Blog Correspondents: Spring 2023
Allie Bacholl
Hometown: Chili, Wisconsin
Major: Computer Engineering
Program: University of Limerick
While at Madison, I took folklore classes along with my computer engineering classes that I thoroughly enjoyed, so I decided to pursue a certificate in folklore. The University of Limerick offers various classes about Irish folklore and folk music that I look forward to taking and which allow me to finish the folklore certificate.
Alejandra Butcher-Salazar
Hometown: Madison, Wisconsin
Major: International Business and Marketing
Program: CIEE Barcelona Business and Culture
My interest in international business compels me to build cultural connections and understand how multiculturalism impacts businesses in our globalized world. Barcelona is known for its unique blend of Spanish and Catalonian culture and as a “travel hub”, attracting a wide range of people. I think it will be a relevant and exciting environment for me to build an appreciation – and perhaps skill – for bridging cultures both professionally and socially. For this reason, I believe the Barcelona Business and Culture program structure and offerings can provide me with the appropriate opportunities, education, and connections to support this goal.
Fiona Finger
Hometown: Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
Major: Psychology
Program: Illinois in Spain: Granada
I chose this program because I love learning the intricacies of language formation and am always looking for unique new words. For this reason, I am so excited to practice my Spanish in Spain! I have always wanted to travel solo, and Spain has the perfect combination of food, friendly people, and great coffee! I aim to truly emerge myself in the culture by connecting to the locals by being part of a host family. I believe this program will help me grow by participating in new conversations and seeing new perspectives!
Will Gittens
Hometown: Racine, Wisconsin
Major: BA in Economics and BA in Political Science
Program: UW in Paris
Paris is one of the great cities of the world. It is full of art, architecture, music and food. With that being said, one of the attractions to me is that Paris is a city full of all different types of people. Having an experience such as studying abroad in Paris would help me fulfill the personal goal I always chase, adding perspective. I believe that one of the best personal goals anyone can have is to continually add experiences that challenge the way you think. It is especially important to do this outside of the classroom, not just inside.
Elliana King
Hometown: Neenah, Wisconsin
Major: Nutritional Sciences
Program: UW in Florence
When I visited Italy in 2018, I fell in love with the way people lived. They spend quality time with the people they love and never take mealtimes for granted. Living in Florence would immerse me in the lifestyle of natives to acquire lessons on how to loosen up, be present in the moment, and not always be in such a rush. This program will allow me to become more culturally sensitive and specifically help me to learn the dietary differences between cultures in Italy and the United States.
Anna Melnyk
Hometown: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Major: Computer Science
Program: CIEE Rome – Open Campus
I chose the CIEE Rome study abroad program because of the unique opportunity it presents to immerse myself in the rich history and culture of Rome while also having access to the extensive resources and support of the CIEE program. Rome, itself, is a major draw with its stunning architecture, vibrant arts and culture, and delicious food. Additionally, the CIEE program offers academic and extracurricular opportunities, as well as support services, which will enhance my experience. The combination of the city of Rome and the resources of the CIEE program make it the perfect choice for my study abroad experience.
Anna Racine
Hometown: Hugo, Minnesota
Major: Accounting
Program: IES London Direct Enrollment – City, University of London
One reason why I chose my program was to enhance my global perspective. As a business major, it is essential to be globally aware. The London program will help me achieve this goal in particular, as London is among the world’s most internationally and ethnically diverse cities. I hope to gain a new cultural frame of reference.
Talia Bergerson
Hometown: Burnsville, Minnesota
Major: Philosophy with a Certificate in Criminal Justice
Program: University of Sydney – Exchange
I hope to pursue a career in either International, Maritime, or Environmental law (or a mixture of the three), and the University of Sydney and Australia in general are places where these interests perfectly intersect!
Samantha Engel
Hometown: West Allis, Wisconsin
Major: Legal Studies
Program: UW in Paris
I chose this program because I have studied the French language and culture for the past eight years. I decided that I wanted to further my knowledge of the language and culture in France while still earning credit for my major. This program allowed me to do that since the classes are in English. Now I get to go off on my own and experience a new culture and have a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Angela Garcia
Hometown: Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Major: Computer Science & Information Systems
Program: IES Paris Business & International Affairs
I chose this program because I wanted the opportunity to immerse myself into the French culture and language. This program also offers courses that align with my academic requirements and interests. I am excited to improve my French and meet people of diverse backgrounds in the city of lights!
Hope Karnopp
Hometown: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Major: Journalism
Program: Wisconsin in Washington
I chose this program to gain exposure to the professional media landscape in D.C. I am excited to work for a large news company and gain new production and research skills. I hope that being close to Capitol Hill, the White House, the Supreme Court and executive agencies will provide new reporting opportunities and learning experiences. I also hope to network with professionals in the news industry while in D.C. Seeing the cherry blossoms in spring is a plus, too!
“We’re Not in Madison Anymore” Moment
Annabelle Majerus
Hometown: Rogers, Minnesota
Major: Global Health with a certificate in Environmental Studies
Program: DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia
As a global health major, I knew that I wanted to study abroad so I could learn about different health issues from new perspectives around the world. My family heritage is primarily Scandinavian, so I wanted to participate in a program that could connect me to a culture that I haven’t gotten to experience as much because of growing up in America. The DIS program offered the ability for me to enjoy a semi-normal school semester while also exploring new experiences.
Rosalie Powell
Hometown: Madison, Wisconsin
Major: Environmental Science & Life Sciences Communication
Program: Czech University of Life Sciences Exchange
One reason I chose my program is because CULS is a life sciences school. This focus allows me to take a ton of classes toward my major (environmental science). Many of the courses include field trips and field experience which I think will enrich my academic experience and understanding of ecology. I’m really excited to see environmental science from a different perspective and explore Prague!
Lily Reback
Hometown: West Bend, Wisconsin
Major: Psychology
Program: DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia
Danish culture has always been super fascinating to me and I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to live in Copenhagen for four whole months. The Danish word Hygge, which basically means comfort or coziness, is a large part of Scandinavian living and I’m super excited to experience it. I’ve met so many Danish exchange students living in Madison right now and everyone is so kind and friendly and I can’t wait to connect with them again once we’re both in Denmark.
Mackenzie Shanahan
Hometown: Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
Major: Environmental Science and Agricultural & Applied Economics
Program: JUNIA ISA Lille Exchange
I chose this program because it offers unique educational research opportunities in my fields of interest, environmental science and agriculture. There are a variety of courses that I believe will greatly support my learning, such as Field Study of the Environment. Also, I am really looking forward to exploring France!
Blog Correspondents: Fall 2022
Teagan Benson
Hometown: Cumberland, Wisconsin
Major: Russian Language & Civilization
Program: Almaty Russian Flagship
I chose to study on the intensive capstone program to improve my Russian language skills and cross-cultural competence. I hope to reach superior proficiency upon completion of the capstone. This opportunity will provide real-life context to my studies and greatly enhance my education.
Makayla Cole
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Major: Social Welfare; Cert. Gender & Women’s Studies and Criminal Justice
Program: Lancaster University Exchange
I chose the Lancaster University Exchange program because the University offers courses that aligns with my interests and academic career. I can take courses that satisfy my degree and certificate requirements while being abroad.
Maria Fichtinger
Hometown: Rochester, Minnesota
Major: History; Cert. in European Studies and Education & Educational Services
Program: University of Westminster
I have always wanted to go to London, and this program fit well with the degree I am pursuing.
Pyper Scullen
Hometown: Elm Grove, Wisconsin
Major: Fashion and Textiles; Cert. in Entrepreneurship
Program: Santa Reparata International School of Art
I am extremely excited about the course offerings via this program and the technique and skill that I will gain from taking classes including patternmaking and fashion illustration. I am also excited to learn about Italian history and culture as I believe that history and the world offers incredible inspiration for design. Lastly, this program offers the opportunity to attend Milan Fashion Week which is an amazingly unique opportunity for insight into the interworking’s of the fashion industry – an industry that I am working to have an important place in and impact on.
Abi Schmeiser
Hometown: Waunakee, Wisconsin
Major: Chemical Engineering
Program: University of Limerick
One reason I chose to attend the University of Limerick is that it offers courses related to my chemical engineering degree and fascinating area studies classes related to my International Engineering certificate, while also having wonderful clubs and societies to be involved in on campus!
Nyagoah Biel
Hometown: Madison, Wisconsin
Major: Legal Studies; Cert. in Criminal Justice and Afro-American Studies
Program: Yonsei University Exchange
I chose to go to South Korea because it would give me an experience outside of what I thought was possible. Specifically, being outside my comfort zone will help me to learn a lot more about myself but also the world around me. I am excited to be immersed in the culture and people, all the while experiencing the amazing food.
Links to Blog Entries Coming Soon!
Calvin Dong
Hometown: Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Major: Marketing & International Business
Program: IES London Direct Enrollment – City University of London
I chose City University of London because it will allow me to take on the challenge of facing uncertainty in a large city with people from diverse backgrounds. Growing up, I’ve lived predominately in the suburbs which refrained me from experiencing what city life is like. I strive to utilize the location and vast amount of culture immersed within London to learn and enjoy the unique experiences it will provide me.
Caitlin Fox
Hometown: Viroqua, Wisconsin
Major: Spanish and Health Promotion and Health Equity
Program: Illinois in Spain: Spanish Studies in Granada
I chose this program because I have traveled to Granada before, and I absolutely loved it. The Alhambra, a beautiful monument, is here along with lots of other amazing architecture. I also decided on this program because it was the longest one offered for the summer and I wanted to be abroad for as long as possible to learn Spanish. Between the Sierra Nevada mountains in the distance, the tapas, the siesta, flamenco, and nice people– Granada is the place to be. My mom is from Nicaragua, so as a Latina, I feel very at home even though the culture is different.
Anna Strautmanis
Hometown: Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Major: International Studies – Global Security Track, International Development and Education certificate
Program: ITESM-Queretaro Program
I am very excited to be in Mexico and learn many things about the language, people, and culture of the beautiful historic city. I am really looking forward to improving my Spanish language skills, both for personal and professional goals. I am interested in seeing how education differs from universities around the world, so I am looking forward to being a part of the university community. My family is Latvian and we speak the language at home. Being immersed in Latin American culture is important to me because I want to experience something different than the European culture that I am accustomed to.
Returned Students
Explore profiles and posts from students either during or following their programs
Alumni Profiles
Read profiles and stories from alumni reflecting on their program experiences and impact on their post-graduate careers
Global Gateway
The UW Global Gateway Initiative makes study abroad accessible to students with demonstrated financial need through two different avenues: Summer programs and Fellowships. Read about their experiences here.