Samuel 

My name is Samuel Sewall, I’m a Senior here are ECU and I’m a History and Foreign Language & Literature double major with a focus in Spanish for my foreign language major. I’m from right here in North Carolina born and raised in Hillsborough NC and later moving to Durham NC where my family now resides. I love everything about the outdoors, hiking, camping, rock climbing, all that fun stuff!

Where did you study abroad?

Quito, Ecuador during the Spring 2024 semester

What is Your Favorite Memory from Your Time Abroad?

It’s so hard to pick just one! But I think that for me the experience that I’ll always most fondly remember was when some friends and I went to climb the Chimborazo Volcano in Ecuador. On the first night we spent on the mountain at an elevation of 18,000′ we were able to gaze up at the sky and see the entire Milky Way Galaxy, the area we were in had no light pollution whatsoever, and we were above the clouds and had nothing blocking the view. We didn’t have our phones or any way to charge them on the mountain and because of that we were able to be truly present in that moment, able to reflect and gaze without distractions.

How Has Studying Abroad Helped Your Personal and Professional Life?

I think that study abroad prepares you in many ways for the kind of international career that I would like to have in the future. It greatly improves your language skills, helps you navigate new situations and cultures, and most importantly builds your confidence and opens new opportunities!

What Advice Can You Offer to Students Interested in Studying Abroad?

Don’t be scared to get out there and meet new people! The people that I meet were what really made my experience unforgettable. Join clubs at your foreign university, go out and do activities with your classmates, be engaged and present in your classes and I assure you that you will have an amazing time!

Do You Have Any Plans or Ideas to Travel Abroad Again?

Yes! I’m planning a solo backpacking trip to South America and later Europe after I graduate in May 2025. I’m super excited to explore more of the world and meet awesome people along the way!

You can email Samuel at sewalls19@students.ecu.edu to learn more about his experience!