We're excited to announce our Study Abroad Correspondents for the Fall 2019 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.
Meet the correspondents:
Paige Grissinger
Paige Grissinger, a third-year public health major and aerospace studies minor from Savanna, Illinois, is studying this fall in Denmark on the CIEE Copenhagen Open Campus program.
When did you know you wanted to go abroad?
I knew I wanted to go abroad since I was a kid but never thought I'd have an opportunity to until I was in the military. After attending a diversity networking night and talking with a study abroad advisor, the rest is history. I realized there would be a multitude of scholarship opportunities and it would be cheaper to study halfway across the world than as an out of state student.
How did you pick your program?
I picked CIEE Open Campus in Copenhagen when I heard there was a public health program in Scandinavia. Not to mention the internship opportunity!
What are you most excited to get out of studying abroad?
Having a better understanding of different cultures and to see how I grow as a leader!
Kate Struckman-Johnson
Kate Struckman-Johnson is a third-year anthropology and creative writing major from Vermillion, South Dakota. Kate will be studying this semester in Reykjavik, Iceland, on the University of Iceland Exchange program.
When did you know you wanted to go abroad?
Everyone I knew, but mostly my parents, kept pointing out that there would never be another chance like this in my life, to get credit while staying in another country, so I went for it.
How did you pick your program?
I am an anthropology major and an English and creative writing major, and there was a little difficulty finding programs that allowed me to take classes in both of these departments, but Iceland was one of my top choices.
What are you most excited to get out of studying abroad?
I'm most excited to meet students from all over the world. I've heard the University of Iceland is a bit of a hub for international students, so I have likely chosen the right place.
Emily Carroll
Emily Carroll, a third-year chemistry student from West Des Moines, Iowa, will be studying in Spain on the USAC Valencia program.
When did you know you wanted to go abroad?
I chose to study abroad because both of my parents had great experiences with it and strongly encouraged me to take a semester in a different country. I told myself if I do one thing in college, it will be study abroad. Personally, I love to travel and last summer spent a month in France and Switzerland with my mom where we were able to immerse ourselves in a new culture, learn about the people, language, and (importantly) the food. I promised myself I would dedicate more time to traveling in the future.
How did you pick your program?
In choosing my study abroad program, I was looking for a Spanish-speaking country that offered a chemistry class so I could stay on course with my degree while also stretching myself by being immersed in a new culture. Valencia, Spain, offered my desired classes as well as my language preference. After doing some research on the city, I quickly learned how beautiful, culturally rich, and diverse Valencia is, and I am excited to be a part of that culture!
What are you most excited for?
I am most excited to develop my Spanish language skills, travel, and learn more about Valencia and Spain. Taking the opportunity to live in a homestay with a Valencian family will help me learn and practice my Spanish as well as get to authentically experience life in a different culture. I am also taking fun classes like windsurfing in the Mediterranean, Spanish dance, and Spanish cuisine!
Roman Ebert
Roman Ebert, a third-year German and history major from River Forest, Illinois, will be studying in Germany on the Academic Year in Freiburg program.
When did you know you wanted to go abroad?
I've wanted to study abroad since I started taking German in high school. I always thought it would be a good way to broaden my cultural horizon.
How did you pick your program?
One of the reasons I chose to study at Iowa was because of the Academic Year in Freiburg program, actually. I liked the idea of study abroad for a full year in order to really become familiar with a foreign language and culture.
What are you most excited for?
I'm excited to experience German university classes and get to know other international and German university students.
Hayley Driskell
Hayley Driskell, a fourth-year international relations major from Carthage, Illinois, will be spending the fall semester in Chile on the USAC Santiago program.
When did you know you wanted to go abroad?
Ever since I was young, I have always known that I wanted to go abroad. When I began school at Iowa, I became aware of the wonderful Study Abroad office and began pursuing my options there. Once I learned how feasible a semester abroad could be, taking the next step was a no brainer.
How did you pick your program?
I knew I wanted to study in a country where I could significantly improve my Spanish, and I wanted to experience a homestay as well. After debating several Latin American countries, I decided that the USAC Santiago program aligned with my language and travel aspirations the best, while allowing for easily transferable credit.
What are you most excited for?
Chile’s geography is insanely beautiful, and I’m excited to see as much of it as possible. I am really looking forward to speaking Spanish daily, meeting new people, and experiencing Latin American culture. I also have a field study in the Atacama Desert coming up, as well as trips to Peru and Patagonia in the works!