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The Undercurrent is a biweekly news feature show written and produced by students from Michigan State University. Each episode explores multiple stories surrounding one central theme.
88.9, the impact. You're listening to
Speaker 2:undercurrent. Hello, everyone, and welcome back to season 16 episode nine of the undercurrent. Today, we will be joined by Riley Peterson and Caitlin Wynn to talk about each of their unique experiences studying abroad. First, Riley will be talking all about her experience as a program assistant, and Caitlin will be talking about her unique week long trip that assisted in her future career.
Speaker 3:Riley, thank you so much for joining us today. Thank you for having me.
Speaker 2:Of course. So could you first just kind of like introduce yourself and explain your role as a program assistant and kinda how you, like, came into that role?
Speaker 3:Yeah. So my name is Riley. I'm a senior here at Michigan State, and I went on a study abroad two summers ago. And the nice thing about the program that I did is that they offer the position as a program assistant. So Michigan State will basically pay you to, like, go out and kinda take care of the group of students who go, like, So kinda who I depending on, like, the amount of students you have too, you can have either, like, one or two program assistants.
Speaker 3:So you basically, like, just apply for it and then have, like, a Zoom interview and some other things. And I just really wanted to go back to Rome.
Speaker 2:I bet. That's so cool. What was your, like, study abroad experience like, and why do you think it's, like, important? And also what kind of experiences have you seen it give students? Sorry.
Speaker 2:I know
Speaker 3:that was, like, three questions in in one. But Yeah. Honestly, my experience was so great. Like, I honestly had the best time. Like, that's why I'm going back to be a program assistant because I kinda wanna, like, give people the experience that I had.
Speaker 3:Yeah. Just because of how fun it was. And I feel like opportunity or like experience wise, like I took a lot out of it. Mhmm. And I think it's important to like emerge yourself in like different cultures and kinda like see different parts of the world too.
Speaker 3:Like Yeah. And it's just like a great and kinda like a once in a lifetime opportunity I thought. So,
Speaker 2:yeah. Definitely. I know you said your program is the arts culture and urban sustainability program. How how do you do you like use that like in your
Speaker 3:real life? Like how have
Speaker 2:you used, I guess, like what you studied now in your academic Mhmm. Career and then maybe in your future career too?
Speaker 3:Yeah. So everyone there takes the same classes. Like, you take, like, geography classes or I think it was like an ISS one Mhmm. Too. So I definitely, like, used the credits because I needed to fulfill that for, college of social science too.
Speaker 3:So that was nice. But I guess in everyday life, it made me, like, think about other classes that I wanted to take. Like, I've taken other geography classes after that. And, like, what you're learning there, you're kinda, like, emerging yourself, in Rome. Like, you're learning all about cities and different cities.
Speaker 3:So it's kinda, like, cool to compare and contrast them. And, like, you have to do a project there, and everyone speaks about a different city. So, like, going to those cities after and, like, kinda remembering what everyone talked about has been like really cool.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Absolutely. Thank you. How can like studying abroad help someone's academic journey? And like, I know like, because being in a different country, feel like can give you so many different skills because you're literally thrown into somewhere where you don't know like where you're going, what you're doing with the language.
Speaker 2:So I guess how have you found how have you found studying abroad like helping you like academic wise, if that makes any sense?
Speaker 3:Mhmm. Yeah. I feel like you have to use or, like, gain a lot of skills that you need for academics. Like, kinda like you said, you're literally just throwing yourself into another country. Like, you kinda have to I feel like I had to make a lot of just, like, quick decisions or, like, you also have to do a lot of planning too, which I was, like, really worried for.
Speaker 3:And I didn't know anywhere one there, so I was like, I don't even know how to, like, get on the train or, like, find any of the bus systems or whatever. But I guess academically, like, studying abroad and, like, going to class here, I feel like is very different. Like, it's much more lenient there too, but it's, like, harder to, I guess, wanna, like, lock in and do homework when you're, like, in Italy and you just have all these beautiful sights and things around you. So you really need like a strong work ethic too and like a good balance between like academics and like, you know, going out exploring like kinda like the culture aspect of it, I guess, too. So you really have to, like like I said, have a good balance between both.
Speaker 3:And, like, you do use the classes that you've learned, like, here for credits and things like that. And it's open to all majors too, which is really nice. So you kinda get to learn about stuff you're maybe not learning in your classes here too. And you take Italian class as well, so that was really cool too
Speaker 2:to learn
Speaker 3:about, like, Italian since I never had spoken before.
Speaker 2:So a It's hard language. I'm trying to learn it right now. I'm like, like, how like, this is really hard.
Speaker 3:I would, like, try and order and I just couldn't. I'd just point and be like, oh, can I
Speaker 2:just get this? Yeah. What is something that you think students should like know before studying abroad or going on the trip that they have planned?
Speaker 3:I think one thing is like, you have to have confidence in yourself to like make these tough decisions. You have to really put yourself out there.
Speaker 1:It
Speaker 3:is scary at first going to another country by yourself, especially if you've never done that before. But everyone in my program was really nice, and we actually all got along. So I feel like there's not really anything to really worry about. Like, just be your best self. Like, put yourself out there and, like, make the most of it.
Speaker 3:Like, I would just say say yes to everything.
Speaker 2:Yeah. I feel like that time would go by so fast
Speaker 3:too, like,
Speaker 2:being there because, like, that's such, a new and, like, fun experience. And you'd really have to, like, take that all in while it's while it's still there. But For sure. What's, like, something you have taken away from your study abroad experience?
Speaker 3:Oh, I think like the friendship aspect. I ended up, like, meeting someone who literally lived, like, right down the street from me and I kind no idea. So I was like, wow. This is crazy. And I'll, like, still talk to people that I went on the trip with and, like, still get in touch with them and see them when I can.
Speaker 3:So I think that part was really cool. I also just really like traveling. So kinda just seeing everywhere and the different cultures, how people interact there. I don't know. I feel like I just know not to take that experience for granted because like you said, like it did go by really fast.
Speaker 3:It does. So you gotta take it all in while you can.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Absolutely. For your program and like other programs available for study abroad? Are there like scholarships available for people? Okay.
Speaker 3:So it depends like what college you're in. Like, I applied for some like through the college of social science. But when you're like applying to study abroad, there's also like a list of, ones that you can apply for. So I ended up getting two scholarships for it, which was really nice.
Speaker 2:Yeah. That's awesome. I feel like it makes it, like, so much more accessible too because I Yeah. Feel like that can like, planning a trip like that can, like, seem so daunting. But, like, Michigan State has so many scholarships, like, available for I feel like every anything you wanna do, like, any program.
Speaker 2:And it's so nice to take advantage of that while you're still in college because it's just it's free money. Like, that's
Speaker 3:awesome. Right. Yeah.
Speaker 2:Yeah. What was it like, like, being in a place where the people just speak a completely different language? And how did you adapt to that? I know you said, like, the Italian was, like, really hard, but how what was that like?
Speaker 3:Well, we had, like, very basic Italian, so I still, like, didn't really know. Like, during class, they would, like, bring us to a coffee shop so we could go and, like, try and, you know, learn how to speak it. I still wasn't that great at it, though. But, honestly, it kinda, like, encouraged me to, like, put myself out there more and, like, really try and, like Mhmm. Try and understand the language more.
Speaker 3:Everyone there was really nice in general, though, too. Like, a lot of some people did speak English, so that was helpful. Yeah. But, yeah, it was definitely harder for things like finding out, like, public transportation and, like, reading certain things when you had no idea. But Definitely.
Speaker 3:Some people that I did go with like knew Italian or were Italian so that helped too.
Speaker 2:That's nice. Yeah. I know in like a lot of other countries, like, the kids there just grow up like learning like their like their native language but also English. And I'm like and they're like completely bilingual which I feel like is awesome. But I'm like, we should do that in America.
Speaker 2:Like, everyone should know like two languages because I'm like, everyone like in every other country, like they can speak like multiple languages. I'm like, why can't we do that? I'm like, we should we should start learning different languages.
Speaker 3:No. I agree.
Speaker 2:Yeah. What was it like I know you said like you have to have like a lot of like discipline, like a good work ethic to like go on a study abroad like this. But how do you, how did you balance exploring a new place but also doing schoolwork at the same time?
Speaker 3:Mhmm. I feel like it depends on the study abroad too. Like what the curriculum is or like the schedule because we only had class like Monday to Wednesday, like maybe Thursdays like sometimes. Mhmm. So that was honestly really nice.
Speaker 3:Honestly, like me and my friends would just plan out like certain days to like study for the exam or like do the homework. Yeah. Things like that. So you really just plan out. Like if you're doing a weekend trip or something, getting your studying done during the week.
Speaker 3:Or you only have class really during the day, so maybe just planning out a little bit in the afternoon. And then you have the whole night to explore, do whatever you want. You really just like need to set a schedule and kinda just go with that every week. And honestly, it wasn't like anything too hard to manage. So that was good.
Speaker 2:That's great. Before we end here, is there anything that you want just students or, like, the community to know about study abroad programs and, like, what it can do for you?
Speaker 3:Yeah. Honestly, I would say, like, if you have the opportunity to do it, I definitely suggest it. You meet a lot of great people and kinda get to see a lot of things you might not see every day here. Like, I thought it was just, like, literally everywhere you step, there was, like, something to take in or see that was very different than here. Feel like here is kinda, like, boring compared to Italy with certain things.
Speaker 3:But, honestly, yeah, if you can do it, I honestly would. It's nothing, like, too hard to manage with school wise if anyone is stressed about that. And, honestly, like, just take the opportunity if you can because I still think about it and talk about it to this day and I'm going back.
Speaker 2:Yeah. I love it. Yeah. Well, thank you so much for coming on, Shay. It was super cool to hear about your experiences and, yeah, program.
Speaker 2:So that sounds awesome to do that.
Speaker 3:Thank you for having
Speaker 2:Yeah. Of course. Thank you. Hi, Caitlyn. Thank you so much for joining us today.
Speaker 1:Hi. Thank you for having me on.
Speaker 2:Of course. So first, could you just introduce yourself and just maybe say like what you're studying and stuff?
Speaker 1:Yeah. So hi. My name is Caitlyn. I'm a neuroscience major. I'm also minoring in pharmacology and toxicology and I'm on the pre med track.
Speaker 1:Oh, nice. So your study abroad experience was pretty unique. Could you tell me about it? Yes. So we went to The Dominican Republic for I think about a week and we got to shadow in the OR, and we got to shadow in the diabetes clinic that they had there in Den.
Speaker 1:And then we also sat in with some lectures with visiting professors, and, they talked about their studies, their research. We also shadowed in a wound clinic too, so that was really cool to see, the different health care approaches in a different country. And we also got to shadow in the ER too. So that was also cool.
Speaker 2:Awesome. Did you go like, when did you go on this? Was this last year? Yeah. Okay.
Speaker 2:Cool. How did you, like, decide that you wanted to do, like, a study abroad program? Like, that's pretty unique. I don't know like anyone else who's done something like that. So how did you decide that that's what you wanted to do?
Speaker 1:Well, I always wanted to, you know, study abroad and I wanted to do a medical mission of sorts. But I didn't I know I knew I didn't want to do it for long, so I felt that a week was perfect. And I just really thought it was really cool to see the different health care approaches and the way the doctors treated their patients and how they approached helping them in a different setting. Because obviously, I've shadowed here in The US, so it was just different to see it in The Dominican Republic.
Speaker 2:Yeah. I know you said this is like a medical program and like a lot of, like, pre med students specifically went on this trip. How did your experience prepare you for your future or your future career? And I guess how did it like equip you going into what you wanna do in the future?
Speaker 1:This is a good question. I well, when I was there, I the doctors treated the patients as if they were their family and not just another case study. So it was really cool and really nice to see how or the way they integrated this into their patient care because I feel like nowadays, health care is really focused on just focusing on the disease, which is important, of course. But I feel like it gets lost that we're treating a person and that we're not just treating something that's wrong with them. We still have to treat them as a person.
Speaker 1:And it's just nice to see the difference in that.
Speaker 2:Yeah. I love that. And so I know you talked about how you shadowed in different clinics in the OR and worked with like different professionals. Walk me through like a typical day on this trip. Like what did you do from like morning to night?
Speaker 2:Yeah. So we woke up pretty early.
Speaker 1:I think we woke up at like five or 6AM. We would board the bus and there would be three three groups. One would go to the diabetes clinic where they saw like, that stuff with, like, the wound clinic. Mhmm. And then one would go to the main hospital.
Speaker 1:And they those two groups would see the ER and then the OR. And depending on what group you were in, you would do your stuff, shadow, and then we would bus to the local university. If I remember correctly, it was called Unibe.
Speaker 3:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:And we would grab lunch, kinda talk about, you know, what we did and stuff with the people that we met there. And then we would sit in on lectures from the visiting professors.
Speaker 2:Mhmm. Cool. Would you recommend like a medical study abroad program to other students? Or I guess just like a specific trip like that. Like, would you recommend it to other students, I guess?
Speaker 1:Oh, a 100%.
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:I think that is really I mean, obviously, do stuff around, like, your local area first, and it's not a necessity. But I think just being able to experience that and experience them just kinda approaching healthcare in a different way. Like, it's good to just be open minded and just to be shown those types of things like that.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Absolutely. What did you have to do to, like, prepare for this trip? Like, was there any, like, special, like, things that you had to do before you went and, like, how long was that process preparing for it?
Speaker 1:I don't think there was anything specific that I had to do. I do wish I brushed up on my Spanish a little bit more because it was a little rough trying to communicate with the locals. And yeah. But other than that, I don't think I did anything special.
Speaker 2:Yeah. What was it like being somewhere where you didn't know the language? Like, how did you, I guess, navigate that barrier?
Speaker 1:You know, it was a lot harder than I thought. I had to rely on a lot of, like, body language. Most of the locals there did speak a little bit of English, but I I guess I thought they would, like, speak a little bit more. I it was the language barrier was pretty was pretty tough. But, I mean, we were able to like order food, get around, so it was good.
Speaker 2:Yeah. That's good. Was there did you like have any friends on the trip that could speak the language that would like help you or were you guys just kind of like all on your own?
Speaker 1:We kinda well, was a couple people that knew Spanish but like, was very like basic Spanish. Mhmm. And the way they spoke was super fast. So we couldn't like I would only be able to pick up on like a couple words and then other than that, we just had to use context clues.
Speaker 2:Being, like, in a different country and working in these, like, hospitals and clinics that you guys were in, you, you know, probably saw, like, their whole health care system and kind of how that worked in a different country. How did their health care system differ from America or maybe it was really similar? I don't know. But could you just tell me more about, like, what you noticed, like, in their system, I guess, in a different country?
Speaker 1:You know, I thought their health care system would be, like, vastly different from ours. But it is a little similar. The thing is though, they don't have a lot of resources, of course, to, like, treat things early on. Yeah. So when we went to the diabetes clinic, we saw a lot of wounds and necrosis from diabetes.
Speaker 1:And I and I didn't know that diabetes could cause all of this. Yeah. Like, all of this trauma to the body because in The US, we're able to prevent it. Mhmm. So that's a different thing.
Speaker 1:But when I was shadowing in the OR, I think there was less less sterile techniques used Right. And compared to when I shadowed an OR here. So that's a little different too. But other than that, like, they're just trying their best to care for their patients and to treat their problems and their wounds. Yeah.
Speaker 1:They're doing their best.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Absolutely. That's awesome. After going on this trip, is this something did this like inspire maybe wanting to travel more in the future? Like, would you wanna go on a trip like this again maybe in the next like couple years?
Speaker 1:Yeah. I I definitely would. I loved traveling to a different country and just being able to experience their culture.
Speaker 3:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:Also, the people that I've met on this trip, it's I still talk to them and I'm still friends with And I I just think it's a really good experience overall and just being able to witness their culture and experience their food. Like, it was awesome.
Speaker 2:Yeah. I love that. What is your advice to people maybe wanting to study abroad or to people who have a trip planned, what would you wanna tell them?
Speaker 1:Don't be scared. I was I was scared going into the trip because I'm like, I don't I don't I came in with my two friends and those were the only people that I knew. Yeah. But I was like, we're kinda just gonna be alone in this. Like, we're not gonna we we don't really know the language, so it's gonna be difficult.
Speaker 1:But it was a lot of fun and it was a lot of great memories that were made. Also, be open minded. Like, be open minded to try new things and to meet new people and to talk to new people. Like, it it I don't It was just a great experience.
Speaker 2:Yeah. It's great. I feel like it's so great to do stuff like that when you're young too because, like, when else are you just gonna be able to go spend a week in a country and like do like crazy stuff like Like, I feel like it's such a good time, especially like college students who are still like finding yourself and like doing that in a different country would just be so cool. I'm I'm taking advice from you because I'm also studying abroad soon. And I have no idea what to expect but I think it's gonna be really fun.
Speaker 2:But yeah. Well, thank you so much for coming on today, Caitlin. That was super great.
Speaker 1:Having me.
Speaker 2:This was really fun. Course. I loved hearing about your experience. But yeah. Thank you.