Autumn Kranz

How did studying abroad affect your academic and/or professional career?

As a pre-med student, I didn’t think studying art history and Italian food in Rome would be relevant to my career, but the cultural experience has given me a perspective that no amount of in-class discussions or articles could teach me. I saw a difference in how medicine is practiced and drugs are regulated- I got a weird look when I asked for Flonase, an over-the-counter drug in the US but prescription only in Italy. This trip greatly broadened my world view and increased my empathy for how stressful finding healthcare is in a language and culture you’re not familiar with can be.

How did you explore your hobbies, interests, and passions abroad?

Like most, I love food. By taking the class “Italian Food and Culture,” I was able to try a bunch of delicious food but also learn about their cultural and historical significance. I got to engage with this interest in a way I could have never imagined and it really helped me understand the city in a meaningful way.

Why would you recommend your respective abroad program or location?

I would recommend this program because it was amazing at integrating and centering the content around the city we are in. Instead of studying by putting my nose in a book, I was studying by going to museums and restaurants. These experiences will stick with me longer than if I were cramming for a test, and let me engage with the host city in a meaningful way.

What should students consider when applying and preparing for their time abroad?

Consider what you are trying to get out of the program- is it a deep understanding of a subject that is relevant to your host location, getting some core requirements out of the way while in the ideal spot to relax on the weekends, or something else?

Did your identity impact your study abroad experience?

I wouldn’t say my identity impacted my study abroad experience, but rather I became extremely aware of my identity. Being an American surrounded by other Americans, it’s difficult to see what our culture looks like or hear our accents. When I went abroad, I realized some behaviors of mine that are distinctly American and I do, in fact, have a strong accent.

Share a story about a time you experienced cultural immersion.

One time I felt I experienced cultural immersion was talking with one of the CIEE student program coordinators. I had just come from a cafe and was confused whether I should pay before or after ordering, and judging by the service I received I figured I got it wrong. I asked Surija the proper etiquette for paying and tipping, and we had a conversation about our cultures’ differences in it. By the end, we felt like friends and I felt more connected and knowledgeable about my surroundings.