Student spotlight: studying abroad with Sabrina Belmonte

by Bonnie Hall IV Leader Staff

Sabrina Belmonte, an IVCC sophomore, recently took the chance to explore education with IVCC’s study abroad program.

She learned the experience was a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in new cultures while gaining a sense of independence and more confidence in yourself.

Belmonte visited San Jose, Costa Rica and Florence, Italy on her trip.

While Belmonte was studying abroad, one thing she learned was that she likes to be independent and in solitude, which is something necessary for a traveler.

“Before I left, it was really scary to be by myself and have to meet new people,” she said. She learned, through traveling, however, to appreciate moments by herself.

When traveling, Belmonter was keen to post outfit updates and snapshots on her Instagram reels. Always dressed fashionably, she expresses herself through fashion with a unique experimental style. The confidence she exuded while traveling can be found on her handle,@sabrinabtheg, on Instagram.

Her social media profile was especially important, Belmonte said, when she had to quarantine for a week in Costa Rica.

Belmonte said while on the first day, it was really hard for her and she didn’t like being by herself, she used that time to be productive and focus on her goals. She focused on expressing herself and her traveling experiences online.

“When I was in Florence, Italy, I loved walking to school by myself listening to music and tuning everyone out,” Belmonte said, after asked what she liked to do during her stay.

By doing so, Belmonte gained perspective of the countries she visited that could not be gained by being with others, as she fully immersed herself in the culture.

She stated, “Right now I feel like I could plan a trip by myself and leave the country alone. It gave me the experience, and the experience gave me confidence, and with the confidence, I feel more independent when being alone.”

It isn’t just Belmonte that feels as though studying abroad has improved her confidence and ability to be independent in new environments.

According to a blog written by Justice Sifford for isepstudyabroad.org, “There is something about successfully navigating your way through events like this that makes you a stronger and more confident person.”

This emotional takeaway from studying abroad was worth it for Belmonte, and for others who took the opportunity to learn about other cultures.

For studying abroad oppurtinities at IVCC, visit the college website or contact coordinator Amanda Cook-Fesperman at amanda_cookfesperman@ivcc.edu or call 815-224-0203.

To qualify, students need to be at least 18, have a minimum 2.75 grade point average, have completed at least 12 college credits and have passed English Composition I or II with a C. A graduating high school senior who meets the requirements could qualify.