Featured Traveler: Hannah Collins

Hannah at Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. 

Hannah Collins has been making her mark on the world for quite some time. She has deep roots in Ireland, with a ton family originating and living there today.  At the age of 16, through an organization called People to People Student Ambassadors, Hannah did a tour of the UK. She visited England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. During high school, Hannah also did a ten day tour of Italy. Recently, this past Fall 2013 semester at her University, Hannah studied abroad in London, England. Overall she's been to England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France, Spain, Germany, and Italy. 

Hannah sharing cultural experience with friends! In Ireland!

Hannah is a Junior Communication Studies Major at James Madison University with a concentration in Public Relations. She is already a very experienced world traveler with a cultural family history. 

Even with such cultural experience, Hannah chose the study abroad program through her University because she wanted to know what it was like to actually live abroad; not just to vacation or visit. She also wanted to experience the new cultures for a more extended period of time. 

Her favorite place out of all the destinations she has visited so far is London, England. She loved the city environment, and all the opportunity that came with it. She stated, "You never had to worry about being bored. I miss it every day!"

While traveling abroad, Hannah had many fun and interesting experiences, but the top one had to be camping out at Oktoberfest. While in Munich, Germany, for the event, Hannah and her peers camped out in an actual tent at a campsite just a bus ride away from the festivities. It was an experience in itself. 

If Hannah could pick any destination to fly to next, it would have to be Greece. If given the chance, that will definitely be added to her list of places traveled. 

Hannah highly recommends traveling to people of all ages. It's an even better experience if you have a chance to bring friends, family, or both! The experience of traveling the world is even better when you have people to share them with. 

Take in Hannah's advice, research a study abroad or student ambassador program, or simply plan a vacation. Take an opportunity to ready, set, roam! 

Featured Traveler: Emily Diamond

Emily in Stratford-Upon-Avon at Anne Hathaway's Cottage. 

London, Bath, and Stratford, England; Amsterdam in the Netherlands; Edinburgh, Scotland; Paris, France; Dublin, Ireland; California and Florida. 

Emily has explored them all. She is in the school of Media Arts and Design at her University and a Writing and Rhetoric major. Along with her two majors, she has a minor in British Media and Communications. She is also a member of Alpha Phi Omega, a national, coeducational service fraternity. Not only is she well rounded in her education, but she is well traveled for someone so young.

For her Fall Semester in 2013, she spent three months in London, England. She used that opportunity to explore other parts of Europe, and to complete 15 class credits including an internship. 

Her internship was with a British company called Know Your Mobile, where she worked as a junior staff writer for their technology review company. She achieved the honor of making her universities dean's list, but still managed to have a lot of fun on the side of her studies. 

Emily at the top of Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh, Scotland!

One of her favorite things from being abroad was the fact that she wore her favorite pair of brown boots in all five countries she visited abroad. She's definitely keeping those sweet kicks. Emily also hiked to the top of Arthur's Seat while in Edinburgh, Scotland, although she ditched the boots for that one. 

She definitely made the most of her time abroad, exploring different countries, broadening her education and work experience, and even a taste for unique cuisine. While in Paris, France, Emily sampled some escargot, and actually enjoyed it. She quotes, "They were actually really yummy!" I can vouch for this, because I witnessed the event. 

Me and Emily at the Harry Potter Studios Tour in England. 

Emily was my wonderful roommate, and of course I was her other favorite part of being abroad...right Emily? That's why even after all her world travel, London will remain her favorite. She recommends traveling there or anywhere. In her opinion, "I think a semester abroad is the BEST thing anyone could ever do!"

Emily couldn't be more correct, so go and look up your universities' study abroad info, it's the best thing you could do!