Study Abroad Stories: Alexandria Fontanez

Nearly 25 percent of all SUNY New Paltz undergraduate students undertake a study abroad experience during their time at the College, among the highest figures in the SUNY system. This semester some of these students and alumni are sharing their Study Abroad Stories. 

First up: Alexandria Fontanez ’14 (Digital Media Production), who talked about her time in France. 

“Study abroad is a rare gem of an opportunity during your time in college,” she said. “Every student deserves the chance to put take their education into a new context and get a taste of the travel bug.”

“I was in Besançon, France for the fall 2013 semester,” Fontanez said. “I will never forget my first visit to Paris and the very first moment that I walked up to the Eiffel Tower. I’m not ashamed to say that I cried, overflowing with a feeling of bewilderment and disbelief that I had finally made it to the city across the pond that I’ve always wanted to see. For the first time in my life, I truly felt like I was in charge of my life and the lengths to which I could take myself literally and figuratively.”

Learn more about Study Abroad! Visit the Center for International Programs online.