Liberal Arts Majors: Global and International Studies, Spanish
Minor: Business in the Liberal Arts
Hometown: Apple Valley, Minnesota
Experience Time: Summer 2022

Give us a brief summary of your experience?

This experience will definitely stick with me forever. We went to three different cities: Ibagué, Bogotá, and Cartagena. I had a blast getting to know more students at Penn State as well as students at the University of Ibagué. We got to meet so many cool people and learn about the different cultures. The whole trip was so memorable but the moment that stuck out to me the most was hiking through the rainforest with students from Ibagué.

How did this experience impact you academically?

This trip definitely challenged my Spanish abilities and I feel like I came back with improved skills. I also feel like I have a better understanding on the culture and history of Colombia which has already helped me in class discussions this semester.

"The whole trip was so memorable but the moment that stuck out to me the most was hiking through the rainforest with students from [The University of] Ibagué."

How will this experience impact your career goals?

I came out of this experience with lots of new contacts with students from the university of Ibagué, contacts I can utilize in my future global career. It also gave me more intercultural communication skills which is necessary in any current day job.

How has the College of the Liberal Arts helped you to find and/or succeed in this experience (e.g., adviser, faculty, staff, enrichment funds, etc.)?

The enrichment funds I received from the college helped me tremendously as I was able to indulge in more experiences and opportunities without the financial worry. One of my professors, Lauren Halberstadt, also helped me prepare for this trip and encourage me to study abroad. Without her help and her stories from her experiences in Colombia, I probably would have never thought to go to this amazing place.

How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?

As this was a trip through Schreyer Honors College, I was able to connect with honors staff and students while gaining honors credits. Without my involvement in the Paterno Fellows Program, I probably would have not been able to go on this trip nor be able to create the connections I did.