Italy: Kathleen Krautheim
Program: UW Sustainable Food Systems in Italy and the World, Summer
Kathleen’s Major: Microbiology
How were your program academics similar or different from taking classes at UW-Madison?
The program academics were a lot different than taking classes at UW-Madison, which was refreshing. At school, the academics is more memorization based and learning minor details to a complex subject. Also, you are only really learning in a lecture hall and maybe a lab, but other than that, there are no hands on, experience learning. During my program, the learning was entirely experience based. It was hands on, outside of the classroom, and it was incredibly opened to questions. I was not pressured to memorize anything, but rather had the ability to just be a learner. This experience brought back my desire to be a learner, which I had lost throughout the rigor of my semesters.
What is the moment you are most proud of?
The moment I was most proud of was when I tried truffles for the first time. Although it may not seem like a big deal, I am an extremely picky eater, and I rarely try new foods. Being in a new environment, I felt inspired to step outside of my comfort zone and try it! Even though I was not the biggest fan of it, my ability to do that changed my thinking from being afraid to being adventurous!!
This experience brought back my desire to be a learner, which I had lost throughout the rigor of my semesters.
What is your advice for someone considering your program?
GO! Go scared, go alone, go sad, go happy, go excited, but just GO! This experience was the best thing I have ever done. I learned so much about myself while also learning about the way people live in a completely different culture than my own. Food systems was not a particular interest of mine, but that honestly made the experience even better. In my education, I have become so immersed in one specific topic, that it was so refreshing to expand my field of knowledge in a topic I had no previous information on. I was frightened at first since I like being an expert, but this experience taught me that I don’t have to know everything. I can simply be a learner and observer rather than feeling pressured to get the best grade or absorb minor details. Further, it was wonderful stepping away from my life and getting to explore myself. I realized that the world is such a beautiful place and that I need to appreciate living more, which sounds so cliche but it is true. I feel like the past few years I have simply been surviving, but in all honesty, life is meant to enjoy! And if you are not enjoying it, change it! I strongly advise anyone considering to apply and go regardless of any doubts or worries!
What is a custom, food or tradition from your host country that you are taking forward?
One tradition from my host country I want to take forward is enjoying the moment and not rushing. This was especially prevalent in the more rural areas where time was not a concern. Instead, people were taking 2 hours to enjoy lunch with each other or spend extra time walking slowly rather than speeding to their destination. This was challenging for me to become accustomed to since I am so used to “go,go,go”. I definitely want to appreciate the moment more often and slow down when I have the chance to.