Name: Dakotah Revai’18

Hometown: Waupaca, WI

Varsity Sport Participated in: Men’s Track & Field

Study Abroad Semester and Location: Fall 2016, Brighton, England

What are the three most important things you packed in your suitcase? Why?

My running shoes: When I was in England, I really wanted to focus on being healthy and making healthy decisions. I bought a nice new pair of running shoes before I left and used them nearly everyday. I bought a membership to a gym about two miles away that I would sometimes run to. If I took the bus there, I’d do plenty of running and lifting at the gym. It was some nice alone time in a familiar-ish location.

My journal: I kept a journal and wrote an entry in it for every single day while I was abroad. It was a great way to reflect on my trip while it was happening and also gave me my most treasured souvenir.

Engagement Ring: My then-girlfriend visited me while I was abroad and I was able to propose to her at King’s Cross Station when we were visiting the Harry Potter Platform 9 ¾ exhibit in London. I knew before I left that I was ready to propose and so I purchased a ring before I left and kept it with me the whole time I was gone. Besides being important for the proposal, it also helped me when I was homesick. I’d pull it out, look at it and be reminded of my fiancée and usually I’d feel better.

Dakotah Revai’18's traditional breakfast.

What is your favorite place in your host city/country?

My favorite place in Brighton is probably the downtown, specifically a little shopping market called “The Lanes.” It’s a beautiful area and everything you can imagine is within walking distance. There are tons of delicious places to eat and some really cool specialty shops around. I almost never shopped there because I didn’t have the money or space to bring back a bunch of random things, but it was so relaxing and fun to just walk around in the Lanes and enjoy the atmosphere. I probably miss that the most.

What was the most unexpected thing you encountered during your off-campus study experience?

I didn’t expect to make so many international friends. I went in with the mindset that I was going to integrate myself into friend groups with local students and try not to get stuck with people who are also new to the country. While I managed to achieve my goal of making many friends who were from England, I also had tons of friends who were also international students. It was so easy because we all lived together in a hotel (yes, I lived in a hotel) that it was actually harder to not make friends with them.

How were you able to stay in shape or stay prepared for your sport while you were off-campus?

I hit the gym at least four times per week while abroad. I did lots of heavy lifting to get myself in shape for throwing heavy implements, and I did plenty of running/interval training to keep myself conditioned for the season. Whenever possible I also did a little form work and some drills to keep myself in throwing shape.