AC Overla

Overall Experience

I had the opportunity to participate in a linguistically and culturally immersive program in Trieste, Italy. The program is split into two major components, an immersive linguistic program through the Istituto Venezia language school hosted in the heart of the city, and a reflective ethnographic program through cultural excursions and weekly field notes. As a faculty lead summer program, this great program had the additional benefit of having both an experienced ISU faculty member in the field and contact with a local host. Overall, it was a fantastic experience working to immerse myself in a new context.

Learning experience

The most valuable experience I had during this program was navigating a language that I don't have fluency in. I truly did not start speaking Italian until I arrived in the immersive language class. This was an exercise in accepting the learning process and trusting that I have the capacity to quickly integrate vocabulary and grammar lessons into my linguistic navigation outside of the classroom. It was a positive confirmation that there are people willing to be helpful if you are willing to try.

Memorable experience

One of the most memorable experiences I had in Trieste was with our local host, Louisa. Having conversations with her about the history and context of the city helped me in my meaning making of the culture I found myself immersed within. Having access to an experienced local helped with getting an inside perspective on things I was seeing around the city, interactions I had with others, recommendations on what to try during my experience.

What did you not expect?

Something that I didn't expect was how easy it was to come out of my comfort zone. I was with a great group of folks who made it easier to try new things and brainstorm strategies for how to get the most out of the opportunity. I want to keep that openness to new experiences as opportunities keep presenting themselves.

What advice would you give?

Don't let a language barrier be a barrier to taking a study abroad opportunity. Immersive language learning is an incredibly impactful way of language acquisition, it's impressive how quickly you can start picking up on a language you've just been introduced to with this learning set up. Study abroad is an amazing opportunity to learn about yourself and the world around you.

How has this experience impacted your life?

As a grad student in the Masters of Education Student Affairs program, I have been working on securing academic credentials for my professional goal of working as a study abroad advisor. ISU has allowed me to create opportunities for myself. Going on this faculty-led program allowed me to be involved in conversations around the structuring of what makes an impactful study abroad program for students. On top of this incredible opportunity to get insight into the study abroad world, having a cultural immersion experience has given me more insight into my positionality in an international context. Long term, I hope to bring these insights on how to integrate meaningful impacts into my future career.

How did you learn about this experience?

I first heard about this opportunity from the faculty lead, Dr. Collier, who encouraged me to apply to the Trieste and the Meaning of Place program.

International Connections