Lauren Discusses the Academic Benefits Associated with Studying Abroad
When Lauren
decided she wanted to spend her entire freshman year abroad at the age of 18,
she never anticipated how much of an impact the experience would have on her
future. Living and studying in Panama, Republic of Panama and Valencia, Spain
with FSU exposed her to a life of adventure, new friendships, and a different
outlook on her field of study. “I always knew I wanted to do something in
Meteorology, but never had a specific branch in mind.”
While in
Panama, Lauren decided to enroll in International Affairs and Environmental
Problems and Economic Development. The International Affairs course prompted
Lauren to take scientific concepts and look at them from different
perspectives. Her final project entailed analyzing climate change using various
international perspectives. The Environmental Problems and Economic Development
course focused primarily on current environmental problems Panama faced. “The
knowledge gained through those classes helped me discover a hidden desire to study
the societal impacts of weather and climate in developing countries,” she says.
Now, as a junior,
Lauren continues to see the benefits of studying abroad. As a Meteorology and
Geography major, she recently won a scholarship from the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration. She credits the selection to her essay about her abroad experience. “I believe my
time abroad helped me stand out as an applicant. It helped me grow as a
student, global citizen, and future researcher. I contribute the nine months I
spent in Panama and three months I spent in Valencia to the numerous
opportunities I have received while back in the states.” One of those
opportunities includes joining the International Programs Student Recruiter
team at FSU. She looks forward to working on academic research and completing a
Honors in the Major Thesis while sharing her passion for international travel
with fellow students during her remaining years at Florida State.
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| This photo was taken of Lauren while she was studying in Panama |
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