Final Reflection
My journey in the International Scholars Program at the University of Florida has been transformative, shaping not only my academic goals but also my personal growth and global perspective. ISP has empowered me to think critically about global and intercultural issues, communicate effectively across different cultures and navigate global complexities.
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Throughout my time in the International Scholars Program, I have encountered many opportunities to engage with global and intercultural issues, both inside and outside the classroom. From coursework exploring International Public Relations and Global Social Change Communication to off-campus experiences like personal travel, each experience has deepened my understanding of the world and broadened my perspective. For example, pursuing an International Communication Certificate that the journalism school offers exposed me to a multitude of international coursework, which helped me to foster empathy and appreciation for global diversity.
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My international experience, particularly studying abroad in Madrid, provided first hand exposure to different cultures and languages, challenging me to adapt and communicate effectively in a multicultural environment. This immersive experience not only strengthened my language skills but also heightened my awareness of how different other countries operate. I’m grateful every day that I chose to participate in such a program. It’s quite daunting to leave for an entire semester to a completely new country, especially as I didn’t know anyone in my specific program.
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There were several challenges that arose before my semester abroad even started. The first being applying for my student visa. This process is extremely complicated and specific. I had to mail in my physical passport with my application, which is scary since sometimes people steal packages. The Spanish consulate only has a few locations, and they required an in-person visit to pick up my approved visa. I’m from Pennsylvania, so it’s hard for me to travel anywhere inside Florida as I only have my scooter on campus. The Spanish consulate informed me that I would have to come in person to their office in Miami to get my visa, so I had to plan a weekend for my dad and I to make the four hour journey to the consulate. It only took 10 minutes or so of me entering the office to get my visa, which was the only good part of the stressful process. My younger brother is currently studying abroad in Rome, and my mom had to help him with his visa application. She was astonished to see how complicated the application process was as I worked on mine independently.
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Another challenge I had to overcome was getting my phone stolen in Madrid during my last week abroad. It’s very scary to have someone rob you without you knowing. I felt so guilty and awful that someone was able to steal my phone out from under me. My friend Angelina was of great support to me as she took me to a big technology store the next day and helped me buy a cheap alternative to get me through the last few days. This experience taught me that even if something horrible happens I have people in my life that I can depend on and I’ll get through it.
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Going back to my international experience as an ISP scholar, learning Spanish has greatly assisted me in my academic and personal life. Language learning has been a cornerstone of my global journey, enabling me to communicate effectively with members of other cultures and navigate intercultural interactions comfortably. Whether conversing with locals at tapas restaurants during my study abroad or collaborating with peers in the many language classes I took at UF, becoming fluent in Spanish has been instrumental in fostering meaningful connections and bridging cultural divides. Personally, it’s nice to have the ability to connect further with my dad’s side of the family as Spanish is their first language.
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As I reflect on my ISP accomplishments, I am struck by the growth and confidence I have gained throughout all this. I can see the impact of my UF and ISP global learning experience extending far beyond my graduation in May. In my personal, academic and professional life, the lessons learned and connections made during my time in the ISP will continue to expand my worldview and shape my global interactions. As I start my journey in law school this fall, I am confident that the global awareness and intercultural competency cultivated through the ISP will serve as invaluable assets in my future endeavors in the field of law.
