ISP Reflection
I think the main thing I learned from the International Scholar Program was how to be aware of other cultures and be accommodating to them. I am of course still growing my cultural competence, but this program gave me a good base to be able to kickstart this journey of being able to actually address certain aspects of cultures in a professional environment. From attending the campus life events I gained an awareness of political, economic, and social events around the world and how they may impact me and our world community. As a result of this I have a heightened interest in global and transnational issues.
I believe that this program, through the classes, campus life events, and study abroad program, not only strengthen my desire to travel and understand the world and diverse cultures but also reinforce that innate curiosity in me. I was introduced to topics I wouldn’t have otherwise explored through each facet of the program that made my want for international experiences grow stronger. I have grown in other ways as well. After doing all the necessary steps of this program I have a cleared notion of what I will do with my life and what I want my focus to be. I have grown a better understanding of myself and of my values after taking the Women in Leadership class and hope to apply the principles I learned when I enter the workforce.
I did not encounter many major problems during my time in the program just some small scheduling conflicts with the 4 internationally focused classes. Luckily, I made it work each time and was able to fit this classes into my already tight, rigid schedule. One class, Arts in Medicine in a Global Context (HUM2592) jumpstarted me on a certificate I received, the Arts in Medicine Certificate. During the study abroad trip, I encountered some problems like language barriers and getting around on public transportation. In each of these instances I used critical thinking and problem solving to make it work each time and ended up learning a lot each time but also having fun with peers who didn’t know anything either.
My study abroad experience demonstrated my strengths and talents the most I believe. Unlike other study abroad programs that are 6 weeks or longer and have actual classes, the study aboard I went on was 3 weeks long and was set up more as an interactive field trip. We were enrolled in a class, but each day did hands on activities in different cities around Europe that reinforced the things we were learning from our online modules. We were placed in a variety of situations daily that required teamwork and quick thinking. We also had days where there was ample free time. Each of these times throughout the trip showcased my tolerance of ambiguity, my ability to take initiate and plan what I was going to do, and my sense of confidence in new situations and when meeting many new people. From this trip I have improved observation skills, as microbiology requires close observation, and I am more capable of solving life’s day to day problems after having been thrown into countries without knowing the languages.
This ISP global learning experience connects to my post-graduation academic and professional life in that I hope to pursue Occupational Therapy in an international context. I hope to one day be able to travel and provide Occupational Therapy to people in other countries that can’t otherwise receive it. I also hope to bring my knowledge of Arts and Medicine into my practice and share the powers of creativity with other communities. This program has helped me formulate these career goals and clarify my professional aspirations. The skills that I developed in this program will help me demonstrate my international competencies which will aid me in obtaining my first job after graduate school graduation in a few years.