The Right Decision

Four Endicott students have journeyed across the globe to study 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 these Gulls to describe why they picked their destination and their typical day abroad. We also asked what has surprised them so far, and how their classes differ from those at the Nest.

Brooke Rameaka ’26—Florence, Italy

A digital media major and creative writing minor from Walpole, Mass., and a member of the crew team

What inspired your decision to study abroad in Florence?

I have always wanted to go to Italy, and having the opportunity to study there was a no-brainer. I chose to study at the New York Film Academy (NYFA) because I realized it would be an invaluable experience and I could learn so much about film from experts. I always knew I wanted to study abroad because my mom didn’t, and she always regretted it. I did not want to have that regret and wanted to experience other cultures in an educational environment. So far, I would definitely recommend that anyone who has the opportunity to study abroad should as it has already enhanced my knowledge of the world and my life in general.

What has taken you by surprise so far?

How living somewhere new creates more excitement to get up and go! I am always trying new restaurants and alternate routes to walk to school, so every day feels new and different. I did not expect to like living in a new place this much. I have always been a homebody, but it was easier to adjust than I thought. The key is to make a loose schedule and try to stick to it, so you can get a good rhythm going the first few weeks.

Are classes there different or similar to those at Endicott?

At Endicott, the longest class I had was two and a half hours, and that was once a week. At NYFA, I have two three-hour classes every day of the week. This is way more intensive. This is due to the program I chose, which is specifically about filmmaking. At Endicott, I would only have one to two film classes a week, and at NYFA I have two film classes every day.

Ryan Childress ’26—Australia

An environmental science major from Odessa, Fla., and a member of the men’s volleyball team

The plane ride to Australia is 24 hours. How was that journey for you? Was it worth it? How are things going so far?

Things are going really well so far! The campus is beautiful and Australian culture is very welcoming. Everyone I’ve met is very nice. Australians tend to give you the benefit of the doubt and treat you like their best friend when you first meet them. There’s a surprising amount of international people here as well, and my best friends here are from Germany!

I practically slept through the entire plane flight here, so I skipped the jet lag portion of the trip. The layovers were a bit stressful as certain delays made me miss connections, but I made it safely. The second I looked out the window of the plane and saw the Australian coast, I knew I made the right decision.

Tell me about your adventures! What are some of the cool places you've been to? Did you get to see any koalas during your travels?

My favorite part has been exploring the environment, as well as seeing the differences between American and Australian cultures. The first week we got to stay in Cairns, and I had the incredible opportunity to scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef! This has been a dream of mine for my entire life, and to have it come true so quickly after I landed was incredible. I also went skydiving, which was one of the most surreal and exciting experiences of my life.

So far, I’ve been to many beaches, including North Stradbroke Island, where I saw so much wildlife including sea turtles, whales, kangaroos, and, yes, koalas. They’re in practically every tree on the island! I’ve been to lots of local markets and shops, and the support for local businesses is amazing here. I’m planning on learning to surf as well!

Veronique (Vera) Campaz ’26—Cork, Ireland

An art therapy major from Cherry Hill, N.J., and an Endicott Presidential Ambassador

What’s been your favorite part about studying abroad in Ireland?

Ireland has been great! Cork is a wonderful city with so much to do and see. My favorite part about studying in Ireland is all the opportunities. The opportunity to be completely independent. The chance to make new friends and meet new people. To join new communities and explore the city. To see new sites, but also to travel the world if you want. It’s very easy to take a bus or train in Ireland and explore it. It’s even easier to book a flight from one of Ireland's airports and to fly to other countries.

How are you balancing life abroad with your studies at Endicott? How is MTU?

There are a few differences between Endicott and Munster Technological University (MTU). While you’re here, you are a commuter. The most important thing is to figure out how the bus system works, which luckily you aren’t figuring out alone. When it comes to classes, this is where I see the most differences. In Ireland, professors are usually addressed by their first names. Additionally, big assignments like essays and presentations aren’t constantly gone over or worked on in class.

Any favorite memories or fun stories you want to share?

So far, some of my favorite memories are traveling, planning trips with my flatmates, and also getting to know the people who live in the house with us. Having to share common areas like a kitchen and living room with so many people is entertaining, to say the least. You find out people’s quirks but also their personalities. Since we’re all coming from the same school, it’s easy to create familiarity and friendship. This leads to some great house bonding like a shared Spotify playlist, group dinners, group movie nights, and lots of inside jokes.

Adin Jepsky ’26—Madrid, Spain

A marketing major from Bradenton, Fla., and a member of the men’s volleyball team

Why did you pick your destination?

I have always been interested in Spanish culture, as well as putting my many years of language experience into real-life situations. The excursions we have gone on in Valencia and Segovia have been stunning. I have always loved traveling, so being able to do it in a completely different place has been amazing. Every day, I find something new in Madrid that I still have not seen. There are places I never would have imagined. When I go to practice for volleyball, we end up in the more outskirt and suburban parts of Madrid that are just as stunning as the city center.

What are some of the cultural differences you’ve had to adjust to? How has it been to speak Spanish?

The main cultural differences I have noticed between Spain and the U.S. are the openness of people to talk about more “controversial” topics, as well as fewer people using cars. Conversations seem to be a lot more personal, as well last much longer. Although Madrid is a bustling city, people take their time with meals and take the time to have meaningful conversations with each other. Speaking Spanish has been an interesting experience. It is a very fast language, and it is hard to think of a response in English, translate it to Spanish, and then say it in a short period of time. Although, I can see my Spanish steadily improving the more I use it in everyday life.

Have you experienced homesickness, and if so, how did you overcome it?

Homesickness seems to be an inevitable factor for everyone here. I personally overcame it by pushing myself out of my comfort zone and being around the new friends I have made. Also, having the freedom to travel around with three day weekends definitely helps. I have many upcoming trips that would not have been possible had I not gotten close to people. To put it simply, it’s doing one thing every day. It can be as little as going to a different coffee shop in the morning or exploring a whole new part of Madrid. Even though I have been here for nearly a month, it feels like I have barely scraped the iceberg for what I will end up loving by the time I leave here in December.

Study abroad applications are open through October 11. Learn more.