Alaina Gebel

Have scholarships impacted your decision to study abroad?

I earned nearly $2,500 worth of scholarships due to my acceptance to the Dean’s Global Agriculture and Food Leadership Program. The scholarship was a huge factor in my decision to travel with this program. 

Why did you choose to participate in these study abroad programs?

I chose to participate in the study abroad to Costa Rica because I have always had a strong interest in tropical crop production and diverse crop production methods. Through this study abroad opportunity, we traveled to various fruit and vegetable farms to learn more about crop production in Costa Rica and formed connections with Tico farmers.  

I chose to attend the Dean’s Global Agriculture and Food Leadership Program because of the opportunity to live and work in Rome, Italy while also making a difference globally. Through this study abroad opportunity, I had the chance to work with professionals at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and create a project that would benefit the further research of this United Nations agency. This study abroad opportunity opened my eyes to global issues and how I can play a role in solving these problems.  

Did you travel internationally before studying abroad in college?

Before starting my journey here at Iowa State University, I had always dreamed of traveling all over the world. Growing up, I had a huge map painting on the wall. Therefore, when I started classes at Iowa State, I jumped on the opportunity to study abroad in some of my dream destinations. Iowa State study abroad scholarships helped me achieve my goals of achieving my dreams of traveling abroad at an affordable rate while also continuing with my academic plan.  

What advice would you give to students interested in studying abroad?

The opportunity to be a world traveler is at your fingertips. Take advantage of these once in a lifetime opportunities!  

How has studying abroad impacted your perspective of agriculture and your future career plans?

Before studying abroad, I had nearly no interaction with agriculture outside of the United States. All that I knew about international agriculture was what I gathered from the news and class projects. However, in both of my departure classes, my professors encouraged us to reflect on our preconceived notions regarding our destination countries and their cultures. While abroad, I saw how my previous perceptions of agriculture, culture, and the people of Costa Rica and Italy changed through forming connections and advancing my education. Due to my experience abroad, I have determined that I would like to live and work abroad while solving global issues and making a difference through my profession.