“Aside from having the opportunity to see unforgettable sights – such as the breathtaking volcanoes and foliage in areas like Puerto Varas and Pucon; or the towering landmarks and buildings in Santiago – what made my study abroad experience memorable was getting to learn how agriculture, animal handling, and other human-animal interaction concepts compare and contrast to those we have in the United States,” reflects Abigail Merriman, who studied abroad on the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Human and Animal Interactions program in Chile during winter break 2024.
Due to personal struggles during her adolescence, Merriman believed it important to get out of her comfort zone and study abroad. “I thought for the longest time that international travel would be near impossible. That my stress and anxieties would keep me from fulfilling my heart’s desire to see the world. However, after this experience, I have learned that my fears were entirely irrational.”
Traveling to Chile unlocked a hidden confidence in Merriman, a third-year animal sciences major from Dublin, Ohio. “I feel much more comfortable immersing myself in a ‘foreign’ culture as I found it easier to try new foods, experiences, and meet new people while exploring the country. From getting to walk up the active Rucapillán (“The House of the Devil”) volcano, to dancing alongside Chilean dancers while eating delicious South American cuisine, to even going on a boat ride to observe ‘wild’ Chilean penguins. Unique experiences not available here in the U.S. were the most memorable.”
“I find it important to travel internationally because – to put it simply – it can expose you to the wonders of what lies beyond the borders of your homeland. Not only are you exposed to the beauty, history, culture, and teachings of another country; but you also get the chance to have a first-hand experience – one that a simple picture, video, or article cannot completely capture.”
Upon arriving at the beautiful Puerto Varas – the study abroad group soaked in a ‘picture-perfect’ lakeside sight of a full moon was rising over the volcanoes. “It was like something from a fairy-tale,” Merriman told her roommate, “difficult to look away, and certainly impossible to forget.”