Celina Benavides
Sociology & Chicana/o Studies University of California, Santa Barbara
Celina studied abroad in a summer program in Queretaro, Mexico. Talking about her decision to go abroad and her overall experience, Celina says, "I was thrilled with the idea of living with a host family, taking classes at the local University, and having the opportunity to travel to various cities throughout Mexico on our days off. Studying abroad is a wonderful experience that I hope to partake in again next year. It is a great opportunity to immerse oneself in a foreign country, learning and observing the people and their customs. The only difficulty I faced was being apart from my loved ones in California, but I believe this strengthens an individual to further their confidence and independence, as well as making you even more grateful for all that you have."
When asked how studying abroad benefited her, Celina says, "Studying abroad has benefited me in numerous ways. I feel grateful that I was able to partake in such a wonderful experience. I was given the opportunity to explore Mexico's cities and sites of great reverence. I formed deep bonds with my host family and the other students in the program, as well as creating great friendships with other students outside of our program. I not only was able to take classes that checked off requirements for one of my majors, but my time there helped me to further understand and appreciate Mexico's rich cultural traditions. I wholeheartedly recommend any individual to study abroad. It is a great way to network, travel, expand your horizons, and you can even add this educational experience to your resume."
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Celina studied abroad in a summer program in Queretaro, Mexico. Talking about her decision to go abroad and her overall experience, Celina says, "I was thrilled with the idea of living with a host family, taking classes at the local University, and having the opportunity to travel to various cities throughout Mexico on our days off. Studying abroad is a wonderful experience that I hope to partake in again next year. It is a great opportunity to immerse oneself in a foreign country, learning and observing the people and their customs. The only difficulty I faced was being apart from my loved ones in California, but I believe this strengthens an individual to further their confidence and independence, as well as making you even more grateful for all that you have." 
ng abroad has benefited me in numerous ways. I feel grateful that I was able to partake in such a wonderful experience. I was given the opportunity to explore Mexico's cities and sites of great reverence. I formed deep bonds with my host family and the other students in the program, as well as creating great friendships with other students outside of our program. I not only was able to take classes that checked off requirements for one of my majors, but my time there helped me to further understand and appreciate Mexico's rich cultural traditions. I wholeheartedly recommend any individual to study abroad. It is a great way to network, travel, expand your horizons, and you can even add this educational experience to your resume."