Sophie Ungerleider

Sophomore from Cherry Hill, New Jersey, USA

Major: Mass Communication

Minor: Global Studies

What intrigues/excites you about the Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia & Herzegovina program?

  • Since learning all about the history and culture of these countries, I am excited to meet people from these incredible places and hear their firsthand stories.

Where do you most look forward to visiting during our program?

  • I am excited to visit everywhere! I look forward to visiting all of the different places and seeing their connection to each other as well as finding what makes each place unique.

What has been the most meaningful idea you’ve discovered or learned about the idea of shifting borders so far?

  • It has been very interesting learning about shifting borders from countries I had not previously known much (if anything) about. At first, the idea of shifting borders made me think about the physical change of borders and geographical locations. Now that I have more knowledge of these countries, I realize that shifting borders can be anything that is different from what someone is used to. For example, the language, customs, religion, food, dress, morals and values, are all a part of shifting borders. This will be helpful to keep in mind while I immerse myself in the cultures around me.

For me, the SloCroBoH Abroad is an opportunity to visit new countries and immerse myself in new cultures with people different from me. It is an opportunity to become a global citizen, working to understand myself and my culture so I can better understand them and their culture. It is also a chance to get outside of my comfort zone, being in unfamiliar places with a new group of people, and I am excited!