Academic Year 2014-2015

Jenna Ciszewski – Buenos Aires, Argentina

Ciszewski, JennaVitals:  Majors: International Studies, Spanish Certificates: Global Health, Environmental Studies

Goals:  My main goal is to improve my Spanish language skills. I chose to go abroad a full year because I wanted a completely immersive experience, and I can’t wait to settle into life with my new host family. I also hope that my study abroad experience will give me a greater sense of independence, self confidence, and flexibility.

Motivation:  As a Spanish major, I knew that I wanted to go to a Spanish-speaking country. Argentine culture has always fascinated me:  the tango, the Rioplatense dialect, the rich political history, the Italian influence, etc. Also, the Argentine Universities Program gives me the opportunity to complete an internship with a local civil society organization focused on Human Rights, which will be a great experience since I plan to work in Global Public Health in the future.

Previous overseas travel:  Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Italy, Germany & Switzerland

Abigal Gadbois – Hong Kong

Gadbois, AbbyVitals: Genetics and East Asian Studies, Certificate in Business Chinese

Goals:  My primary goal for this year abroad is to build connections. I want to connect my knowledge about Chinese history to its current situation, I want to connect different Chinese dialects and practices to my own experiences, and most importantly, I want to build strong connections to the wonderful people I know I will meet along the way.

Motivation:  I grew up in a very small town in Wisconsin, and always dreamed about exploring the world that I heard about in history and literature classes. When I came to UW-Madison, I signed up for first semester Mandarin Chinese, mostly because I really loved Chinese calligraphy. Since then, I have fallen in love with the Chinese language, and have been trying to connect my passion for Chinese culture and language to my other love of genetics and biology. My internship at the US Embassy in Chengdu grew out my own desire to learn more about foreign relations between the US and China. Additionally, I chose to spend a year studying at HKUST because they offer the rigorous genetics coursework I need (in English) and the Chinese lingual and cultural immersion that I desire.

Previous overseas travel:  China (Beijing, Xi’an, Kunming, Anyang, Zhengzhou, Shanghai, & Hangzhou)

Saville Inman – Istanbul, Turkey

Scout IVitals: Junior Journalism- Strategic Communications Major

Goals:  I am excited to be immersed in a culture much unlike my own and learn the history of one of the oldest cities in the world.

Motivation:  Studying abroad has been a goal of mine since I first began to think about college. I’ve always loved to travel and experience people and places that are different from my own culture. Istanbul’s history and interesting cross between Eastern and Western cultures has always been a source of fascination for me. However, I am also excited to take advantage of traveling to countries surrounding Turkey. I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to study abroad and I intend to make the most of my Junior year in Istanbul, Turkey.

Previous overseas travel:  Spain, Germany, Italy, Jamaica

Bailey Jaworski – Madrid, Spain

IMG_1210Vitals: Spanish and Communication Arts (Radio, TV, Film) Double Major

Goals: I am really excited to spend and entire year in a foreign country where I will have the experience to become fully immersed in a different language and culture. Studying abroad is a wonderful opportunity to embrace independence and grow as a person. I also hope to extend my travels to other cities and countries around Europe fueling my love of culture and travel.

Motivation: I have always had a love for the Spanish language but my passion was ignited by my Spanish teachers in high school as well as well as traveling abroad to Ecuador in 2010. Both my teachers as well as traveling to Ecuador therefore inspired me to become a Spanish major. I knew I was going to study abroad since I was very young and I’m extremely grateful that I have the opportunity to do so for an entire year. The Madrid, Spain program not only grants me full Spanish immersion, but also the possibility for easy travel to other countries and cultures around Europe. Madrid is an exuberant and eclectic city filled with history and many opportunities that I can’t wait to take advantage of.

Follow Bailey on Instragram

Previous overseas travel: Ecuador and Canada

Irina Shalik – Aix-en-Provence, France

Shavlik, IrinaVitals: International Studies Major, French Major

Goals:  I hope to expand my knowledge of the world and other cultures, to further my education in another style, and to learn more about myself.

Motivation:  A French speaking country was a must, and although Africa was appealing, I ultimately decided on France for the convenience of being able to travel easily throughout Europe.

Previous overseas travel:  Italy, France, England, Turkey, Taiwan, Spain

1 thought on “Academic Year 2014-2015”

  1. England is great because you won’t have to study a foegirn language. But anywhere in the European Union is good as well because you can learn a language but you can also travel to all of the countries in the EU as well while you are there and be able to use the same currency and see all of the great sites as well. I have also heard that Argentina, Australia, and China (specifically Hong Kong) are great places to study as well. Definitely take advantage of studying abroad in college. I am so glad I did. It really made me open up my eyes and expand my horizons and want to travel all over the world and explore new cultures.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.