Join the #StudyAbroadBecause Conversation

Did you study abroad?  Want to help spread the word about study abroad?  Join the conversation on social media during the #StudyAbroadBecause Twitter Chat, Tuesday, Nov 14th at 8pm ET / 5pm PT!

Like most professional travelers, my first experience traveling independently was in a study abroad program.  I was part of the summer session at NYU's program in Florence, Italy during my sophomore year of college, and it completely changed my life.  After that summer, I found every opportunity to travel abroad from receiving scholarships for future summer programs to visiting friends who were studying abroad to saving up every year after my NYU days to travel the world any way possible.  It changed me as a person, and without that first travel experience of exploration, self-discovery, and the discovery of people from around the world, I wouldn't be the person I am today.  And I know for a fact that Bare Feet wouldn't exist.  I think travel, especially at a young age, is necessary and should be looked at like another piece to the education puzzle.  Our global competency is shrinking as a nation - I'm so proud to be part of this initiative to help inspire other young people to truly be conscious and responsible global citizens!

- Mickela Mallozzi

Join the #StudyAbroadBecause conversation online by sharing why you believe students should study abroad!  Co-hosted by Hostelling International USA (HI USA) and Partners of the Americas, help continue to promote the Sustainable Development Goals through study abroad, and be sure to check out study abroad grants and initiatives sponsored by HI USA’s Explore The World travel scholarships and Partners of the Americas’ USA Study Abroad Diversity Fund grant program.