Colleen Hart
Ohio University – Communications
Everyone searching for a place to study abroad has heard the cliché testimonials about the overseas experience. Open a brochure to any study abroad program and you will undoubtedly see in quotations, "Studying abroad was a once in a lifetime experience. It can't be missed. I loved every minute of it." If you are lucky, this mystery student may have contact information that follows their in-depth analysis of the program, but it is more likely that interested students will never hear the details of these events.
Working as a student ambassador for the American InterContinental University in London not only helped me make sense of the four week experience, but also presented an opportunity to share the stories with others. Along with a suitcase of souvenirs and a couple extra pounds from the beer and chocolate, I carried an overwhelming number of memories, stories and pictures upon arrival in the States. Writing about my experiences for the ambassador program organized my thoughts. Those articles will forever remain as mementos in my scrapbook, speaking for the silent pictures and souvenirs laid out on each proceeding page. Writing served as an amazing release to all the thoughts running through my mind. Many people asked about the trip, inquiring about my classes, or asking about travel, but there was too much to say. I could talk for hours, but I knew that no one's attention would last that long.
After returning to school in the fall, it would have been easy to get caught up in the confusion
of my college lifestyle and push my memories aside until there was time to sit and dream about the days of walking down Marylebone Lane. As a student ambassador I still felt connected to AIU. Although I was no longer a student there, there was an unexplainable loyalty. In four weeks, the faculty and administration of AIU left an impression on me that will never be forgotten. I took a part of London home with me, but more important, while promoting AIU, a small part of me remained at AIU. "Throughout your life you are presented with many opportunities. It's up to you if you take them or not." A professor at AIU gave me that advice. Becoming a student ambassador was an opportunity that I have no regrets about taking. I would recommend the program to everyone who wants to share their experiences.
Stories should be told. There are people waiting to listen. Become a student ambassador.
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