Hailey Durso, a nursing major and Global Access Ambassador, participated on the CEA Study in Florence program, in summer 2024.
Friday, August 30, 2024
Hailey Durso

Dear future study abroad students,

My name is Hailey Durso, and I am a junior in the College of Nursing at the University of Iowa. I am writing to share my life-changing study abroad experience and how it has impacted me as a first-generation college student. Since starting college, I knew I wanted to study abroad to make the most of my experience and broaden my view of the world. Traveling has always been a dream of mine, but my family and I didn’t always have the resources to do so. That's why I am incredibly grateful for the Global Access Ambassador Scholarship, which allowed me to go abroad for the first time in my life. This past summer, I had the privilege of studying in Florence, Italy, for six weeks.

I learned many things in my amazing classes that I will carry with me as I enter my junior year this fall. However, what I cherish most are the lessons I learned while exploring the streets of Italy and immersing myself in its culture. There is something truly special about putting yourself out there and keeping an open mind to the memories you can make along the way. Throughout my time abroad, there were many moments when I had no plan but to explore and see where it took me. Some of my best nights abroad were those where I got lost but ended up finding the coolest live music performances, dancing with strangers, attending soccer watch parties, or shopping in unique markets. These experiences gave me a new perspective on life and taught me that sometimes, when you feel lost or don't have everything figured out, it's because another opportunity is waiting for you. This perspective has helped me realize that it's okay not to have everything figured out and that sometimes all you need to do is slow down and stay in the present.

 "Traveling has always been a dream of mine, but my family and I didn’t always have the resources to do so. That's why I am incredibly grateful for the Global Access Ambassador Scholarship, which allowed me to go abroad for the first time in my life."

Additionally, throughout my trip, as I gained new experiences and saw parts of the world I hadn’t seen before, there was always a voice in the back of my head wishing my parents could be there with me. It was a bittersweet feeling to experience all these new things that my parents hadn't, but it made me more grateful that they gave me the opportunity to go to Italy. Upon returning from my trip, I was so thankful to share a piece of Italy with them through the pictures I took, the souvenirs I brought back, and the memories I made and shared with them. Overall, experiencing this journey as a first-generation college student helped me realize the importance of trying new things and immersing yourself in a new culture. These experiences can provide valuable perspectives on what truly matters in life.

I encourage anyone considering studying abroad to embark on that journey and push yourself out of your comfort zone, as that is truly the most rewarding part of it all.

Best regards,

Hailey Durso

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.