about my experience. If I could do it all again, I would have stayed longer and traveled [around] Europe more! Stay as long as you can, and never feel that you cannot do it it, because you would be surprised at what you can do!