Conquering Fears, First-time International Traveler

Rachel Crowley (Food Science and Human Nutrition) arrived at Iowa State University with limited domestic and no previous international travel experiences.

Through an undergraduate program, Rachel learned about a short-term study abroad opportunity that would best fit her limited travel experience. While abroad, Rachel was able to apply what she learned in the classroom while comparing and contrasting food storage and food preservation methods in France with those in the United States. On a personal level, Rachel was able to make connections worldwide with upperclassmen, dietetic interns and even international business owners on the travel course, allowing her to expand her knowledge around food science and human nutrition while also learning about future educational and career paths in her field of study.

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Study Abroad Office provides assistance to students interested in studying abroad, but have limited domestic or international travel experiences. Through a short-term travel course, students participate in a pre-departure orientation that allows them to better prepare for their travel, enhance their knowledge of the country that they will be visiting and meet the other students and leaders that will also be traveling with them.