We're excited to announce our Study Abroad Bloggers for the fall 2016 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 photography to be published weekly here on International Accents.
Interested in becoming a Study Abroad Blogger yourself? Visit http://international.uiowa.edu/study-abroad/living-abroad/blogging for more information.
Alex Bare
Hometown: Walcott, IA
Major(s): International Relations, Spanish
What program will you be on?
The School for International Training (SIT): Bolivia: Multiculturalism, Globalization and Social Change.
Where's your destination and why did you choose it?
Cochabamba, Bolivia. I chose to go to Bolivia because I hope to be in a less-traveled region of the world where there are few English speakers.
What are you most excited about?
I'm very excited to have a unique experience as the University of Iowa's first undergraduate student to study in Bolivia. I also am eager to improve my fluency in Spanish.
What advice do you have for other students about finding the right program for them?
Do your research! I can honestly say I spent over a couple dozen hours reading reviews, talking to people, and seeking out the perfect program for me. I changed my mind probably five times, so don't be afraid to do that!
Fun Fact
I can name every county in the state of Iowa!
John Davis
Hometown: Knoxville, IA
Major(s): Psychology, minor in Spanish
What program will you be on?
The Iowa Regents Semester in Ireland.
Where's your destination and why did you choose it?
I chose Ireland due to my Irish heritage and their interesting applied psychology program!
What are you most excited about?
Learning how the difference in culture influences the college's approach to psychology.
What advice do you have for other students about finding the right program for them?
Make sure it's a good fit with your academic interests!
Fun Fact
I'm 50% Irish!
Wren T. Fleming
Hometown: Des Moines, IA
Major(s): English
What program will you be on?
Nanzan University on the Nanzan program!
Where's your destination and why did you choose it?
Nagoya, Japan, for language improvement, and because I love Japan!
What are you most excited about?
Learning more Japanese and meeting new people. :)
What advice do you have for other students about finding the right program for them?
Start with where you want to go, or what kind of school you want to go to.
Fun Fact
I've been studying Japanese for six years.
Karlyn Lienhard
Hometown: Sparta, NJ
Major(s): B.F.A. in Painting and Art History, certificate in Museum Studies
What program will you be on?
SACI - Students Art Centers International
Where's your destination and why did you choose it?
Florence, Italy. I chose it because SACI is an art school, and Italy, specifically Florence, is an artistic powerhouse!
What are you most excited about?
The art! So much art.
What advice do you have for other students about finding the right program for them?
Try to find something you love, take a risk and go for it!
Fun Fact
Every time I see a dog I cry happy tears.
Elly Rae Martens
Hometown: Lindenhurst, IL
Major(s): Biomedical Engineering, minor in Spanish
What program will you be on?
The CIEE Liberal Arts Program in Santiago, Chile.
Where's your destination and why did you choose it?
I chose Santiago, Chile because I've always loved to travel, and I've always known I'd be a Spanish minor, and Chile offered a mysterious, cultural experience.
What are you most excited about?
Learning about the culture and history of the country!
What advice do you have for other students about finding the right program for them?
Keep in contact with the peer advisors! They have invaluable advice.
Fun Fact
I am a practicing Disney-fanatic!
Halle Seydel
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Major(s): Political Science, English
What program will you be on?
USAC Prague.
Where's your destination and why did you choose it?
Prague! I chose to study in the Czech Republic because I am Czech myself, and have always wanted to travel there.
What are you most excited about?
Meeting new friends and trying new food - it's a tie.
What advice do you have for other students about finding the right program for them?
Don't be afraid to travel off the beaten track, and talk to multiple advisors!
Fun Fact
I'm a twin!