Packing Memories and Gratitude
Four Endicott students embarked on unforgettable journeys across the globe, immersing themselves in new cities and cultures. Over the course of this semester, we’ve been along for the ride, following their adventures as they discovered the world in a whole new way. Read the first and second dispatches.
In this final chapter of their journeys, we asked students to reflect on their time abroad—sharing how it transformed them, opened their eyes to new perspectives, and deepened their understanding of the world.
Brooke Rameaka ’26—Florence, Italy
A digital media major and creative writing minor from Walpole, Mass., and a member of the crew team
What have you learned about yourself during your time studying abroad?
I am a lot braver than I thought I was. I have always been a homebody, so it was a big adjustment for me to be away from home for so long. I also learned that I like learning a new language. I never liked language class in high school, but since I have been immersed in Italian culture, learning the language has been much more fun.
How has living in Italy challenged your assumptions or broadened your perspective on life and culture?
It has taught me more about leisure and work culture and how it differs from the U.S. People here take their time and enjoy life. This is opposed to the culture in the U.S. that tells us we need to work hard all the time. People also tend to live longer here, and I wonder how much of that is due to the slower lifestyle.
How has studying abroad influenced your career goals or academic interests? Have you discovered any new passions or fields of study?
Being in an intense film program and learning all the different facets of filmmaking has shown me what I want to pursue in terms of my career. I realized that I am not a camera person and would rather work on creative production and screenwriting. I really love set design and set decorating, which is something that I had not tried before.
What surprised you the most about your experience?
I think that I was surprised at the good friendships I made in such a short time. As we all were working on films all the time, it allowed for close friendships to develop quickly. I have made friends from many different countries, which makes me excited to visit them eventually.
Ryan Childress ’26—Robina, Australia
An environmental science major from Odessa, Fla., and a member of the men’s volleyball team
What are some unique things about Australian culture that you will miss?
I’m really going to miss the way people are instantly friendly to you. I’ve never had a bad experience talking to any Australians, and they readily invite and include you even when they have just met you! It’s been super easy to meet people and join groups, especially local beach volleyball groups. Second, I’m really going to miss being barefoot everywhere! It’s super laidback in the Gold Coast, and I love being more connected to nature. It’s very normal to see people barefoot just about anywhere outdoors.
Would you consider returning to Australia for future studies, travel, or work? Why or why not?
I absolutely plan on returning to Australia. I would love to live here one day. The climate is very similar to my home in Florida, but a bit dryer and more consistently nice. It’s perfect for my area of interest—environmental science and ocean conservation—and I’ve found many people who have successfully moved to Australia. As for visiting, I still need to see the west coast of Australia! I’ve heard the reefs there are incredible.
Were there any misconceptions you had about Australia before you arrived that were corrected over time?
I thought there would be no public transit, but they have many bus and train routes. Getting to the main city of Brisbane was fairly easy, and getting to the beach was even easier!
What was the most challenging part of living abroad, and how did you overcome it?
I really struggled with the loneliness. I had to be very proactive about meeting people the first couple of weeks, and that really takes the energy out of you. It’s so easy to slip into the habit of staying in your dorm room. I went through a week where I didn’t leave my dorm once, as a couple of my friends were out of town, and I didn’t have any schoolwork that week. Instead of going to the beach, surfing, keeping up with my hobbies, or meeting new people, I slipped into a momentary depression. This was new to me, and the only reason I recovered so quickly was because of my friends supporting me and dragging me out of my room all the time. The best advice I can give anyone going abroad is to surround yourself with people who care for you and be there for you when you need a hand.
Veronique (Vera) Campaz ’26—Cork, Ireland
An art therapy major from Cherry Hill, N.J., and an Endicott Presidential Ambassador
What was your favorite location you traveled to during your study abroad experience? Why?
My favorite location was London. It was my first trip of the semester and the first trip I went on with my flatmates. My mum’s side of the family is from England, so I’ve always wanted to visit. My friends and I made many memories, from creating a detailed itinerary to walking around London, visiting all the best spots, and experiencing horror at my first hostel. Regardless of what happened, we all made so many memories and had a lot of laughs.
What was the most memorable moment overall?
There have been a lot of memorable moments but I think one of the most memorable moments by far was my trip to Paris, where my group of friends went up the Eiffel Tower. I walked 377 feet up into the sky while it was raining, which was definitely an experience since I’m afraid of heights.
What is something you would have done differently during your time in Ireland?
I would have taken more trips around Ireland. I’ve been to a few places around Ireland, but I wish I got to see more. Especially going to the countryside and maybe holding a baby lamb. There were a few weekends where we stayed in instead of exploring, which is nice on occasion, but with how easy the bus system is in Ireland, I wish I would’ve taken just a few more trips.
Looking back, what are the top three things you’ll take away from your time in Ireland?
The top three things I would take away from this experience are not being afraid to explore, not making a big deal if something goes wrong, and not taking traveling for granted. I was able to explore so many places while here, some places stumbled upon by accident, and some were planned. Regardless, being able to find so many new places was amazing. As for not making a big deal if something goes wrong, not everything turns out perfectly or how you planned. Instead of freaking out about it, you can learn to accept it quickly and move on so you can still make the best of the moment. Lastly, I feel so lucky that I was able to have this experience of traveling to places I didn’t think I'd ever get to visit. I’m really grateful I came abroad and got to experience everything I did.
Adin Jepsky ’26—Madrid, Spain
A marketing major from Bradenton, Fla., and a member of the men’s volleyball team
What’s a must-see or must-do experience you would recommend for future students studying abroad in Madrid?
There are a couple of must-do experiences that I loved while studying abroad. The ease (and cost) of booking trips while in Europe kept many trips under budget and allowed more splurging on those trips. My two favorite trips were the Canary Islands and Porto, Portugal. The Canary Islands was the first trip I took while studying abroad, and it was amazing. The weather was beautiful, and it looked like Hawaii. We spent the weekend going to the beach and just hanging out. It was a perfect weekend getaway, so I am going back one more time before I head back to the States.
I also want to touch on the flea markets. El Rastro is only on Sundays but is miles long. They sell everything for a good price and are a great way to spend a couple of hours to get away from studying. There is also another flea market, although I am not sure how often it comes around. It was amazing, and it was at the Train Station Museum. They sold great food and accessories and had a whole outdoor section dedicated to thrifting clothes and many vintage items. Just remember, bring your cash.
What part of your daily routine will you miss the most? Why?
The thing I will miss the most is hanging out with my friends. This is the first time I have had as much free time as I have had in many years. After classes and homework, we’d go to a bar or two and just talk. The bonds I have created here will never be forgotten, and I am so thankful for the opportunity that studying abroad has provided for this to happen.
Did you ever experience a “culture shock” moment that changed your thoughts about Spain?
The two main culture shocks have definitely been meals, the time people take during them and how late they are, and the nightlife. Since waiters make a livable wage and there is no tip culture, people take their time with meals. It is no longer about rushing but living in the present moment, talking with your friends, and enjoying yourself. People here work to live, while America is very much set on living to work. Seeing people take their time with meals and sitting for hours to eat and drink in a comfortable environment has been a shock.
How has living abroad changed your perspective?
Being abroad has taught me to live in the present and be thankful. I never thought I would go abroad, but I have been extremely grateful for this opportunity. From the people I have met to the places I have traveled to, this has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience I will never forget. I forgot to take pictures of many places I visited because I enjoyed living in the moment with everyone and everything. The other perspective I have learned is to be thankful and grateful. Of course, I will be moving away after college, but not seeing my parents for four months and missing Thanksgiving has shown me how grateful I am for the simple things: my family, dogs, and friends. At the end of the day, I have been super grateful for this opportunity, but I am extremely excited to see my home again.