Name: Anna Wilson, Class of 2021

Email: awilson10@tulane.edu -- Now working fulltime on campus, and available to meet prospective students in person to talk about study abroad!

Program: IFSA Argentine Universities Program, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Fall 2019

Fields of Study: Psychology, Political Science, Spanish minor

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

Studying abroad in Argentina gave me a unique, global perspective in approaching my future and career. Two of my classes - Peronist Argentina & Human Rights and Genocide - were very related to Argentine culture & history. This experience helped me connect what I was learning in the classroom to the world around me and give new meaning to things I had been studying in Political Science classes for years. As I travelled I was able to see the effects of Argentina’s political history first-hand. Additionally, the Spanish immersion I experienced within and outside the classroom helped me realize that I can use my Spanish skills in a future career to connect with a wider variety of people. Being able to practice Spanish in a variety of personal, professional and academic settings instilled me with so much confidence in my Spanish abilities. This confidence and fluency has already opened up so many opportunities for my future and will impact the decisions I make about my career.

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

Since I was a freshman in high school I have volunteered as a tutor in socioeconomically disadvantaged schools and developed a strong passion for education equality. Being in Argentina not only strengthened this passion, as I grew to understand the complex realities of their education system but I was able to understand the intricacies and work to help solve the problems through my internship. I worked with an organization called Fundación Uniendo Caminos and volunteered with middle & high school students in the public education system. Through this experience I deepened my passion for volunteering along with expanding my understanding of education equality through a global lens. Additionally, my human rights class taught me so much about politics and advocacy on an international stage and allowed me to find a new passion within the field of Political Science.

Why would you recommend your respective abroad program or location?

Buenos Aires is a huge cultural hub of Latin America and has such a unique history and character. While some of the architecture and culture feels European, it is also distinctly Latin American and there are so many different sides of the city and country to explore. I think that the opportunity to live in such a big city that is so distinct and have complete independence provides such incredible opportunities for growth. Additionally, because it is a large city and metropolitan hub it proves easy to travel to other parts of the country and continent. The travel experiences are unlike anywhere else in the world and beyond how special they are in location, the challenges that you face travelling through South America teach such valuable life skills like problem solving and adaptability. I would recommend IFSA specifically because they do an incredible job of balancing freedom and program experiences. The staff is incredible and is always there to help with anything - whether it be restaurant recommendations, travel advice or host family trouble. IFSA allows their students to take classes at 4 different universities in the city in addition to offering unique classes with leading professors in their fields.

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

I think one of the most important things to consider when you are choosing a place to study abroad is what your goals are for the experience. As a Spanish minor my biggest goal was to be in a place where I could completely immerse myself in Spanish and develop fluency. Though I considered studying in other locations, I spoke to many returned students and advisors who urged me to go to South America to work on my Spanish. By sticking to and prioritizing this goal I was able to narrow my options and find the right place for me. I also think it is crucial to consider how different study abroad experiences will help push you out of your comfort zone. By choosing to live in a big city, on a continent I had never been to, in a country that speaks a different language, I was able to push myself out of my comfort zone in a variety of ways. I don't believe I would have grown nearly as much from my time abroad if I didn't actively choose a challenging experience.

Share a story about a time you experienced cultural immersion.

While I was in Argentina, I was able to connect with my Grandmother’s cousins that had been living in Argentina for generations. They immediately took me in and over the course of the semester, invited me over to family events and holiday parties regularly. When the Jewish High Holidays came around, they invited me to a dinner with about 30 cousins from all over the city. I was the only American there and the only person who spoke English and by throwing myself into this experience I got to understand one of my favorite Jewish traditions in a completely new way. I tried all my favorite holiday foods with an Argentine twist, and experienced complete immersion in their holiday celebrations. On that day when I was completely out of my comfort zone and immersed in theirs, I learned so much about them and created connections with them that will last a lifetime.

Name: Gabriella Werner, Class of 2020

Email: gwerner222@gmail.com

Program: DIS Copenhagen, Denmark, Spring 2019

Fields of Study: Environmental Biology, Public Health

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

Studying abroad opened my eyes to a whole new way of thinking and understanding for both my academic and professional career. As an Environmental Biology major it is so easy to feel down about the world around you but by studying in Denmark I was exposed to a wonderful way of positive thinking, pursuing discovery, and broadened my current knowledge to an international scale. From my Public Health minor, I was not only exposed to a completely different health care system, but I was also entrenched in the view of public health from an international scale within Europe.

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

When I was abroad I actually discovered new interests and passions. I learned that I absolutely loved traveling around a city with just google maps and a friend by my side. I realized that I love to learn about history and international relations when the next country is only a 3 hour drive away. I discovered that Denmark has some of the most amazing sweets I have ever tasted. But what was my most amazing experience while being abroad with DIS in Copenhagen is that all my classes were my passions and that I was able to learn and interact with professionals of my passions everyday.

Why would you recommend your respective abroad program or location?

I was actually surprised how much I loved Copenhagen. In fact, I love it so much that I am now thinking about trying to find work there so that I never have to leave it again. Copenhagen is a unique and beautiful city with a rich history that has been around for thousands of years. People here are welcoming to foreigners and the people you meet in the DIS program could quite possibly become your best friends. You also have the ability to choose from a wide range of interesting and engaging classes that are taught by professionals of their field. I honestly don't think anyone can realize how unique and eye-opening Danish culture is until you are living in it.

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

Students should be ready to embrace a culture shock. Although Copenhagen has a lot of modern comforts and many people speak English, that does not mean, by any stretch of the imagination, that this place is the same as Tulane or your home. When applying and preparing it is important that students are willing and able to jump into the new culture with 2 feet and to keep an open mind. If you do that, then I see no reason why students will not only have a good time, but flourish, when they are abroad.

Share a story about a time you experienced cultural immersion.

Even though I lived in the city with other Americans, DIS still has this amazing program that allows you to have a "visiting host family". Even though our schedules collided, my host family would constantly invite me over to their home for dinner with them and their dog. It was such an amazing opportunity to talk to them about my life back home and learn about their life in Denmark, as well as to get that sense of family while being so far away from my own. My host family had 3 kids ranging from 18 to 14 and it was so interesting to talk with them about their everyday life and answer any questions they had about American life. Even as I was leaving Denmark this amazing family made it clear that I was always welcome to stay with them in their home if I ever came back.

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.