Venturing into the unknown can be a daunting task, but if there’s anything I have learned during my time at UF, it’s that you don’t have to do it alone. My name is Carley, and I came to UF as a transfer student in 2021. I always knew I wanted to partake in global engagement while in university and I knew, even as a transfer, that UF would help me make it happen. With the advisement of the Beyond120 program I was able to study abroad in the summer of 2022 through the UF in Cape Town: Writing for Change program in Cape Town, South Africa, and also in the fall semester of 2022 through a Beyond120 Exchange program at the University of Glasgow, in Scotland, UK. I’d consider the benefits of these programs on my academic and professional development to be infinite and I knew I couldn’t be the only one.
I asked several Beyond120 Scholarship Award recipients to share their experiences with engaging in experiential learning opportunities. If you’re a student eager to find unique ways to make the most of your academic career, perhaps these testimonials will grant further insight into a few programs that are offered and help you find what experiential learning opportunity may be best for you.
Whether you’re interested in getting involved in research, searching for an internship, or have your sights set on studying abroad, the Beyond120 program is an invaluable resource for CLAS students to ensure these opportunities are accessible and achievable. Check out some of the incredible experiences UF students have been able to take part in over the past year!
- Carley Anderson
Research
“My name is Rishika Podarala, and I am currently a sophomore studying Microbiology and Cell Sciences pursuing a minor in Health Disparities in Society and am a recent Beyond120 scholarship recipient. The Beyond120 Scholarship program supports students like me to explore various interests beyond the scope of the classroom. For me, research has been an integral part of my academic career as it allows me to apply the knowledge learned in the classroom to solve real world problems. This award allowed me to continue gaining experience and knowledge in the lab, and dedicate time to pursuing an independent research project in studying sexual dimorphism in stress resistance of C. elegans, without the financial obstacles. My research experience has also enriched my character development by teaching me the skills of problem-solving, perseverance, communication, and time management along with technical lab skills. Having this opportunity has greatly supported my academic and professional career by allowing me to earn research credit and diversify my academic portfolio. I strongly encourage my peers to take a chance and apply! Thanks to this opportunity, I now work as a research assistant in Dr. Keith Choe’s Lab in the Department of Biology. The Beyond120 program has gone above and beyond in providing me a platform to pursue my passions which has elevated my college experience.”
– Rishika Podarala, Independent Research Project
Internships Abroad
“During the summer of 2022, I had the opportunity of studying abroad in London for 8 weeks and it is an experience that really changed my perspective on the world around me. I always imagined myself for years studying abroad because my older sister did it but to actually have the chance to travel to a new country on my own was surreal. The biggest takeaway from my trip was to never take anything for granted and actually immerse myself in the new environment. Therefore, while I was in London I traveled to other parts of the city as opposed to staying where we were housed. I even explored other countries like Wales where I had the opportunity to learn how to surf and even jump off a cliff, and as someone who does not know how to swim this was definitely an unforgettable moment. I also made friends with people my age who lived in London and to this day I consider them dear friends of mine. My biggest advice for anyone studying abroad is to make the most out of every day you have abroad but still, find time to rest and not over stimulate yourself.
Overall, I would highly recommend anyone interested in studying abroad to go through with the opportunity and look into scholarships like the Beyond120 Scholarship Award which helped fund my trip. The program I chose allowed me to not only study abroad by taking classes but also gave me the chance to have an internship in a field that fit my interest/career path. I learned firsthand what I enjoyed about my field and what I did not, which was extremely beneficial because now when I graduate I am able to look for jobs with a narrower approach that fits my wants and needs.”
- Andrea Kambou, UF in London: Beyond120 CLAS Internship
Beyond120 Exchange Programs
“My time as an exchange student in Aberdeen, Scotland at the University of Aberdeen has been one of the coolest things I've ever been able to take part of. I've been able to meet and even live with so many people from all across the world and from all different backgrounds. This experience has helped me to better understand other cultures and how to approach them as an outsider, an aspect that will be especially beneficial in my future pursuits in becoming a physician. Having the opportunity to explore a whole new country has been a dream come true. For anyone who has ever thought about traveling or studying abroad, I would highly recommend this experience as it's one that will truly allow you to grow as a person, both professionally and personally. For me personally, the biggest learning curve was learning to become fully comfortable in traveling and doing things on my own. I'm definitely still getting used to this at times, but I think solo traveling is something that everyone should experience at one time or another!”
- Jaclyn Rakich, University of Aberdeen
“I am currently studying abroad at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. I was born and raised in Gainesville, Florida, but it had always been a dream of mine to visit Australia. I had never left the United States before, let alone travelled away from home for longer than two weeks. I decided to push my boundaries and pack a suitcase for an entire year of studying abroad. While my time in Australia has yet to end, I have had some of the best experiences of my life here.
Studying geosciences, I never imagined that my first month would be spent conducting climate change research on a remote island in the Great Barrier Reef. Other courses included weeklong trips to study geology in different regions of New South Wales. The trips allowed me to experience hiking through the Australian bush with frequent run-ins with wild kangaroos and huntsman spiders. Entering a new setting and knowing no one can be difficult; however, challenging myself has resulted in many new valuable relationships and expanded my view of the world.”
- Sidney Washburn, University of New South Wales
UF Sponsored Study Abroad Programs
“Shadowing physicians in Vigo, Spain was an unforgettable experience! I have always loved the language and wanted to travel but was not sure I would get the chance until this opportunity was presented to me. Studying abroad in Spain allowed me to better understand a healthcare system different than what I am used to and be exposed to the importance of patient care and passion for medicine! It definitely helped solidify that the medical field is what I want to be a part of. I also had the amazing opportunity to be submerged into the culture and explore! If you have the chance DO IT! Thank you Beyond120 :-)”
- Taeja Garrick, UF in Vigo: Clinical Shadowing
“Hello! My name is Kylie and I am a Political Science and International Studies major. During my Spring semester 2022, I participated in the UF in Iceland: Renewable Energy and Sustainability study abroad program. Travelling to Iceland was an incredible experience and one I will never forget! The week-long program focused on the innovative methods of providing renewable energy in Iceland through harnessing the resources of its diverse landscapes. Over 90% of electricity in Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, is generated by geothermal energy! Throughout the program, we did site visits to a geothermal power plant, government/public institutions, businesses, and universities to learn from various stakeholders involved in promoting sustainable systems in Iceland. We also learned about Iceland’s history and culture by visiting museums and community centers in Reykjavik and interacting with locals at one of Iceland’s many heated pools. We visited the famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, hiked snowy mountains and volcanoes, ate “geothermal-baked” bread, visited a greenhouse and pony farm, saw waterfalls, watched geysers erupt, and marveled at the only place in the world where you can stand between two continental tectonic plates at Thingvellir National Park. Throughout the trip, we were surrounded by stunning natural landscapes and gained a deeper appreciation for Iceland’s unique culture emphasizing reverence for the environment. This inspired me to continue pursuing Sustainability Studies at UF as my minor so that I can eventually integrate some of what I learned about while abroad into sustainable policies at home.”
- Kylie Hay-Roe, UF in Iceland
“Beyond120 helped me fund my study abroad experience in Rome, Italy. It was the greatest summer of my life, and I grew so much as both a student and an individual. Being immersed in Italian culture was invaluable in furthering my knowledge of the language, and of Rome's classical history. The experience as a whole changed the way I've approached career choices and has helped me figure out what I'm most passionate about. :)”
- Nicole Alberto, UF in Rome
“Even before stepping foot on UF campus, I knew that I wanted to participate in a study abroad experience. During my second semester of college, I applied to UF in Prague and through the help of the Beyond120 Scholarship Award I was able to study abroad in Prague. I was doing a study abroad for the reasons most other college students were, to explore a new country and to have some fun during the summer, nothing more. I was not expecting to have my entire life changed through one experience. Not only was I able to learn about the history and culture of the Czech Republic but I learned so much about myself. I grew as a person who was able to take risks and do things that I would have never done before in my life. You are on your own, in a new place. With no family and friends around, while it is scary, you realize that you have become the best version of yourself. Some of the most memorable experiences that I have had in my life have come from studying abroad. Before studying abroad I liked to travel and do touristy things, but since being immersed in the language and culture of the Czech Republic I have found a deeper passion to meddle with locals and try things that are off the beaten path.
Studying abroad has opened my eyes to the numerous potential that I have at the University of Florida. Without the exposure to the diverse history and culture of Europe, I would have never thought about pursuing research in other countries and actively going to archives in those regions to find primary sources for a history honors thesis. Additionally, studying abroad has changed my path career to focus more on international corporation and comparative law. By being exposed to new ideas and people, studying abroad has opened many potential doors for me.
Studying abroad was the scariest thing I have ever done in my entire life, you are half way across the world from your family, you do not know the language, and you begin to wonder if you even made the right decision. All of these worries went through my head, but at the end of the day I had never been so happy that I took that chance. I have made the best memories that I could tell my children and grandchildren someday and I want to be a beacon of inspiration for them, to take those chances. Sometimes those risks will not pay off, but they make for a great lesson and an even better story.
For anyone that wants to study abroad, my one piece of advice is do it. Do it. While it may seem scary and foreign, it is a once in a life opportunity to be in a foreign country totally immersed with locals, cuisine, and history that will make your whole entire perspective on yourself and the world change. I was expecting to do just one study abroad at time at the University of Florida, but I got bitten by the travel bug and now I am in Seoul, South Korea studying abroad again. While there are days that are hard, I have never regretted studying abroad. I know in my heart that I would regret it if I did not study abroad because I would not have met some of my best friends, tried amazing cuisines, seen stunning architecture, and found my own destiny in life.”
- Kathryn Orozco, UF in Prague
