Recent Media Arts Graduate Anna Nate Reflects Upon Her Study Abroad Experiences in Europe
During my time at BYU, I was privileged to go on two studies abroad to London, England. The first time was the summer after I was accepted into the Media Arts program and the second was when I returned as a senior to serve as a Teaching Assistant. These two experiences were vastly different from each other.
My first visit, I was overwhelmed with everything I needed to see. I was so wrapped up in my checklist of tourist spots that I missed many of the beautiful details in the historical city we were living in. I felt like I needed to fill my days up with as many activities as possible to get the most out of my trip. Those six weeks were a whirlwind, full of many adventures and memories. It all just happened so fast.
When I returned this past year for my second experience, I recognized that same frantic energy in the students I traveled with. I understood their excitement about all the “must-see” attractions and knew how easy it was to get caught up in it. My previous experience gave me insight into their fresh perspectives on the city, and I used that understanding to inspire learning in a unique way. For instance, I could help them get to the places they wanted to see, but I could also help them notice the smaller things along the way. Taking time in spaces, walking at a slower pace and having conversations about things we were witnessing allowed us to notice things we would’ve overlooked in the whirlwind of action-packed days. As we walked under the Arch De Triumph on a day trip to Paris, we witnessed a trio of women double-checking the photos they had just taken in front of the iconic monument. We could study a beautiful sculpture’s intricate detail, but we could also observe the family sitting below it taking a break after a long day of sightseeing. Standing in line for a high-rated restaurant, we watched a man step out of his shop to take a short smoke break on the steps of a building older than our grandparents.
I watched this habit of slow looking take root in my friend as she wandered through a silent church, admiring the architecture of a building made by people dedicated to their religion and their craft.
Witnessing these strangers’ lives was only possible through this BYU study abroad experience. As storytellers, especially in media arts, we benefit from sitting with those living different lives, offering brief but meaningful glimpses into their worlds. Surrounded by history, this journey inspired me to step outside my perspective and learn from the rich cultures of others. These moments are an invitation to listen, reflect, and understand that every story is worth telling.