Nayely Bergolla

Nayely participated in the 2022 Study Abroad program to Germany and France.

A Conservation with Nayely

Why did you choose to participate in the Study Abroad program?

When I first applied to the Honors College, I knew that I wanted to be a Regents Scholar so I could study abroad with my peers. I have always shown an interest in travel and becoming a global citizen, so I patiently waited for the summer before my senior year. After COVID hit during my second half of my freshman year, I genuinely thought there was no way I would be able to participate in a study abroad program. However, after conditions became safe to travel once more, the Office of International Programs and the Honors College worked extremely hard to organize a 10-day trip to Germany and France. Because of their diligence and dedication, my dreams came true! I have now experienced the cultures of both Germany and France and learned about their resistance, resilience and reconstruction during World War II.

What surprised you the most about your experience?

I was genuinely surprised how much independence we were given on this trip. We would have a few class activities lined up in the morning, such as museum tours, walking tours and lectures. Then, we would have the rest of the afternoon to explore the cities ourselves. I enjoyed being able to plan activities throughout the day with my friends, such as sightseeing monuments, exploring art museums, dining at outdoor cafes and traveling across town via metros. I was able to explore these new environments at my own pace. This independence allowed me to truly become immersed in the cultures and feel less like a typical tourist.

What was your favorite part of your time overseas?

My favorite part was visiting all the iconic places in Paris. Yes, most of these are tourist traps and overcrowded places, but regardless, it is worth every second. I went to all the places I could only imagine seeing on TV. I had literal chills when I saw the Eiffel Tower and walked into the courtyard of the Louvre. I just felt so positively overwhelmed by the fact that I was where I was. I have crossed off plenty of items from my bucket list during my time there.

How do you intend to use this experience in the future?

Traveling to Europe gave me the chance to explore new cultures and investigate the past. I have learned so much about how society can bounce back after a disastrous event. I truly could not get this experience from a textbook. It opened my mind and allowed me to see things from a global perspective. I now see how interconnected the world is and the differences it shares. As a marketing major, I intend to use my travel experience to best cater to different audiences. I observed various ways business is conducted, and I hope to apply these methods when necessary. I am now considering taking a job that requires frequent travel or international business.

What is your advice to students who want to study abroad?

Apply, apply, apply for scholarships! I was able to travel without any debt because I applied for both the Global Scholars Program and the OIP Scholarship. I recommend investigating programs and scholarships during your freshman year and traveling as an upperclassman. This gives you plenty of time to research where you want to go and what the location has to offer. Plus, it gives you a timeline on how to financially prepare for the trip. I created so many core memories and learned so much on my study abroad trip. I wouldn't miss out on such an amazing opportunity A&M-Commerce offers!