Introducing Caroline Potter

What is/are your major(s)?

International Relations

What is/are your minor(s)?

Psychology

What is the name of your study abroad program?

DU in Florence: Lorenzo de Medici

In what city & country is your study abroad program located?

Florence, Italy

What is something you would like the blog readers to know about you that they wouldn’t know by just looking at you?

I live by my mantra of “MAKE it a great day” (opposed to “have a great day”), putting in effort to make things happen, not just sitting idly by.

What is one thing that you are most anticipating about your study abroad experience?

I am most anticipating meeting new people! Being from the Midwest, I have been told that I embody the stereotype of “Midwest Nice”. I can’t help but want to meet everyone around me and get know more about them. From Florentine locals to other travelers I am thrilled to gain new perspectives of the world and learn how similar we are even though we may come from vastly different environments.

Why did you decide to study abroad? or What inspired you to study abroad?

I decided to study abroad because my parents instilled a sense of adventure in me from a young age. For Christmas or birthdays, my parents would gift my sister and I experiences. These ranged from getting to know Miguel & Tatiana in Colombia to the appreciating intricate patterns in the architecture in Roopangarh, India to indulging in pasteis de nata in Sintra, Portugal. I have truly come to see experiences as a gift and want to encounter as many different people, cultures, and types of food as I can throughout my lifetime.

A photo taken of one of my best friends at sunset on Lake Mendota in Madison, Wisconsin. I have been soaking up as much time with my friends as possible before I embark on my Italian adventure!

Introducing Santina Pascucci

What is/are your major(s)?

English

What is/are your minor(s)?

Communications

What is the name of your study abroad program?

AIFS: Salzburg

In what city & country is your study abroad program located?

Salzburg, Austria

What is something you would like the blog readers to know about you that they wouldn’t know by just looking at you?

I love dogs and can’t wait to see so many dogs abroad!

What is one thing that you are most anticipating about your study abroad experience?

One thing I’m most anticipating about my study abroad experience is having Salzburg as both a home base and a starting point for travel. I’m excited to explore Europe and see new places, but I’m just as eager to really get to know Salzburg, so it feels like home by the time I leave. I think balancing travel with building a life in one city will make the experience especially meaningful.

Why did you decide to study abroad? or What inspired you to study abroad?

I was inspired to study abroad because I’ve always wanted to experience what it’s like to live in another country, not just visit as a tourist. I wanted the chance to learn a new culture from the inside, while also challenging myself to be independent and adaptable.