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The Benefits of Study Abroad: Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone
Growing up in Swampscott, Mass., Destiny Batista ’26 was a self-proclaimed chatterbox. Years passed and peer pressure to fit within social norms grew louder, eventually quieting Destiny’s once expressive voice.
She did not know what she wanted out of life but knew that college could be a stepping stone. Then came Salem State. Throughout her first year, Destiny struggled with finding community as a commuter student. “And then I saw a flyer for a study abroad trip to Spain,” Destiny explains. The experiential learning opportunity instilled a newfound sense of independence and self-determination, and Destiny entered into her second year more confident and ready to push outside of her comfort zone.
When the Center for International Education (CIE) advertised a study abroad trip to Nanjing, China, she jumped at the opportunity. Through the generosity of Francis P. Hunkins ’60, PhD and Patricia A. Hammill, PhD and other donors tothe CIE, 13 Salem State students were able to travel to China for one month to study Chinese history, culture and literature at Nanjing Normal University.
“China is such a beautiful place. I would grab a blanket and sit outside, write and people watch. I found peace. If it weren’t for donors like Francis and Patricia, I would never have been able to afford the trip.”
Destiny continues, “I found that the purpose of life is to listen, learn and share life experience with as many people as possible. I’m hoping to experience as many cultures as I can and am aiming to visit every continent before I turn 25.”
While traveling with her peers, friendships blossomed, and she is now feeling more connected at Salem State. “Before China, it was hard to feel like you fit in on campus as a commuter. I came back with two close friends and am now experiencing the social aspect of campus. There is a big difference between being a student at Salem State versus just taking classes. I feel a part of things now.”
Destiny is on the path to becoming a history teacher through the 4+1 program and emphasizes the critical importance of supporting study abroad opportunities, saying, “People think I work in the study abroad office because I’m always speaking about experiential learning and its benefits. I think if more people stepped outside their comfort zone and talked to people outside their horizon, the fulfillment felt across humanity would be palpable.”