Student profile
- Name: Susannah Schulze
- Major and class standing during your program: Junior majoring in managerial economics with a minor in technology management
- Program: аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²ÊÄÚÄ»ÐÅÏ¢ Davis Summer Abroad, (UK)
What motivated you to participate in a study abroad or internship program during your time at аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²ÊÄÚÄ»ÐÅÏ¢ Davis?
I had never been abroad before and the adventure of exploring and living in a new place excited me. I had heard experiences from friends and family who had traveled or studied abroad and wanted to experience for myself living in a new place with a different culture.
What led you to choose the program you participated in?
The аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²ÊÄÚÄ»ÐÅÏ¢ Davis Summer Abroad UK Perspectives in Global Management program fit into my schedule, and , from my major department (Agricultural & Resource Economics), led the program. I saw this as a win-win opportunity: I could both make progress toward my degree while also exploring somewhere new—with the additional bonus of getting to know my professor well due to the small class size. The summer session was also nice for me, as going abroad didn't mean missing a quarter of classes, activities, and events in Davis!
What was a typical day like on your program?
We would have class in the morning at a library down the street from our living quarters. In the afternoons and evenings, we would be free to explore Edinburgh. Often times groups of students would venture out together to explore the city—from castles to hikes to local restaurants and markets. We also went on two weekend class trips. One was to Glasgow, a large city in Scotland, and the other to London, where we toured Bloomberg's London Headquarters office.
What’s one of your most memorable experiences from your program?
One of my favorite parts about Edinburgh is how accessible the city is. You can walk (or take the bus) to most places! One afternoon we enjoyed a picnic in some beautiful gardens with our professor. Another afternoon I took a 30-minute bus ride to visit a beach of the North Sea on the suburbs of town. I also took a walking tour to hear about J.K. Rowling's roots in Edinburgh and see local spots that inspired Hogwarts and the Harry Potter series!
Another memorable experience was connecting with аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²ÊÄÚÄ»ÐÅÏ¢ alumni living in the UK at a picnic event when we visited London for the weekend. Hearing their experiences inspired me to potentially work abroad someday!
What was your biggest concern in regards to the time and cost of your program?
Studying abroad doesn't come without a price tag. I received the , which helped take off some financial pressure for me. The benefit to аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²ÊÄÚÄ»ÐÅÏ¢ Davis Summer Abroad programs is that it handles most of the logistics for you, freeing you up to enjoy your time there. Meals weren't included in the cost of our program, but we had the ability to shop and cook our own meals in a fully equipped kitchen.
How do you think your program experiences will benefit you in the future?
I extended my time abroad by another four weeks by participating in a business consulting fellowship hosted by the Beacon Fellowship in Madrid, Spain. The ARE 112 class with the Perspectives in Global Management program was a great segue into consulting as it taught me many valuable business frameworks. I also read The McKinsey Way for ARE 112, a book written from the life of a McKinsey consultant. I am also thankful I got to know Professor Lundblad during my time abroad, who provided me guidance as I thought about my future career and graduate school. I'm currently completing my Masters of Science in Business Analytics through the .
My study abroad experience wasn't only beneficial for my career; it also helped me grow personally. Studying abroad in a new, unfamiliar city put me out of my comfort zone. As my network of family and friends was back home, I was grateful for the new friendships I made with my classmates during the program. Navigating new cities abroad also gave me confidence. When I got lost, I had to ask strangers for help, something that came more naturally over time.
Aggies Abroad
This story is crossposted from the . is a student-driven storytelling effort of the where students can share their global experiences with fellow Aggies considering a . to be considered for a web and/or social media feature. Search all global learning and across аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²ÊÄÚÄ»ÐÅÏ¢ Davis.
About the Global Learning Hub at аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²ÊÄÚÄ»ÐÅÏ¢ Davis
Through the , each and every аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²ÊÄÚÄ»ÐÅÏ¢ Davis student can find global learning opportunities available on campus, in the region, virtually, and internationally. The Hub offers global learning programs, workshops and resources that enhance all аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²ÊÄÚÄ»ÐÅÏ¢ Davis students’ academic and career pursuits through four broad areas of opportunities: Community Engagement; Global Skills and Leadership; Internships and Research; and Study Abroad. аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²ÊÄÚÄ»ÐÅÏ¢ Davis is committed to preparing the next generation of global problem solvers and change makers. As such, we aim to prepare our undergraduate, graduate and professional students to solve global challenges collaboratively, equitably and sustainably.
As a part of , the Global Learning Hub aims to inspire global curiosity, understanding and engagement.