A New Experience

Compiled by Madison Schulman

Three Endicott students have taken a journey across the globe, studying and interning in new cities and towns. Throughout this semester, we’ll follow them on their travels as they learn about the culture around them.

For this first installment, we asked the students to describe their first impressions of their host country, including any surprises or challenges they have encountered. We also asked what the students packed, as well as what got left behind. Every month, we’ll receive an update about their adventures and what they’re learning along the way.

Cat Montgomery ’23—Madrid, Spain

While it’s only been a few days since I’ve arrived in Madrid, I’m starting to see the charm of Spanish culture. The smell of cinnamon churros in the golden hours of the morning, the trail of tapas around the city center past dusk...there’s nothing sweeter.

I’m in Madrid for a marketing internship, working alongside people from all over the world. I’ll be crafting social media posts, writing blogs, and coordinating events for a travel company, Be Madrid. As someone who is eager to explore the new and the uncomfortable, I couldn’t be in a better place.

So far, I’ve loved nearly everything I’ve eaten—and I’m a big foodie. Having previous study abroad experience in Florence also has helped me to navigate difficult situations and understand European culture, even when it comes down to small things such as how to buy produce at a grocery store.

I’m excited to try unique food, cook my own meals, get a taste of the city life, and learn more about how the locals really live. More than anything, I’d love to get an authentic, Spanish experience. I’m a mix of excited and nervous to work in another country and an entirely different culture, but I think it will be one of the most valuable experiences.

Watch me navigate daily life on my own blog, @YoursTrulyCatTaylor on Instagram!

Jaylin Couto ’24—Florence, Italy

The whole summer I was so excited to finally study abroad in a new country. I have heard so many things about Italy and its beauty, so I knew that was where I wanted to go but I was so stressed out because how do you pack for three months in just one carry-on and a checked bag? It ended up working out pretty well because I invested in some vacuum sealed bags to consolidate room, so that’s definitely a suggestion I would give to people.

We had a travel week, which included landing in Rome and traveling to Florence while making stops on the way. We visited the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica, and a lot of gardens. I’m excited to finally settle in and start traveling to neighboring countries and seeing more parts of Italy!

I chose to come to Italy because my mom and I always talked about a study abroad program ever since I got into college. We also have some Italian descent so I thought it would be interesting to learn where my family was from. My family loves to travel so I knew it would fit perfectly for me. I’m studying criminal justice, so while I’m here I’m taking a History of the Mafia class and Human Rights and International Criminal Justice. It’ll be interesting to see how different our justice system is from the Italian justice system. I’m also taking two classes that don’t really have much to do with criminal justice, but they still sound interesting: Grow, Cook, Heal, Therapy for Well-Being, and Health and Fitness in the Mediterranean. Classes start in October, so I’m excited to get into a routine and learn Italian culture. Thankfully, a lot of my friends from Endicott came abroad this fall, so I feel a lot more comfortable being here with them. I definitely miss home but being here is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Olivia Reddish ’23—Cork, Ireland

So far, so good here in Cork, Ireland—starting to feel like a second home already. We arrived on September 1 and did little excursions around Ireland, which were amazing. I was abroad in Florence last fall and it’s nice to be in a city and have it feel like home again. The weather has been a little bit of a shock, going from heat waves to very rainy days, so if you ever consider visiting Ireland, a raincoat and umbrella are a must! We visited the Cliffs of Moher, Cobh, Kinsale, and Clonakilty, and even got a walking tour of Cork (which was super helpful). The week of travel is meant to help you explore Ireland but I also got close with everyone on the trip as well. It’s crazy to think our paths might not have crossed back in Beverly!

After a week of fun, it was time to start my internship. I’m super grateful to be a marketing intern at Stryker this fall, where I’ll learn more about the medical technology industry from a global standpoint. Everyone has been super friendly. Stryker has always been a company I’ve wanted to work for—I can tell that I’ll be learning so much from this experience and I can’t wait for the rest of the semester. Although I was hesitant to go abroad for another semester, leaving friends and family again, I am happy I did. All the nice people, beautiful views, delicious food—Ireland is amazing.