Shayna was selected as an SAI scholarship recipient and blogger for the Fall 2015 term. She is a current student at Rochester Institute of Technology studying at American University of Paris (AUP) in Paris, France during the Fall 2015 term.

Tell us why you chose to study abroad.
Call it cliche, but I am so ready to get lost and be found. I can’t wait to see things I’ve only dreamt of seeing and do things that I never thought possible. I want to realize that language isn’t a barrier but more of an obstacle I can overcome.

Tell us about your school, major, interests, clubs (you in a nutshell).
I am a senior at Rochester Institute of Technology, located in Upstate NY. In short, I am a food enthusiast, die hard Instagrammer, and Netflix frequent. I have my own blog called Dinner & a Movie that started as a school project and turned into a hobby (check it out!).

What are you most excited about re. studying abroad?
I cannot wait to frolic around Paris, indulge in authentic wine and cheese, have a night out at the theater, and take weekend trips. I cannot wait to make lasting friendships with people who share the same love of traveling as I do.

What are you most nervous about re. studying abroad?
Despite the fact that I am overly excited for this once in a lifetime experience, I am also nervous for it all. I have no idea what to expect! I am anxious to get to Paris and have all of my expectations be exceeded.