Hi everyone! My name is Ciera, and I’m so excited that you’re joining me on my journey to Stockholm, Sweden!
I’m originally from West Virginia, where I grew up before moving to Washington, D.C., for college. I’m currently a student at American University, where I study Psychology and Neuroscience. I’m also a member of my university’s track and field team, so my life is a busy mix of school, sports, research, friends, and lots of running!
I’ve always been curious about how people think, learn, communicate, and interact with the world around them. That curiosity led me to study psychology and neuroscience and become involved in research at my university. While I’m in Stockholm, I’ll continue that adventure as a research assistant, learning more about the brain, communication, and how people understand the world around them.
But I’m not going to Sweden just to study! I’m excited to experience everyday life in a completely new country. I’ll be exploring Stockholm, learning Swedish, trying new foods, experiencing Swedish traditions, visiting new places, spending time in nature, and learning how to navigate a new city. I’m especially curious about what school, sports, food, transportation, and everyday life are like for students in Sweden.
As an athlete, I’m also excited to discover what it’s like to stay active abroad. I plan to run throughout Stockholm, explore the city on foot, and see how sports and exercise are part of Swedish culture. I’ll have to learn how to balance being a student, researcher, and athlete while living thousands of miles from home!
One of my favorite things about traveling is discovering things that are different from what I’m used to while also finding things we have in common. Even though Sweden is far away from West Virginia and Washington, D.C., I’m sure there will be plenty of things that remind me of home. I’m excited to explore Sweden with you and show you that learning about another place can also help us see our own communities in a new way.
Thanks for joining me! I can’t wait to show you Stockholm and see what we discover together!
Want to know more about how you can study or intern abroad when you are a college student? The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is a program of the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by the Institute of International Education (IIE). Learn more about the scholarship by visiting www.gilmanscholarship.org.
