Sarah Neuberger, 2012

Where did you live abroad and for how long?

Sarah: I lived a year in Bolivia for a year and spent another year in Argentina.

What did you do there?

Sarah: I worked as a volunteer at a small Catholic University, where I was an English teacher. I also lead a women’s empowerment group called Mujeres Valientes.

What inspired you to live abroad?

Sarah: My interest in going abroad started at Vis. I really enjoyed speaking Spanish with my teachers and peers and learning about other cultures in class.

How do you feel like Vis helped you during your travels?

Sarah: The Spanish classes that I took at Vis were quite demanding in the best way and that gave me the desire to improve and the confidence that I could be fluent. Communicating in a new language can be challenging, but my teachers were always very supportive and instilled in me an intellectual curiosity to keep moving forward.

What is something that you gained from your time at Vis that you brought with you abroad, besides language?

Sarah: First of all, I think Vis distilled in me the necessary assertiveness and confidence to be myself even in a different environment and to be open to new experiences and learning, especially given the many moments in a foreign place when you do not know exactly what you are doing. Vis also distilled in me a passion for female empowerment. Working with Mujeres Valientes, I have been able to be an advocate for women, sisterhood, and the importance of bolstering up women as a way to make the world a better place.

Do you have any advice for students interested in living abroad one day?

Sarah: Keep studying for whatever language you are taking at Vis, knowing that all that you are learning will serve you well in the future. Education is an important part of unlocking the amazing adventures that lie ahead of you.

Would you recommend living abroad and why?

Sarah: Absolutely. Living abroad and experiencing a culture that is different from your own is a very enriching experience. It gives you the opportunity to connect with people and gain insight into the many ways people all across the world are more alike than different.