Sean King

Sean participated in the 2022 Study Abroad trip to Germany and France.

A Conversation with Sean

Why did you choose to participate in this program?

I chose to participate because I wanted to see and experience a different way of living. I wanted to understand how other countries view the United States and what problems other places face. All countries have their share of difficulties, hardships and lifestyles people choose to live.

I also participated in the study abroad trip to expand my experiences and communication skills by figuring out ways to find commonalities between other people and myself. The ability to break the communication barrier, get information and relate to others is essential to the human experience. The ability to relate to others helps others feel safer or makes people feel like they aren't the only ones experiencing a feeling or situation. One great way to better understand people is to physically put your feet in their shoes. The trip was an excellent opportunity to add more building blocks to being a well-rounded person.

What surprised you the most about your experience?

I was surprised by the number of people out walking, running and biking at five in the morning. I woke up to exercise because of football. However, European people were up working out. In the United States, it's not common to see people up at five, running the streets of the cities. It was motivational to see a large number of people exercising early in the morning. The stereotype of Europeans being active and lean on body weight is accurate. All the activity throughout the day and the smaller food portions play a part in their thinner body image.

What was your favorite part of your time overseas?

I'm biased regarding my favorite part about the trip because I love beaches. Omaha Beach was my favorite part of the trip. Beaches are a great tool to relax and enjoy my time away from home. There is no feeling to me in the world like being in the water at the beach and letting the waves guide me.

However, my time at Omaha Beach also allowed me to imagination the hardships the soldiers had to experience. It would be hard to describes the feeling and bravery those soldiers had when they charged a beach from the water, facing incoming bombs, gunfire, mines, and other tactical strategies with no cover. When I was on the beach, that's the image I had in my head as I ran through the raging waves and packed sand. It's one thing to talk about an event, but physically being in the place where the event happened gives you a clearer perception of the event.

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

Make the most of the trip and understand it's much more than just visiting another country. Put yourself in someone else’s shoes. Putting yourself in these positions without your parents will teach you some important life lessons. Go on the trip with an open mind and absorb the information, lifestyle, conditions, and all of the experiences you would like to have, and reflect on these experiences on your arrival back home.