Study Abroad Graduating Student Profiles
A study abroad experience will broaden a student's horizons, develop cultural competencies, and might even be a defining moment leading to career paths and advanced degrees! We know that studying abroad improves students' experience in college and bolsters their career prospects. Students who study abroad are more likely to graduate and earn better grades.
Two University of Arizona students who have been working for the study abroad team are graduating this spring. Topacio and Taylor are perfect examples of the impact that studying abroad can have on career and life trajectories.
Congratulations to graduating senior, Topacio Salazar
Topacio has worked as a Peer Advisor in the Study Abroad program since Fall 2019. We asked her to share her perspective on studying abroad and tell us about her future plans.
My major: I will be graduating with a degree in Animal Science with an Equine Emphasis
Where I studied abroad: I participated in the Arizona in Orvieto, Italy program. (I also visited Barcelona, Paris, and Iceland)
What I loved about it: The culture! In Italy it is normal to be out and about at midnight, just hanging out with friends, sitting in the plaza, and having fun. Life there moves a lot slower than life in the U.S. does, and it is so refreshing.
What I liked about working in Arizona Global: The best part is being able to help people through their excitement of studying abroad. I get to relive my experience while experiencing excitement for someone else's experience as well! I also get to be there for students who are on the fence or unsure about studying abroad and it is very rewarding to help them feel comfortable about traveling across the world.
Future inspirations/gratitude: I am very grateful and blessed to have experienced studying abroad and working with the staff at Arizona Global. Getting to live on the other side of the world is life changing and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat! The staff at Arizona Global are amazing and so kind, they really push me to experience more and to enjoy all that traveling, and life has to offer.
Because of these amazing people and experiences, I am now going abroad once again, to pursue my master's degree at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland!
Congratulations to graduate student, Taylor Goldstein
Taylor worked as a Peer Advisor for Study Abroad before she became a graduate intern in Fall 2020. She worked as an Email Manager for the program in Spring 2021. We asked her to share her perspective on studying abroad and tell us about her future plans.
My major: I will be graduating with an AMP (Advanced Master's Program) in Communication.
Where I studied abroad: I participated in the Arizona in Orvieto, Italy program in Spring 2019.
What I loved about it: Orvieto will forever be my second home! I loved living in a small town where I could really get to know the area and the locals, but also take a quick hour and half train ride to Rome or Florence to explore the cities. Orvieto gave me a really authentic experience where we learned about Italian culture including how to make the best handmade pasta and where the best spots were for aperitivo.
What I liked about working in Arizona Global: I love helping people begin their journeys to study abroad. I know how much study abroad impacted my own life, and it excites me to help others achieve that as well!
Future inspirations/gratitude: After graduation, I plan to stay in study abroad and the field of higher education. Eventually, I plan to pursue my PhD, hopefully in a country abroad!
On behalf of the Study Abroad Team and Arizona Global, we wish Topacio and Taylor (and ALL of our graduating #WildcatsAbroad community) a heartfelt congratulations! Thank you for stepping into a new country with an open mind and a willingness to learn and adapt, and for bringing that wisdom back to share and help other Wildcats!