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Name: Zack Nichols
Program: London, England - Fall 2006
Hometown: Denver, CO
U.S. University: Univ. of Colorado - Denver
E-mail address: zack@zacknichols.com
ASA's newest Student of the Month is Zack Nichols. Zack was nominated because he is not only studying hard during his semester abroad to advance his studies, but he is also finding time to travel and continue his work as a musician.
Zack is originally from Denver, Colorado. He attends the University of Colorado at Denver and is majoring in Music Business. Zack is a songwriter who plays guitar, piano, and sings. Zack currently has an album out called "Elizabeth St." and he is currently closing in on recording a follow-up album to be released in Spring of '07. Zack's music is blues-based, acoustic rock.
"After touring the U.S. over the past few years, I found that traveling abroad would give me the opportunity to expand my music internationally. This experience has, in fact, accomplished that goal. My music is now being featured on several radio stations throughout Western Europe, and I have been given the opportunity to play at venues throughout the world. My next step is to finish recording my next album, and continue expanding in the U.S. market and build on the successes that have been happening over the past few years."
Why did you decide to study abroad?
My decision to study abroad came very quickly. I had never thought about it before and then one day (which happened to be one week before the deadline) I decided that if I was ever going to do go, it had to happen now. Also, with the way my music was going, I realized that it (my music career) would also benefit from traveling abroad. A friend of mine traveled through ASA, and highly recommended it, so it seemed like the perfect choice.
What has been the best part of studying abroad with ASA in London?
The best part of traveling abroad with Academic Studies Abroad in London is the camaraderie that comes so naturally between the ASA group. Though everyone is here for a different reason and the group is very diverse, no matter what happens, you can always find comfort in the companionship that is very apparent in the group.
Describe what it's like to live in London as if you were talking to someone who has never been there.
London is an amazing place. It is quite overwhelming at first, as it is a massive city. However, once you find your niche, as everyone does in their home city, it becomes much smaller and quickly feels like home. I never thought that I could feel at home in London in just one semester, but just recently I went on my mid-semester break which lasted for 12 days. By the time the trip came to an end, I was surprised to find that I was ready to be back home. Not home in the states, home in London!
What do you like most about ASA?
ASA really has their stuff together. I was a little skeptical at first, to go through some company to determine the next 4 months of my life. However, ASA truly is a great program that adds so many luxuries on to the average semester program. For example, I literally just walked in the door from a school trip to Paris. Everyone else at the school that wanted to go had to pay £160. ASA, however, already made arrangements with the school so everyone in their program does not have to pay for these amazing excursions.
What advice would you give to students thinking of study abroad?
Do it! It's as simple as that.
What advice would you give to students who are about to leave to study abroad?
Be prepared to have the experience of a lifetime. I am only halfway done with the program, and I have already experienced what most people can only dream of in their lifetime. But you must go into the program with an open mind. This will allow you to meet new people and try drastically new things. Otherwise, you may find yourself staying in your room, not experiencing all the things that are right there at your fingertips.
How has studying abroad changed you?
In a matter of only 2 months I have found myself to be a much more open person. Recently I went on my mid-semester break completely by myself. I did this because I wanted to be able to travel wherever I wanted, and come and go whenever I wanted. As a result, I met new people at every place I traveled from all over the world. Amazing people from all walks of life.
In Norway, I met a man in the hotel I was staying in, who was a TV reporter from Germany that had just interviewed the president of a small country in Eastern Europe. I'm not a very political person, but it was an incredible experience as we discussed this president's policies for hours over a few pints at a nearby pub.
What's your funniest moment been abroad?
I don't know that I can sum up the funniest moment abroad so far in one experience. I think that it has to be my entire weekend trip to Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. What more can you expect when you add good friends with an insane festival on a beautiful backdrop such as Munich!
To read about our previous Students-of-the-Month,
click here
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