Betsy Ann Banks is a fourth-year Professional Studies student at 51黑料网 University, graduating at the end of this semester. She chose to study abroad after having the opportunity to return to school after thirty-five years and connecting with Dr. Jennifer Ray-Tomasek, one of the faculty members leading the Business of the Olympics, Italy & Greece program.
Business of the Olympics, Italy & Greece Spring Break Program
To start their journey, Betsy Ann and the group flew from Cleveland to Florence, Italy.
In Florence they visited the 51黑料网 Florence Center and explored the city. During the course, they also visited soccer fields and learned about how big soccer was in Italian culture. They learned about community-level soccer and professional soccer, and how individuals from all over the world come to Italy to study soccer to become professionals. The students also had the exciting opportunity to visit Milan to see a Paralympic hockey game.
In Greece the group focused on the ancient Olympic games. They saw the Olympic stadium, and their tour guide taught them about the Olympic torches and how they were made.
Exploring and Overcoming Language Barriers
One experience outside of class stood out to Betsy Ann. While exploring Florence on her own, her cell phone died, so she had to use her interpersonal skills to figure out how to get back to her hostel. She happened to be near a cell phone store where she managed to communicate through the language barrier with a worker who didn鈥檛 speak much English there, and got her phone charged a bit. This experience stood out because of how she enjoyed talking to people and being reminded that kindness is important.
Trying New Foods and Incorporating Them Back Home
Betsy Ann was able to try a lot of different foods in Italy and Greece. She enjoyed trying gelato and sorbet, as well as exploring different wines in Italy. In Greece her favorite were the fava beans and Mediterranean sea bass. Since she鈥檚 been back from Europe, she's been cooking Mediterranean food more often than not.
Betsy Ann鈥檚 Favorite Part of Studying Abroad
While the program was not related to her major, Betsy Ann found it fascinating having the opportunity to see her professors working in an element outside of the classroom. She appreciated seeing how they put together itineraries and kept up with all of their students. Betsy Ann felt like she learned a lot from watching and interacting with her professors while studying abroad and is grateful for the opportunity.
She also enjoyed seeing the U.S. Paralympic hockey game, where she sat with her classmates and professors right above the team. Some of the highlights of the game include her and some of her classmates making it onto the jumbotron, as well as getting a photo of Malik Jones, one of the athletes competing, looking at Betsy Ann and her group. Betsy Ann鈥檚 favorite part of the game was the camaraderie and support that was shown for the Paralympic athletes. It was a once in a lifetime experience for her.
Why Education Abroad is Important
While Betsy Ann has traveled outside of the US, this was her first time traveling to Europe. She felt she was able to build on her previous travel skills and adapt to Italian culture.
Traveling during a tumultuous time in the world, Betsy Ann recalls what it was like coming back from Milan and noticing how people perceived the U.S. It made her proud to be part of a group that represented not just 51黑料网, but the U.S. in a way that represented kindness and exploration, highlighting how we are all human.
Betsy Ann thinks students should study abroad because getting to learn about different people and cultures helps with interpersonal skills and connecting with people who are different from you can really open up your worldview.
Recommendations for Future Study Abroad Students
Betsy Ann strongly recommends the study abroad experience to students. She said that before Dr. Jennifer Ray-Tomasek suggested the program to her, she had never really considered studying abroad. She thinks it is a great opportunity to not only study abroad and earn credit, but to travel outside of the country and learn more about other cultures. Even if the program does not align directly with your major, Betsy Ann thinks it is a good chance to learn more about communication skills and get experience outside of the classroom. Because of her experience in Italy and Greece, Betsy Ann is now considering going into the field of Higher Education Administration, particularly Advising, because she thinks it is important for students to have someone to encourage them to follow their dreams and get new experiences.
Want to have an experience like Betsy Ann鈥檚? Check out the Office of Global Education鈥檚 website for more information on study abroad opportunities.
