As program providers, you might not always get to see the full picture of how impactful study abroad can be. But every once in a while, a story comes along that reminds us just how transformative the experience truly is.
This year’s GoAbroad Innovation Award for Innovative Student Video winner, Isabella Byrne, offers exactly that. In her video, “Reminiscing On My Time Abroad,” Isabella shares the friendships, challenges, and moments of growth that defined her semester in Florence, Italy with CIS Abroad.
Get a glimpse into how much strength Isabella gained during her time abroad and why those four months changed her life.
” Everyone I shared an experience with left an impact on me, reminding me how truly precious and beautiful this life is.”
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and where you studied abroad with CIS Abroad? What made you choose that destination?
During my time in college, I knew I had to study abroad. I have always loved and dreamed of traveling to new places and when that dream started to come true I couldn’t wait! I studied abroad in Florence, Italy through the CIS program. I picked this place because it has always been my number one country I’ve wanted to visit and it has so many cities throughout that I have dreamed of visiting!
Your video, “Reminiscing On My Time Abroad,” captures so much warmth and connection. What was your main inspiration behind creating it?
The people I got to share the experience with were my biggest inspiration. When I went abroad I went completely alone and was so scared for what was to come and worried I wouldn’t make any friends to share it with. But I was SO incredibly wrong. I was lucky enough to have an amazing roommate who to this day is one of my best friends. As well as so many other individuals I met from the social hub, classes, and other areas from my time abroad I had the privilege of meeting! I know without the people I shared my experience with it wouldn’t have been even close to what it was and I am grateful every day to have had and to still have them in my life!
What moments or memories featured in the video stand out to you the most, and why?
I would say my top three moments that were featured in the video were one, the first clip of the three girls who were by my side from the first day I landed in Florence and stuck with me until the last. My experience was made so special because of them. Next would have to be the section of the video dedicated to my trip to Portugal. That was my first solo trip I have ever taken, it was one of my biggest goals for my time abroad, and was my most “I have made my dreams come true moment.” Finally, the final section which was dedicated to my home country of Italy. The section starts in front of the Duomo and goes until the end of the video. It captures so many of the places, faces, and memories that will forever hold a special place in my heart.
“Do it! Do it scared, do it nervous, do it alone, just do it! My life is forever changed due to the four months I spent abroad.”
Were there any cultural experiences or unexpected moments that had a lasting impact on you?
I would say the biggest thing I loved about the culture of Italy is how passionate everyone is. Whether it is a passion towards someone they love, their friends, their jobs, or even just the passion for their home. It was so beautiful seeing people who care so deeply for so many things in their lives and not only that, but love sharing it with others. From my professors who taught with so much passion for what they were teaching, the waiters who were so excited to give me a memorable experience at each place I ate, or even just the people I was lucky enough to strike up a conversation with in the streets. Everyone I shared an experience with left an impact on me, reminding me how truly precious and beautiful this life is.
What challenges did you face while abroad, and how did you grow from them?
I think one of my biggest challenges abroad was my mental health, it’s something I have struggled with my whole life and I am lucky enough to be surrounded by friends and family at home who are always there to support me and pick me up when I fall. Mental health isn’t something you can outrun or avoid just because you are somewhere new. Being away from the people who bring me comfort in the dark days was hard but what I am incredibly proud of myself for is that I was able to pull myself out of my dark days. I would remind myself that I also need to be the one to pick myself up when I fall and I am stronger to this day because of it.
What advice would you give to students thinking about studying abroad but feeling hesitant or nervous?
Do it! Do it scared, do it nervous, do it alone, just do it! My life is forever changed due to the four months I spent abroad. I was every form of hesitant and nervous you could think of but I couldn’t imagine my life without those four months. It’s better to regret doing something rather than not doing it at all!
What does winning the GoAbroad Innovative Student Video Award mean to you personally and what message do you hope your video sends to others?
Making videos has always been a personal hobby and joy of mine. I have only ever shared my videos with friends and family but to know my work was shared with so many others and impacted people enough to give me recognition for it is something that brings me to tears every time I think about it. As for what message I hope it sends to others, I hope it’s a reminder that our lives are beautiful and worth living for. Even when you think there aren’t anymore people to meet, places to see or memories to be had, there is always more waiting for you.
Your alumni also have stories waiting to inspire others. Encourage them to share their story and be part of the growing community of voices making a global impact.