Maddi Klemme

Why did you choose to participate in the study abroad program?

I chose to study abroad to experience life outside the United States. Having never left the United States prior to my travel course I was hoping to not only learn more about international agriculture but also more about myself.

Do you think your experience benefited you personally, professionally, or academically?

Yes! I benefited in all three areas:

• Personally: I was able to experience many new places, create lifelong friends, and gain a global perspective. I also experienced European culture and tried LOTS of new foods.
• Professionally: I learned many skills that were applicable in internships and jobs. Many of these skills are what employers look for when hiring and they are not easily developed in the classroom. Some of the skills I gained were problem solving, adaptability, self-awareness, flexibility, and open-mindedness.
• Academically: My travel course allowed me to apply many of the methods and information I had learned in the classroom in real-world experiences. Also, getting the change to visit local farms and tour different locations allowed me gain a better appreciation and understanding of American agriculture. My travel course also worked into my degree perfectly!

Most memorable experience?

The most memorable experience I had on my travel course was visiting my program director's farm in Greece. One of my program directors grew up in Greece and spent much of this youth in Europe. While in Greece my group was able to visit his family’s cotton farm. This experience was different from the other stops as we were more immersed in the Greek culture and were able to learn first-hand from a Greek farmer. 

What advice would you give to students interested in one your programs or study abroad in general?

My advice for students interested in studying abroad is to take advantage of all the opportunities within the CALS Study Abroad office. If leaving the country seems too scary there are other options for you to stay within the United States and still learn about agriculture and life sciences. The CALS Study Abroad office also had great advisors who help you consider all the options there are and how to proceed with those options. Lastly, the CALS Study Abroad office also has scholarships for CALS students looking to study abroad, which can help lessen the cost of a study abroad trip.