Taisha Bauer
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Budapest, Hungary
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What’s your major?
Cultural Entrepreneurship.
Where are you studying?
I am studying in Budapest, Hungary.
How long will you be abroad?
I'm spending the Spring 2016 abroad.
What type of courses are you taking?
I'm taking business/management courses to fulfill a few requirements for my Business Administration Certificate.
What is your favorite memory from your study abroad experience?
I definitely could never pick just one favorite memory from the past few months.
What would you say to someone considering studying abroad?
Do it. No question. It was the best decision I made in my academic career.
What is/was your favorite local landmark?
Budapest is full of favorite-worthy landmarks due to its complicated history, but my favorite has to be Parliament. It sits on the bank of the Danube River and there's nothing quite like it.
What are your living accommodations?
I live in an apartment building about 20 minutes from campus with three other girls from my program.
What is your greatest challenge while being abroad?
Nothing has been that challenging or overwhelming, but I do miss having a drier. There's just something not right about putting on crunchy jeans.
What skills have you acquired abroad?
I am more self-confident, a better problem-solver, communicator, and adaptor. I have also picked up some Hungarian and have international experience under my belt.
Has study abroad influenced your academic/career path?
Without a doubt. I chose to study abroad my final semester at UMD and I had fantasies about living and working abroad after college, but was unsure if that could be a reality. After living abroad this semester I have no doubt in my mind that that will be a reality for me in the future.
What were questions you were asked by local residents?
When locals ask where you're from and you say the US, the next question is 9/10, "Oh, from NYC?" They must think everyone is from there. They also love to ask about our opinions on Donald Trump and the election.