Italy: Mirra Schultz
Program: Santa Reparata International School of Art (SRISA), Spring
Mirra’s Major: Global Health
How were your program academics similar or different from taking classes at UW-Madison?
My academics at SRISA were quite different from my UW-Madison academics. While abroad, I had the opportunity to take a food & culture class, an introduction to Italian language course, a renaissance art history class, and a discovering Florence course. All of these courses allowed me to really explore and learn about Italian culture and history. While my courses at UW have all been great, the SRISA courses were very different to get to experience. I enjoyed the out-of-the-classroom learning structure that SRISA upheld as it really was an intuitive way to learn, explore, and pursue hands-on activities. Additionally, the SRISA staff was very involved in making sure we were prepared for classes or exams and the staff also offered great support throughout my entire semester abroad, both in and outside of the classroom. I truly cannot say enough good things about the academic environment at SRISA!
This past semester, I grew in various, influential ways. I am incredibly grateful to have gained independence, self-trust, and confidence through my time in Italy.
What did you learn about yourself or the world because of your experience?
My semester abroad experience has definitely made a lifelong impact on shaping my personal goals and aspirations. This past semester, I grew in various, influential ways. I am incredibly grateful to have gained independence, self-trust, and confidence through my time in Italy. This opportunity allowed me to learn more about my global perspectives and also has shown how I can use that knowledge towards my everyday life. All in all, I wouldn’t be the person I am today without my experience abroad and I’m forever grateful for that!
How will your experience benefit you in the future? How might it affect your future career or studies?
As I look ahead to my post-graduate pursuits, I am planning to obtain my masters degree in public health. Though, since my semester at SRISA, I am now considering pursing my masters degree abroad in either London or Australia to keep expanding my global perspectives. I’m grateful to have had such a great study abroad experience in my undergraduate education and would love the opportunity to further expand that to my graduate pursuits.
Additionally, upon completion of my masters, I am leaning towards a career in epidemiology. I hope to help the health of populations globally and enhance environmental health on international levels. Furthermore, after being abroad, I have since discovered that I would relish in the opportunity to have a career that involves interactions with many different cultures and languages. I owe it to my semester abroad experience for enhancing my educational/professional aspirations and for giving me the courage to pursue them.