Name: Keara Sparks, Class of 2020

Email: ksparks2@tulane.edu

Program: King's College London, England, Spring 2019

Fields of Study: Sociology & Social Policy and Practice, Psychology Minor; Concentration in Peace Corps Prep

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

Studying abroad helped open my mind to the world outside my own backyard. It gave me the chance to experience the education system of another country and see ways in which we could improve our own. I also discovered that they used a different writing and citation style for their papers, which was something I had to adapt to. That would seem simple enough, but it’s an interesting process to change the way you’ve been taught to write since elementary school. I think studying abroad also gave me a clearer goal of what I’d like my future to become.

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

Studying abroad was the best decision I ever made. It was my first time leaving this continent and I was so nervous. But I got to explore a new city, see some of the most famous museums and museum pieces in the world (like the Rosetta Stone, for example). It also served as a jumping point to visit six other different countries (Scotland, Ireland, France, Italy, Austria, and the Czech Republic) and I discovered a passion for adventure and travel I never knew I had. I was also able to meet some amazing new people and pursue my passions by joining organizations such as King’s Creative Writing Society, who’s weekly meetings became a highlight of my semester.

Why would you recommend your respective abroad program or location?

London is an amazing city that is filled with so many different cultures and so much history. The Asian Market of London, for example, is gorgeous and I had green tea ice cream for the first time there. Visiting the museums while I listened to some softer music created such an awe inspiring experience. England is also a great jumping point to visiting other countries. London is a prime location for studying abroad.

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

A very important thing I had to learn is to take your time exploring the city. You’re in this new culture and this new environment and it’s incredibly exciting! But it can also be very overwhelming, so don’t be afraid to take some days off to stay at your living situation. You’re going to be there for a few months; you don’t have to explore everyday. Pace yourself so you can have a great time the whole time!

Share a story about a time you experienced cultural immersion.

I was lucky enough to be able to work while studying abroad and I got a job in a sporting goods shop in Covent Garden, which is a very popular shopping area for people living or visiting London. Through this job, I got to meet so many interesting people from all over the world who came to us pursuing their passion of exercising and/or exploring in the great outdoors. Working in London was also probably to most immersive experience as you have to learn the location, the monetary system, local knowledge, brands, etc etc etc. Working in London helped me to become a temporary Londoner.

Name: Carina Kroff

Email: ckroff@tulane.edu

Program: Tulane Summer in Dublin

Fields of Study: International Relations and Dance

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

I am an International Relations major and my goal in the summer abroad program was to figure out if I truly loved what that career entailed. Through the Dublin Summer abroad program, I confirmed that I loved learning about new places and being immersed in new cultures while analyzing politics. My intent of becoming an ambassador is something that I still want as a future career, and it was energized through studying abroad.

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

While abroad, I took two history courses. One that focused on the culture and society of Ireland and the other analyzed the independence of Ireland and the social and political dilemmas that it resulted in. I have always loved analyzing the effects of history on present day realities and I could truly see and experience it during my time in Dublin. I am also a dancer, so I loved going to see live music and dancing with the Irish.

Why would you recommend your respective abroad program or location?

Summer abroad in Dublin is a great introduction to traveling by yourself or out of the country for the first time. It’s only a month which will make one less homesick, and because Ireland is an English-speaking country, there is not an overwhelming language barrier. Additionally, Dublin has an incredibly unique culture and history with so much vivacity. The people are passionate, soulful, and the city is filled with joy.

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

If you are considering a summer abroad program, remember that it is one semester in a month. The program is hard work, but incredibly rewarding. You will never learn as much about the country any other way.

Share a story about a time you experienced cultural immersion.

One night I was coming back from dinner with my friend during our four-day field trip and we began a conversation about what we had been learning in our political history class with a worker in the hotel where we were staying. He recited the entire history of the Easter Rising of 1916, Ireland’s fight for independence, and Michael Collins. We had learned a few days prior that most Irish men could recite the political history of Ireland’s independence and we saw and experienced it in real time. He had so much passion for the country’s history, and we were all so engaged in the conversation. Everything he told me has stuck with me to this day.

Did your identity impact your study abroad experience?

While I was in Ireland, the news about Roe v. Wade being overturned broke. Being in a country that had fought so hard to legalize abortion recently and had so much more respect for women truly inspired me to be more active at home. I was in a country where women’s rights were advancing and at home in the United States they were being taken away. This really gave me a new perspective on my own country and the need to be even more politically and civically engaged as one’s rights can be taken away at any moment.

Name: Emilie Redmann, Class of 2020

Email: emilieredmann@gmail.com

Program: University of Bristol, England, Spring 2019

Fields of Study: Psychology, Theatre and Gender & Sexuality Studies Minors

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

I got to experience a very different type of educational atmosphere while abroad. In Europe, university is very independent and specialized, so much of my coursework was completed on my own time. I rarely ever had to meet in a physical classroom! But this proved to me that I could engage with material in a whole new way and on my own terms, which was really beneficial to me going into my senior year at Tulane.

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

I joined two clubs at my uni, the sketch comedy and improv clubs, which was hands-down the best way to make friends. There was something so empowering about performing in a different country and learning all of the things that people there thought were funny. I made so many great connections through joining those clubs, I was able to travel and go to places I would never have known about otherwise, and I gained a lot of self-confidence from being able to go to a different place and still relate to others on things that I was passionate about.

Why would you recommend your respective abroad program or location?

Bristol, England was such an amazing city. It was similar to London in that it was a city - no rolling hills or picket fences like in the English countryside - but it was small enough that I could walk from one end of the city to the other if I really wanted to. It was filled with nightlife, art, music, and so much more. It was close enough to other parts of England that I could travel on the weekends and be back on Monday for classes. Similarly, it was really a student city: there were student discounts at every shop and student-run events every night, so I always felt like I was a part of the community. I highly recommend Bristol and the University of Bristol for independent students who want a very different experience from what they've had at Tulane, and who are willing to go outside of their comfort zone to experience all that England has to offer!

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

In my personal experience, I would make sure that you know ahead of time what credits you need/want for your time abroad - go see your academic and major advisors several times and compare the course options at your abroad university and Tulane ahead of time. Having all that ironed out before you leave takes so much stress off of you when you arrive. Also, I would say that the best way to choose where you want to go is to figure out what you want to get out of your abroad experience: good schooling, a fun experience, cultural immersion. It's important to think about what you want to get out of your abroad experience and tailor your search to that. Lastly, I would be realistic about what to expect: no matter where you go, it is going to be an adjustment and that takes time. Culture shock is real, even if the place you are studying in is very similar to your home country.

Share a story about a time you experienced cultural immersion.

My first sketch comedy workshop in Bristol was definitely a learning experience. I went into a room full of people who grew up in a different country than I did, so they all knew about cultural figures, slang, and expressions that I had no idea what they meant. It was the first time that I realized that I was in a totally different world than I had been used to, and I had to just listen, use context clues, and ask questions when I needed to in order to figure out how we could come together to write sketches on things that we both knew about and had in common. Over time, I was able to pick up on references that my British friends made and jokes they told, but it took a while for me to get used to it.

Name: Bailey Mirmelli, Class of 2022

Email: bmirmelli@tulane.edu

Program: Summer in Stockholm, Sweden, Summer 2019

Fields of Study: Chemistry and Psychology, Minor in Mathematics

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

Studying abroad helped me take more coursework applicable to my major. It also gave me the opportunity to form closer relationships with professors who helped develop my thoughts about and hopes for my career. For instance, talking to Dr. Wee about ongoing psychological research on campus got me excited about participating in lab work the following semester.

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

Abroad, I was able to see the world in a different light, as the locals had a very distinct way of living. This meant that my daily life and attempts at keeping my routine filled with activities I enjoyed were often challenged, as I had to seek ways that were different than I was used to. For instance, I am a devout Catholic, but studying in a largely secular city made me work hard to keep my faith and spiritual habits. I think in the end, I grew more than I would have if I had studied in the States, despite the challenge.

Why would you recommend your respective abroad program or location?

Stockholm was an easy city to explore, with fantastic public transportation, long daylight hours, English-speakers, and a population of generally well-minded and respectful people. We had a ton of time to enjoy life in the city, and were able to partake in many of its highlights, like Midsommar. All in all, it was worth it because it was a destination I likely wouldn’t have had a chance to visit.

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

Students should do a little bit of self-evaluation to make the most out of their experiences in a foreign country. For instance, they should think about how well they are able to manage their time now, as it could be a bit stressful trying to complete two courses in four weeks while exploring all that the city has to offer.

Share a story about a time you experienced cultural immersion.

I think the most obvious example of my experience of cultural immersion would be participating in the Midsommar celebration. A couple of us dressed up in white and floral dresses and attended Skansen’s festival. We watched the raising of the maypole, looked at Nordic animals in Skansen’s habitats, learned a little Swedish history and tradition, participated in the “frog dance,” ate meatballs, potatoes, and lingonberries for lunch, and stayed until one o’clock on the morning exploring the city and enjoying the longest day of the year.

Name: Laurel Mire, Class of 2021

Email: lmire2@tulane.edu

Program: IFSA University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand

Fields of Study: Environmental Earth Science, Environmental Studies

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

While studying at the University of Otago, I took a class called Global Marine Systems which introduced a topic to me which I now hope to pursue in my graduate studies. The opportunity to take this class while abroad may be invaluable to my future and influence my career for many years to come.

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

While in New Zealand, I was able to hike across mountains, raft down rivers, abseil into a cave, free-fall into a canyon, and jet-boat to a waterfall. Before this experience provided me with the opportunity to do these things, I had no idea the incredible fulfillment and self-assurance these activities could bring me.

Why would you recommend your respective abroad program or location?

Dunedin doubles as a unique, historic, lively, and beautiful city as well as a convenient jumping off point for so many of the experiences the South Island offers. I wanted a smaller city that I could truly get to know during the week but allowed me to take trips and travel throughout the country most weekends. Dunedin and the University of Otago seemed like the perfect fit, and during my time there I found that this program provided me with what I thought I needed as well as what I never imagined I could get.

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

Whether or not the classes offered will count for the credits needed to graduate on time, unseen expenses, the possibility and a plan to fight homesickness, making a list of goals (personal and academic), places you want to see!

Share a story about a time you experienced cultural immersion.

During an orientation with IFSA, I was able to spend a day and night on a marae, a traditional village of the indigenous Maori people of New Zealand. This experience showed me a first-hand glimpse into the rich traditions and culture of the Maori which I would later learn about in a Maori Society class. Maori culture and language can be seen all over New Zealand and learning about some of the practices, beliefs, and history taught me new ways to appreciate and respect the people and nature around me.

Name: Sarah Elizabeth Jones, Class of 2020

Email: sjones30@tulane.edu

Program: CIEE Arts and Sciences: Cape Town, South Africa, Spring 2019

Fields of Study: Political Economy,  Africana Studies

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

I conducted an independent study under the supervision of a faculty member at the University of Cape Town. This opened my eyes to the opportunities of how academia can be used as a tool to highlight issues and as a form of political activism.

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

I explored my passions abroad by connecting with my fellow South African students and students from across the continent. Being someone of the African diaspora without much knowledge of my roots on the continent, my friends welcomed me into their culture and taught me that being African went beyond a place of birth.

Why would you recommend your respective abroad program or location?

Cape Town is filled with individuals who care deeply about each other and want to see people grow. I suggest this program because you are provided with the chance to decolonize your mind both in and out of the classroom.

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

Keep in mind that Cape Town is filled with various sites to explore, so many that you cannot visit all of them even in one semester. I would encourage people to explore the southern region of Africa: Botswana, Zimbabwe, etc.

Share a story about a time you experienced cultural immersion.

Cape Town is filled with many different cultures. One of my housemates, who is Ethiopia, showed me the essence of her cultures (Ethiopian and East African). I attended East African Society events with her and shared multiple communal style dinners with her at our favorite Ethiopian restaurant. Because of her, I have a deep respect and connection with her people and culture.

Name: Justin Reed (he/him)

Email: jreed11@tulane.edu

Program: CIEE Amman, Jordan and Tulane Summer in Brazil

Fields of Study: Finance and Economics

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

Studying abroad definitely changed my outlook on my academic and professional goals. It made me realize that I want to continue going to school at some point after graduation, as well as move around and work/study in a variety of places.

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

I had an internship at an NGO in Jordan where we did all sorts of work relating to communities around the region. I also really enjoyed my class on political structures in the MENA region, taking more political science-oriented classes that I had not taken at Tulane.

Why would you recommend your respective abroad program or location?

I would highly recommend both locations. Amman and São Paulo were pretty different places, but both offered a huge variety of experiences. From Amman, I was able to travel around Jordan and the region, as well as eat the best Mediterranean food ever. As a huge city São Paulo, had endless things to do, as well as a variety of food (including so much sushi).

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

Students should consider how Tulane-like their experiences will be, and what other students they will be taking classes with. They should also be aware of the level to which they will be able to handle life in one city versus another.

Share a story about a time you experienced cultural immersion.

One of the first weekends in Jordan, my roommate got lost looking for the grocery store and was helped by a family that lived nearby. After they took him to the store, they invited us all over, and made us a full Jordanian meal. They even drove us to the Dead Sea a few weekends later; it was a great immersive experience and a great way to get thrown into practicing Arabic.

Name: Amelia Eldridge, Class of 2021

Email: amelia.eldridge@gmail.com  

Program: DIS Denmark: Copenhagen, Denmark, Fall 2019

Fields of Study: Neuroscience, Public Health

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

It was a really eye-opening experience to look at the careers and professional culture of other countries. The teachers were also so amazing, passionate, and really dedicated to teaching us.

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

I was fortunate enough to be able to travel widely across Europe - trying different foods, learning new languages, and making so many friends from other countries! I loved learning to cook for myself, especially when experiementing with new dishes. I also got the chance to visit many of the places I have read about.

Why would you recommend your respective abroad program or location?

It was an incredible program dedicated to helping students get the most out of experiencing culture, independence, and being in a new place

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

The financial commitment is a bit more than what I had thought at the beginning.

Share a story about a time you experienced cultural immersion.

I climbed the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, and became such good friends with my guide that he later had me and my friends over to have tea with his family in their small house at the base of the mountain. It was really surreal to sit in another family's living room and watch them prepare dinner.

Name: Celinda Chang, Class of 2020

Email: cchang15@tulane.edu

Program: Middlebury School in Japan (ISO), Tokyo, Japan, Academic Year 2018-19

Fields of Study: Asian Studies, Health & Wellness, SLAMM minor

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

​When I came to Tulane, I had no clue what I wanted to study or what career I wanted, but I knew that I wanted to keep taking Japanese language classes. Realizing my passion, I chose Asian Studies as my major and made it a goal to study abroad in Japan to further explore the language and culture. Going abroad was also helpful in my case because it allowed me to take the language courses that I was not able to at Tulane, having come in at a higher level and in a small language department- I was able to take and pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N2 level at the end of my year abroad, which also opened up doors for further academic and professional opportunities in Japan. In terms of professional career, I was fortunate to have received the Boren Award, which shifted my focus to and provides support for careers in government service, and my immersion experience abroad solidified my desire to work with US-Japan relations as well as spread awareness of the importance and benefits of cultural exchange.

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

To be honest, learning about Japanese language, culture, history, and society are interests and passions of mine, so studying in Japan itself was exploration for me. ​I also got to be an advocate for American, Chinese, and Chinese American culture, which gave me plenty of opportunity to reflect on my identity, and realize how much I enjoy cultural exchange and why it is important to share. I did join a number of student organizations: traditional Japanese dance, copy dance (think K-pop), and street dance, which were extremely fun and through which I made numerous friends with similar interests. ​I also had the opportunity to complete volunteer internships at a local sweets shop and a hospital, which were extremely meaningful and rewarding and improved my language and cross-cultural competency.  

Why would you recommend your respective abroad program or location?

Through the Independent Scholar Option, I studied in Tokyo at the Middlebury School in Japan. ​The Middlebury program was incredible because of its guided independence. First of all, we were on a Language Pledge to communicate only in Japanese, which was difficult at first but really improved my language skills and confidence quickly and pushed me to challenge myself to use the language in situations in which I would have otherwise been nervous or embarrassed to.​ The Middlebury courses and program activities were structured to give us guidance in fieldwork and exploration but we were given lots of freedom to make our time in Tokyo uniquely ours. The Middlebury professors and staff at the School in Japan are extremely kind, fun, and supportive, and our little Middlebury cohorts were like a family. The host university, International Christian University (ICU), also provided ample opportunity for international students to engage in cultural exchange as well as join organizations and play active roles in student life. Overall, spending a year in Japan was an amazing opportunity for me to explore and immerse in the language and culture that I have been studying for so long, so I certainly recommend study abroad in Japan for people studying Japanese or Asian Studies.

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

Students should consider their goals. Where do you want to go? What do you want to do? But most importantly, what to you want to achieve? Thinking about this question as you begin applying and before departure can be helpful in shaping and keeping yourself accountable of your academic, professional, and personal needs. It's a great way of keeping track of milestones and growth, and I certainly recommending keeping record of your time abroad through writing in a journal, taking pictures, or updating a blog. These are also fun ways to share your adventures with your family and friends at home and spark precious memories when you look back once study abroad is over, even years and years past.

Share a story about a time you experienced cultural immersion.

I like to think about my entire abroad experience as cultural immersion, but I'll pick one story to share. I happened to turn 20 while I was in Japan- the official age of adulthood, much like turning 18 or even 21 is in the US. As part of tradition, all Japanese residents who had reached adulthood and turned 20 in the last year were invited to participate in the Coming of Age Ceremony (成人式 sei-jin-shiki), hosted by municipal governments throughout the country. Because I was a registered resident, I was invited to attend and take part in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. There were speeches, performances, and resources for new adults, and the event served as a high-school reunion of sorts, as people often return to their hometowns for the ceremony. I was surrounded by girls in beautiful, expensive kimonos and boys in their best suits and felt so lucky to have gotten to not seen it for my own eyes but take part in it. I truly felt like a part of the community. To hear more about cultural immersion in Japan (like the changing to the Reiwa era or going on excursions with the traditional Japanese dance club), reach out or make an appointment- I'm a Peer Advisor with OSA!

Name: Lena Heier, Class of 2023

Email: lheier@tulane.edu; lenaheier01@gmail.com

Program: DIS Copenhagen Fall 2021

Fields of Study: Public Health and Political Science

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

Studying in Copenhagen gave me a very unique perspective on my major and my future career. I want to work in healthcare policy, and learning about the healthcare system in Denmark firsthand, which is very different from ours in the U.S., was incredibly valuable. I enjoyed my experience so much that I am hoping to go back to Europe for grad school sometime in the future.

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

The culture in Copenhagen is very introspective and peaceful. The emphasis on "hygge" - the Danish word for coziness - allowed me to reconnect with my love for reading. Also, my friends and I all started crocheting, which is a super fun hobby.

Why would you recommend your respective abroad program or location?

Copenhagen is an incredibly safe, clean, and efficient city. It is easy to adapt to for Americans on the surface level because almost everyone speaks English, but it is unique enough in culture that there are many new things to learn and experience. DIS specifically is so well organized and supportive of its students. They take care of so many logistical issues, from getting housing to including grocery money to providing sheets for the bed. They helped make the move so much less stressful.

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

Make sure you are cautious and aware of your expenses. Save up as much as you can before you leave. Food and coffee every day can add up quickly. Try to save as much as you can when you are in your home country so you can spend more on trips! Also, keep a bucket list of everything you want to see and do, both in your home country and in places you visit. You only have so much time, so it's important to prepare so you get a chance to see everything.

Share a story about a time you experienced cultural immersion.

My favorite cultural experience in Denmark was going cold swimming. My friends and I rented a private sauna for an hour next to the canal and jumped in the freezing cold water (in November!) and then warmed up in the sauna. It is such a unique experience, and it really is super rejuvenating.

Did your identity impact your study abroad experience?

I was fortunate to be able to blend into the general population well in Copenhagen, as I'm white and blonde, and therefore was lucky to not have to face issues surrounding my identity.