About

Hi! My name is Emily Swanson. I’m currently a student at Vanderbilt University studying Computer Engineering. This fall 2014, I will be spending a semester abroad in Metz, France!

For those of you that don’t know, Metz is located in the Northeastern region of France. Metz is the capital of the Lorraine region, specializing in IT industries. I will be a little over an hour outside of Paris by train.

I have the amazing opportunity to study abroad at Georgia Tech – Lorraine. This campus was Georgia Tech’s first international campus, built in 1990. All of the classes that I will be taking are Georgia Tech classes taught by Georgia Tech professors. As an engineer, I never thought it would be possible for me to study abroad, but Georgia Tech made this possible for me. Look how beautiful the campus is!

There are several reasons why I decided to study abroad:

1. I want to experience new people, places and cultures. “The world is a book and those who do not travel, only read one page.” – St. Augustine. Our world is a big and beautiful place. I want the opportunity to travel as much as possible. Studying abroad in Europe also means that I can travel to multiple different countries with my Eurail pass. Furthermore, studying abroad fully allows you to immerse yourself in another culture, more than being a tourist would ever allow.
2. Travel far enough, you meet yourself.  Studying abroad will give me the opportunity to learn more about myself and who I am through gaining new perspectives. I will be challenged in ways that I never have before. This will teach me more about my character, beliefs and values.
3. Just as free as I’ll ever be… There is no better time for me to travel the world. I currently have the fewest responsibilities that I will ever have in my entire life. Plus, I’m killing two birds with one stone – getting my college degree and seeing the world.

The time has finally come for me to start my journey! I couldn’t be more excited and nervous all at the same time.

Allez!!