Hello! I arrived in Dubrovnik a couple of days ago and I am currently enjoying getting to know the city as well as the people in my program. Even before I started college, I knew that I wanted to study abroad, but I did not know where. I chose studying at Libertas University in Dubrovnik because I believed this program would challenged me both personally and academically, and allow me to further my academic goals. Foremost, this program was a very good fit for my academic areas of interest and my major. I am taking classes that include Eastern European history, international organizations, and international diplomacy. These classes serve as a great supplemental to my Political Science and International and Area Studies path as well as my interest in Eastern Europe and its history. Furthermore, by studying at an international university, I am able to learn from professors from all different backgrounds and experiences that offer differing teaching perspectives that are integral to the international community. Through taking these classes, I hope to expand my knowledge of the region as well as learn more about international organizations from a more European perspective. 

Additionally, I chose this program because I hoped that it would also allow me to grow personally. By studying in Croatia, I hope to advance my language skills and become more conversationally fluent with the language. I hope to be pushed out of my comfort zone and become immersed in the culture and people of Croatia. This experience will be the first time that I have lived and studied abroad for an extended period of time. I hope that it will allow me to grow as a person and develop the skills that are essential to living in a new place and experiencing a new culture. I look forward to keeping you all updated on my journey and growth in Croatia!