Amber Penman
Hometown: East Tawas, Michigan
College/Major: Central Michigan University – Communications
Favorite Travel Destination: Germany & Ireland (I can’t pick just one!)
Bucketlist Destination: South Africa to cage dive with great white sharks!
Number of Countries Visited: 13
Study Abroad Program: Florence University of the Arts
What made you decide to work for FlorenceforFun?
I traveled with FlorenceForFun as a student and I have nothing but great memories! The staff were knowledgeable, fun, and made each travel experience that much better. From the moment I left Florence as a student, I knew one day I wanted to come back to do this job. As a tour guide, ‘work’ means being a part of someone’s happiest memories. There is nothing more rewarding than being that positive reflection of someone else’s experience abroad, which is exactly what I wanted in my next job!
Advice for Study Abroaders?
Be open to trying new things! Take advantage of your time abroad and make an effort to learn about the culture, try traditional dishes, and attempt to learn the language. Live in the moment and don’t be afraid to take some crazy risks. After all, those will be some of your favorite memories and make the best stories looking back!
Most important thing you learned while studying abroad?
My time abroad was undoubtedly the best and most fulfilling experience I had as a student. I learned more during my one semester abroad than I ever could have in a college classroom. Coming home I had a new found sense of confidence and a different perspective on the world. It’s cliche, but it’s true that great things never come from comfort zones. I lived by this motto during my semester abroad and left with no regrets!