We're excited to announce our Study Abroad Correspondents for the Spring 2022 semester! These unique individuals were selected from a competitive pool of writers to tell the story of their destination and represent the voice of University of Iowa students while abroad. Throughout the semester, these students will share their experiences through writing and social media posts here on International Accents, and on various media channels. Let the vicarious travels begin!
Meet the correspondents:
Marianne Garces Grajales
Marianne Garces Grajales, a fourth-year communications major from Orlando, Florida, will be studying this spring in Italy on the USAC Reggio Emilia program.
When did you know you wanted to go abroad?
I knew I wanted to go abroad as soon as I came home from my exchange program in high school. After living in Brazil as an exchange student, I knew I wanted to do something similar in college but in Italy so I could learn Italian, therefore I have been pursuing this dream since I was a senior in high school!
How did you pick your program?
My study abroad advisor freshman year helped me pick out this program once I told him that I wanted to learn Italian and live in a relatively small city so I could be more immersed in the language.
What are you most excited about?
I am most excited to live with a host family, go to Europe for the first time in my life, and learn a new language!
Ella Morris
Ella Morris, a second-year human physiology and Spanish major from Ankeny, Iowa, will be studying this spring in Spain on the CIEE Liberal Arts Madrid program.
When did you know you wanted to go abroad?
I knew in high school studying abroad was something I was really interested in doing. I really enjoyed my Spanish classes in high school and here at Iowa! I love to travel and learn more about other people and cultures, so I think this is the perfect opportunity for me to keep learning!
How did you pick your program?
When I first started to look at programs I met with my advisor and spoke with my family about what would be the best fit for me. I chose CIEE Liberal Arts Madrid because it offers immersive language courses, I will be able to live with a host family, and Madrid has a lot of history and culture I am excited to learn about!
What are you most excited about?
I am most excited to meet new people and learn more about the Spanish culture and language! I also can't wait to see how much my Spanish improves after six months!
Leah Cooke
Leah Cooke, a third-year English and creative writing major and anthropology minor from Saint Louis, Missouri, will be studying this spring in Italy through the Wells Florence program.
When did you know you wanted to go abroad?
I've always known that I wanted to study abroad, even before I came to college and truly considered the possibility. I have always had a deep desire to travel and see the world, and I knew that studying abroad was a perfect fit for me.
How did you pick your program?
When I was choosing a program, I wanted to be sure I found one that would allow me to continue on my current course of study while still being immersed in a new culture. At first, I planned to stick to English-speaking countries so I could avoid a language barrier and have a wider array of courses available to me. But then I realized I didn't want to be limited by my own comfort zone and wanted to push myself to step outside of the known and truly challenge myself. That's how I found the Wells in Florence program, which offers courses in English but is situated in one of Italy's greatest cultural centers.
What are you most excited about?
If I'm honest, I'm MOST excited about the food (I live for pasta) but I'm also extremely excited to meet new people from different backgrounds and experience a new culture alongside them.
Sauda Abdullahi
Sauda Abdullahi, a public health major from Des Moines, Iowa, will be studying this spring with IES in London and Jamaica.
When did you know you wanted to go abroad?
I decided to go abroad before I began college because it's always been an interest of mine to explore different cultures outside the United States.
How did you pick your program?
I chose my program because it's focused on public health, which I am studying, and it's in London where I've always wanted to go.
What are you most excited about?
I'm most excited to explore the culture in London as well as its rich history.
Posts by student correspondents may not reflect the opinions and recommendations of UI Study Abroad and International Programs. These communications are intended to give students a forum for free expression of thoughts and experiences abroad in a respectful space.
Interested in going abroad? Learn more about the first steps