LIFESTYLE: Life As A Study Abroad Student!

The beginning of a great adventure

I have always loved the idea of studying abroad! Cultures are something I have always loved and have reflected in my art since I first emerged myself in the world of fashion/art. My original goal was to study in France (because I speak fluent French) and LOVE French culture). Of course, Europe is definitely a Fashion empire and most of the designers that have made impact in the fashion industry were born there. As a younger girl, this was basically all I could see as an abroad experience. France was my dream and I was going to work hard for it!

By the time I was in high school, I finally realized that I truly wanted to study fashion design so I started researching more about the industry and what I would like to do in it. Just the thought of being able to create new styles and bring them to life got me excited for what was to come. I took several fashion oriented courses in Puerto Rico where I learned basics like sowing, drawing fashion illustrations, and creating collections. By the time I was in 11th grade, in high school, I decided to take the summer to experiment with some more fashion courses before finally getting ready to apply to fashion schools. (This was 2017 by the way!). I came across and opportunity to apply for a scholarship at a summer program at SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design). The programs would allow me to take college courses in Fashion and Drawing and get credits for it. SCAD was definitely one of the schools I wanted to apply to and decided to give this it a shot!

Little did I know that I would get offered a scholarship and an opportunity to study at their Hong Kong campus. I had already studied abroad in France that spring break of 2017 and it went smoothly because, as I mentioned before, I was able to speak the language, but HONG KONG?!? I have to admit I was very scared to go off so far on my own. It took some convincing from my parents to accept this new adventure. A girl from Puerto Rico going off to the other side of the world to follow her dreams. It was so exciting! I went off for 5 weeks in Hong Kong by myself and had the BEST time of my life. It was so rich in culture and colors, which took my creativity to another level. I felt so inspired everywhere I step foot and made incredible friends. Being in Asia for the first time was scary at the beginning since their lifestyle is so different from the Hispanic lifestyle and culture. I felt like an outsider at first, but slowly integrated myself into a group of talented students that I am happy to call my friends today. Getting out of my comfort zone was challenging but definitely an accurate representation of what going off to college soon would feel like.

(By the way, Hong Kong has AMAZING food!)

I made my dream of studying in France come true that spring break and it felt amazing. Even though, I was not taking any fashion courses there, I got to improve my french and knowledge in the culture. Even though France was far away from my home, it felt like my comfort zone because I was prepared of what to expect while I was there. I knew the language and had been studying the culture for years! On the other hand, the Hong Kong opportunity opened my eyes to a new culture and hopefully future business. I became intrigued with Asian fashion and how it was so different to Western style. I integrated some of their trends into my own style and shopped at many local stores. I had two powerful styles that I could combine and create new styles, looks, and feelings. Asia helped me grow and realize that I have to leave my comfort zone more often and truly appreciate what every culture and country has to offer to me.

Studying Abroad is WAY more popular nowadays! I would love to hear stories about you guys and your study abroad experiences! Send me an email or use the hashtags below on your social media and share your experiences!

#Stylelikesofia #SLS #StudyabroadexperienceSLS #SLSlifetyle