Entering my fourth year as a chemistry major with minors in biology and environmental science at the University of Iowa, I’ve had the opportunity to engage in a diverse range of activities on campus. My involvement with the Hawkeye Drumline, peer mentoring, executive orientation for first year students, and undergraduate research has helped me develop the values of dedication and resilience. These values have been central to my journey as a Hawkeye thus far, and my desire to continue growing personally and academically made studying abroad an exciting opportunity for me. As I left the United States, I had not initially known that embracing these values would become crucial in making the most of my study abroad experience!

"I am forever grateful for the opportunity to be a Global Access Ambassador for Study Abroad at the University of Iowa. This role minimized barriers and allowed me to share my love for the University of Iowa with the world, in an experience I will never forget. The values of dedication and resilience I gained at Iowa were challenged and further developed during my time abroad."

My study abroad program was a two-week faculty-led program, which visited cities and academic institutions in Germany, Switzerland, France, and Austria. The program focused on understanding sustainable chemistry techniques and differences in sustainable practices compared to the United States. I chose this program as it aligns perfectly with my anticipated career in pharmacology and drug developmental research. The experiences I had abroad provided me with an international perspective on sustainable research practices, a topic that carries a variety of opinions, which is invaluable for my future career.

This was my first time leaving the United States, and visiting so many destinations in a short span was no easy task, though one I would undoubtably recommend. My goal was to discover as much as possible about each country and city. The course covered a multitude of aspects, but there was nothing like taking time at the end of each day to discover the culture of each city on my own. This is where my resilience was truly challenged; balancing exhaustion and the desire to get the most of this journey was too real. I felt that the resilience I learned at the University of Iowa allowed me to be prepared for challenges abroad. I believe that every student given the opportunity to study abroad should seize it, as their experiences at Iowa have already equipped them for success!

One of my favorite host cities on this journey was Freiburg, Germany, where the cultural differences from the United States were most pronounced. Visiting the University of Freiburg campus and research labs, I observed that sustainable techniques were ingrained into everyday life. My dedication to contributing to a diverse campus atmosphere at the University of Iowa was now matched with a new commitment to incorporating sustainable practices into my biochemistry research. The dedication that many students portray through Hawkeye Pride on -campus can be matched in pulling from invaluable experiences abroad.

I am forever grateful for the opportunity to be a Global Access Ambassador for Study Abroad at the University of Iowa. This role minimized barriers and allowed me to share my love for the University of Iowa with the world, in an experience I will never forget. The values of dedication and resilience I gained at Iowa were challenged and further developed during my time abroad. I owe a great deal of thanks to the Department of Chemistry and the Office of Sustainability faculty who supported me throughout this defining journey. 
 

LEARN HOW YOU CAN APPLY FOR A GLOBAL ACCESS AMBASSADOR SCHOLARSHIP

The Global Access Ambassador Scholarship program provides awards to study abroad for a summer, semester, or academic year. The scholarships are intended to support students who study abroad with the intent to serve as Global Access Ambassadors upon return to the UI campus. Upon completion of the study abroad program and return to UI, award recipients are asked to submit a photo and an open letter to prospective students or suggest an alternate means of sharing with prospective students.

Please note that the opinions and views expressed by ambassadors are solely those of the students and do not reflect or represent the views of International Programs or the University of Iowa.

International Programs (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement.  IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.