When many people want to try something new, they watch a movie with subtitles, get a haircut, or buy a new poster for their bedroom.

Monika Wathen, a senior majoring in psychology and Spanish, however, decided to try out a few new continents.

The Gilman International Scholarship winner from Indianapolis, Ind. has left USI for a semester abroad not once, but twice: first in Argentina, then last semester in China.

“I chose Argentina because I’m a Spanish major, and I wanted to go somewhere I could improve my Spanish,” she said.

“At first I wanted to go Spain or Mexico, then someone said I should branch out, do something people rarely do, so I ended up in Argentina.”

After an amazing semester, Wathen came back to the United States but soon found the urge to travel even further.

“I wanted to do something really outside my comfort zone, something unknown, so I started doing research on China,” Wathen said.

Before leaving, Wathen spoke no Chinese and knew little about the country.

But after much research and many applications, she finally won the scholarship, which was no easy task considering USI had no official program for study in China at the time.

Despite all the cultural differences, and there were many, Wathen said she had an indescribable trip, especially considering her initial strangeness to Chinese culture.

“I didn’t speak any Chinese, and not a lot of people speak English, so I had no idea what anyone was saying. Then one day I was in line for lunch, and I heard some people behind me speaking Chinese, and I actually understood them,” she said.

“I was really doing it! It was an amazing experience.”

Andrea Barnard, assistant director of International Programs and Services, encourages students to follow Wathen’s example.

“If you’re interested in study abroad but are hesitant, there are many opportunities available. You just need to find the one for you,” Barnard said.

“Some students want full immersion in a culture very different from their own; other students just want to get their feet wet and see how they like it. It just depends on their comfort level.”

She also stated that they are very excited about new studying opportunities in China.

USI was recently named one of 10 institutions nationwide to be able to participate in a 2011 initiative of the International Academic Partnerships Program, which aims to establish student exchange partnerships with Chinese institutions.

Currently, USI has students in such diverse places as Spain, the United Kingdom, Finland, Honduras, France, Australia and Finland. Many more students from all around the world study at USI.

Wathen is not finished stepping outside her comfort zone.

She plans on applying for internships in Argentina near where she studied last year, as well as another trip to China and a possible visit to the Middle East.

“I want to get out of western culture,” Wathen said, “find things that are completely new and different.”

“Always try to keep an open mind,” she said. “Different does not equal bad.”