Studying abroad makes the world your classroom

Brianna Nellis made a splash at the Trevi Fountain in Rome where the saying goes that if you toss a coin into the fountain, it ensures a return trip to Rome.

Brianna Nellis always knew she wanted to travel abroad and thought she might do so between high school and college. However, when she was given the opportunity to play college basketball at Clarion University she put those travel plans on hold – but not for long.

By her sophomore year, the itch to travel won out and she decided to study abroad for a semester in Florence, Italy. That's not to say she wasn't a little nervous about it at first.

"On the plane ride over I was like, 'What am I doing?'" Nellis said.

But, Nellis said, you find the courage to do things on your own.

"You just become so confident."

Nellis also discovered that many people in study abroad programs travel with a friend. Not knowing that was a common practice, she traveled alone, but she doesn't regret that decision as it forced her to make friends quickly.
Through the study abroad program, she had four other female roommates, with whom she formed lasting friendships.

They traveled to other places in Europe such as Interlaken, Switzerland, where she went canyon jumping and to four cities in four other countries during their spring break including Prague, Czech Republic; Berlin, Germany; Amsterdam, Netherlands; and Paris, France.

Nellis made the most of her ability to travel during her semester abroad by going canyon jumping in Interlaken, Switzerland.

As part of her programs, there were no classes on Fridays so students could go explore nearby cities or other countries.

"You learn more by walking the canals in Venice than you do in the classroom," Nellis said.

However, that's not to say she slacked off on her studies. Nellis had a full load of courses – 17 credits –when she was done with the semester.

"Most people think you fall behind when you study abroad, but I was ahead," Nellis said.
Her classes, which were taught in English, included Cultural Experience Abroad, Italian, Cross Cultural Communication, a professional development class and a photography class. Nellis was already heavily interested in photography before her trip began but the class gave her another reason to snap pictures of the beautiful sites around her.

"There's so much history in everything," Nellis said.

On her walks to school, she would pass an abundance of art and history – bringing the culture to life.

"Getting to experience another culture was a lot of fun," Nellis said.

One thing that was hard to do was practice her Italian with Italians because as soon as a non-Italian speaker stumbles, Italians feel bad and start speaking in English. Nellis said when she would order food she'd make certain she knew what she was saying before she began so she could practice her Italian.

Speaking of food, Nellis loved the pizza and the pasta, but her favorite foods included a pesto pistachio pasta dish and gelato – an Italian ice cream.

The experience has only whet her appetite for more travel. She has a map with pins of where she's traveled. Nellis said she thought she had traveled to many places, but when she takes a look at her map she realizes "the world is so big."

In keeping with her adventurous spirit, Nellis also completed a semester working at Disney World in the Disney College Program in Orlando, Fla.

Nellis had fun and learned a great deal from working at the ABC Commissary in Hollywood Studios for a semester.

Nellis had the opportunity to work in quick service food in the ABC Commissary in Hollywood Studios theme park. She also took a class through Disney called corporate communications.

In the class, the instructor used real Disney examples and Nellis believes the knowledge will come in handy in the future.

"I love Disney as a company," Nellis said. "They do everything very precisely."

She said they also treat their employees, who are known as cast members, very well.

She recalled a time during the busy season in which employees were told to park at Epcot Center. What could have been an inconvenience wasn't one at all because Disney made certain to shuttle cast members to their respective work sites. They also provided cast members with treats to make the experience better such as drinks, cupcakes and candy. Disney also provided Easter dinner to its cast members.

She added that Disney applies four key elements for its success:

• Safety for guests and cast members
• Courtesy to everyone
• Emphasis on the show that is Disney
• Efficiency

Most college students live in Disney apartments, but Nellis chose to live with nearby family. She only visited the parks for riding and attractions twice because she enjoyed being with her family.

Nellis made a name for herself and Clarion University during her semester at Disney.

With one semester left as a communication major with a minor in marketing, Nellis is continuing her summer internship with Sparq Designs in Pittsburgh. As the digital marketing intern, she is able to work remotely to create content for social media accounts.

Her next traveling goal also involves a temporary career move. She's applying to Oscar Mayer to drive the Weinermobile around the United States. She said the one-year stint is highly competitive and involves driving to various events such as baseball games working as an Oscar Mayer ambassador.

Nellis snapped a picture of some inspiring words in Florence, Italy.

Her final piece of advice to her fellow college students regarding the college experience is from filmmaker Casey Neistat.

"He said 'If you don't know what you want to do with your life, stay busy, because it's easier to steer something that's in motion than to start something that is at rest,'" she said.