Editor's Note: As we observe International Education Week this month, we are highlighting some of the students who are currently studying at Miami University's John E. Dolibois European Center (MUDEC).This article is the first in a series.

In this week's Where in the World is Miami Wednesday, we meet Rachel Duff, a sophomore Kinesiology/Pre-Med co-major and Nutrition minor, who is studying abroad at the Miami University John Dolibois European Center (MUDEC) during the Fall 2021 semester. 

What organizations are you involved with at Miami?

I am involved in Miami Rowing Club and I am a student at MUDEC for Fall 2021 semester. I feel like both of these organizations would give me the opportunity to grow as an individual.

How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect your experience?

As a sophomore I haven’t really had a “college experience” yet. I decided to commute from home my first year of college which made it really difficult to find my passion. I felt left out of life, and this is why I wanted to study abroad.

What are you studying in your program?

I chose to join the Kinesiology Cohort at MUDEC because as a Kinesiology Major it is important for me to stay on top of my classes. I also wanted to travel the world one day, and when I heard this cohort was opening up for the first time, I knew I had to sign up for it.

What are the coolest places you visited so far on your program?

All of them have been cool! I have been to Brugge, Belgium; Reims, France; Trier, Frankfurt, and Berlin Germany; Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos, Greece; Lisbon, Portugal; Luxembourg City, Luxembourg; and Milan, Italy.

What is your favorite part of your program?

My favorite part of this program is how close everyone is in the Château. I have met some of my closest friends here and I truly feel like I am at home. The staff here has also been amazing. Every time I need something, the faculty and staff are ready to help.

How has the study abroad experience changed you?

I feel my study abroad experience has really shaped me into the person I was always meant to be. I have become mentally stronger and happier as a person. I have been challenged here, but I have also experienced some of the most amazing moments in life studying...memories that will last me a lifetime, and stories I can tell future generations.

Where in the World is Miami Wednesday is a news article series that features Miami students studying abroad/away and international students. Catch us next week as we continue to travel around the world to feature the amazing opportunities that Miami students are taking and the experiences our alumni have had since graduating!

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