Diana Mulder
Major:
Microbiology and International Agriculture
Program:
Pork, Port (Wine), and Cork: The Land and Livestock of Portugal & Greece and Italy: Food, Culture, and Agriculture
Scholarship Award:
College of Agriculture and Life Science Dean's Study Abroad Leadership Scholar (Greece & Italy program), Jay and Julie Cornelius Jacobi Scholarship for Agricultural Study Abroad (Portugal program)
Developing relationships with people from a different country is a unique experience that comes with studying abroad that you wouldn't normally have when traveling to a country independently.
- Why did you choose to study abroad?
- To explore what agriculture looks like in all parts of the world and learn about the way of life in another country. The Mediterranean is a region full of world-renowned agricultural products, gastronomy, and culture that I have always wanted to experience, and both of the travel courses I've participated in have allowed me to do this. I chose to participate in the Antarctica program because traveling to the continent is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I couldn't pass up!
- Have you traveled internationally before studying abroad?
- Yes, to a few Caribbean islands with my family.
- Do you think your experience benefited you personally, professionally, or academically?
- Absolutely. Personally, I've achieved a higher sense of independence through managing the unpredictable circumstances that can arise from traveling to another country. It has also allowed me to have a greater appreciation for differences in cultures and ways of life, which will serve me well as I work with diverse people in my academic and professional careers.
How have multiple study-abroad experiences impacted you?
- It has been really fun to compare the experiences of two study abroad programs. Though Portugal, Italy, and Greece may be in a similar region of the world, all have distinct differences in their gastronomy, agricultural production, and cultures that make them unique and interesting that I've been able to explore first-hand. I caught the "travel bug" after my first program and knew that I had to do more before I graduated!
- Favorite study abroad program?
- That is so hard! But if I had to choose, it would be Portugal because it was my first time in Europe.
- Most memorable experience?
- In both of my programs, I traveled with an instructor from that country. It is so unique to travel in a country with someone who is of that culture: it really allows you to fully learn what it is like to live there. The most memorable thing from both trips was learning about their childhoods, favorite foods, and where they grew up. We also had the opportunity to meet their parents in-country, and their reunion was such a heartwarming experience I'll never forget. Developing relationships with people from a different country is a unique experience that comes with studying abroad that you wouldn't normally have when traveling to a country independently.
- Did you experience any difficulties?
- With traveling internationally, there are bound to be hiccups along the way - the key is expecting these and being flexible. Luckily, most of my traveling has gone very smoothly due to great planning by my program instructors and accepting the unpredictability of international travel.
What are you most looking forward to on the Antarctica program?
- I'm looking forward to exploring the region's incredible geography and wildlife, as well as learning about the biosecurity issues it faces. I'm also excited to enjoy the incredible views the landscape provides.
- Have scholarships impacted your decision to study abroad?
- Yes. I have received a CALS Study Abroad scholarship for each program I have attended. This has made the cost less daunting and these experiences more attainable.
- How has the application process been when applying?
- Very smooth and straightforward. The application process allows you to personally reflect on why you want to study abroad and what you hope to get out of the program.
- What advice would you give to students interested in one of your programs or study abroad in general?
- Studying abroad is a unique opportunity only available to students during their college years. For me, it has been an integral part of my education at ISU and has had both personal and academic impacts on my life. I would recommend that every student enroll in a travel course or semester-long program at least once during their time at ISU.
- Anything else you would like to share from your experience(s)?
- Another benefit of studying abroad is experiencing all these incredible things with a group of peers around you. I've been fortunate to travel with really great people that I now have personal and professional relationships with post-program.