Maria Lorditch, West Virginia University

  1. What is your year and academic concentration?
    In Strasbourg I am fulfilling my minor in International Studies. At WVU my major is Strategic Communications with an emphasis in Advertising and minors in Political Science and International Studies.
  2. Have you traveled abroad before? If so, where and for what purpose?
    In high school I went on two EF Tours. My first trip was to Southern Spain in 2012. We visited Madrid, Toledo, Sevilla, Costa Del Sol and Granda. In 2013 I did another EF Tour to Costa Rica. These purpose of these tours was to explore the two countries and to gain international wisdom at the young ages of 15 and 18.
  3. Why did you choose the ESC Strasbourg program?
    When I was completing my search for study abroad programs, I wanted a program that correlated with my Political Science minor. I ended up choosing the ESC Strasbourg program for multiple reasons. The first being that I would be able to take international studies courses, learning from professors all over the world and building global networking connections from my professors and peers alike. My family roots are also from the Alsace region and I wanted a chance to live in a place my ancestors once did. Finally, I wanted a city that was in a prime location in order for me to travel as much as possible throughout my semester. Strasbourg is at the heart of Europe and I thought that it was be the perfect location to allow for easy traveling access.
  4. What are you most looking forward to during your study abroad program?
    For my study abroad program I am most looking forward to making new discoveries and having an adventure of a lifetime. I believe the whole purpose of study abroad is to step outside one’s comfort zone and explore the unknown. In a matter of a month I have already met hundreds of wonderful people; explored the regions of Alsace, Paris and Germany, been able to learn from accredited European professors and have had the chance to experience Europe like I never imagined.
  5. What are some of your interests and hobbies?
    I have many interest and hobbies! I love to write, through this experience I have been able to add to my blogging site and challenge my poetry sills. I have previously written for multiple websites on female empowerment so it is exciting to explore a new field of writing while in Strasbourg. I also love to workout and go running. I go running almost everyday in Strasbourg and around the Chateau.
  6. Do you speak any foreign languages?
    I am not fluent in any other language other than English but this experience and has greatly challenged my Spanish and French language skills. Hopefully by the end of the trip I will be able to say I speak two languages!
  7. What do you expect to gain from your semester in Strasbourg?
    I truly hope that I leave Strasbourg as a more cultured, confident knowledgable person. The CEPA organization as well as EM Strasbourg Business School gives me so many opportunities throughout this semester to learn more about the European Union, the history of Alsace and European culture. I have the opportunity to learn about Europe not only from my professors but also by surrounding myself with hundreds of international students both in and out of the classroom. I know I will come back to the U.S. as a changed person. I will have learned so much not only about others by the time I come home but also about myself.

Project Description