Brooke's experience in GLI

Brooke joined GLI because she came to college very nervous and intimidated. Joining GLI was her way of holding her future self accountable to studying abroad. It had always been a dream of hers, but she was worried if she didn't have encouragement or support to go abroad, then she wouldn't. Franke GLI was the perfect way for her to get involved on campus, to make friends with like-minded individuals, and have the support she needed to study abroad.

For her Beyond the Classroom Experience, Brooke studied abroad in Athens, Greece. She had dreamed of studying abroad since she was in middle school, and Athens was the perfect location ― near water and central enough that she could travel elsewhere on her off days. She says she completely changed as a person while being abroad. She became more flexible and adaptable, and her communication skills improved significantly. Now, she says she is more aware of the culture she is in, as well as more empathetic toward others. Studying abroad changed her life for the better, and she’s so happy with the person she evolved into throughout the process.