Voices from Abroad: Ewa Przyborowska

In the rainforest

Boston (USA), Campus Abroad,BabsonCollege
New York (USA), International Internship, United Nations
Sao Paolo (Brazil), Exchange Program, IBMEC
Bangkok (Thailand), International Internship, United Nations

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel only read a page."

My international experience started almost five years ago, when I decided to continue my education abroad and I came to Milan. It was not easy, but truly exciting and once I got the taste of moving from one place to another, I just wanted more. And so, I tried to go further.

During the Undergraduate program, as my exchange destination, I chose Brazil – São Paulo. I was always tempted by that culture, language, amazing places and even more amazing people. Was it as I imagined it to be? No. It was much better. I can hardly find the words to express what a great time I had over there and how much it influenced me.

My exchange program started in January – I went from cold, gray Milan to sunny and warm São Paulo and it was about to get just better and better... The school, courses, extremely nice teachers and great friends made the whole experience unforgettable. During the semester, I was the only exchange student at the whole University, the only foreigner – it made everything even more exciting. I found myself around Brazilians, I got a chance to live the life they live, to experience and to learn things I would not have a chance otherwise. I can openly say that I fell in love with that country and with those people. There is no other place as "warm," open and beautiful as Latin America.

Six months passed fast, too fast, but it was the best time I ever had. I came back richer in terms of new friends, knowledge of new language, more love in my heart and samba in my soul... And sooner or later, I will find a way to go back there.

Boston

One year later, came time to explore the continent of North America – first a Campus Abroad program in Boston, then an International Internship in New York. Boston is a charming city, so calm and organized, New York is... well New York is New York... Thanks to Campus, I saw what an American university looks like and what living on campus means. Again, I got a chance to experience a different life and although I did not spend July of 2008 partying with my friends on a beach like a usual vacation, but attending classes and various company visits, it was all worth it...

A month later, I found out that I was going to do an internship at my dream place – the United Nations Headquarters – and I just could not stop smiling!

I found myself in New York, without a place to stay, looking like crazy for an apartment and still after a week with nothing. I remember calling my friend and saying that I have enough of that, of living in a suitcase and that I want to finally not to be "homeless," not worry what is going to happen tomorrow....But, although there are some tough moments, this is what makes me feel that I am really alive. I found an apartment on the next day, in a great zone, with an amazing flat-mate. And from then on I started to enjoy each moment and each opportunity the city that never sleeps could offer.

Internship at the UN

Once again, I was positively surprised by the place, people and atmosphere at work. It was hard and frustrating at some points but that internship was work I wish everyone could experience. I not only learned and saw a lot, I made great friendships and got ideas for my future – for who I want to be, and where I want to be.

And now, in less than one month, I am going to see what is Asia going to offer me. Let's see what I am going to learn in Bangkok - who I am going to meet and how it is going to influence me.

Each place, each experience taught me a lot, added something to my personality and so changed me, gave me new ideas for the future. I will not say that it was easy, but if I had to make those choices once again I would surely go down the same road.

But, honestly, I have to say that it is not about the places I have been to or will go to, but about all the unforgettable moments and feelings, about the situations I found myself in and about the people I met – people who played an important role in my life and who I will carry in my heart and memories for the rest of my life.