My STEP Signature Project was a global education experience through the CYA (College Year in Athens) and DIS) programs. I took a course called Tasting Culture: Nordic & Mediterranean Food, Tradition, & Nutrition which gave me OSU credit for ANTH 326. The course was in Greece and Denmark, and I studied the influences of culture on food, tradition, and nutrition through field work, excursions and study tours.

My STEP Signature Project was such an incredible experience. It taught me so much about Nordic and Mediterranean cuisine and culture, but also taught me a lot about myself as a person. The course itself challenged me and transformed my understanding and way of thinking about society and culture in an academic environment. Outside of academics, this experience resulted in much personal growth and realization. Going into this project I had always thought of myself as someone who struggles with change, however, throughout this experience, I realized this is not the case. I discovered that I have strong adaptability and that I enjoy trying new things even if I am initially hesitant. Although my uncertainty leading up to the start of my project was immense, my excitement drove me forward. I was ultimately able to embrace the risk and change that came with being in a new country with new people. This experience was very rewarding and has reminded me that I am strong and very capable of taking risks and embracing change.

As a STEM major, I don’t often take classes that aren’t sciences, so this class was unlike any others I have taken throughout my undergraduate career. Throughout my class lectures and activities, I learned to think about society and culture in a different way than I am used to. We discussed theories often and used them to break down and analyze common societal processes, especially ones surrounding food. Culture was another important topic that we often discussed. We learned how to analyze and write about culture in the field of social science. We were encouraged to go beyond basic descriptions of social and cultural processes and dig deeper to understand them in a different perspective. At first, I struggled to take this new academic approach, but ultimately it helped me to expand the way I learn and think about things.

Field work was a large component of this course and as a result we learned a lot from it. We would go to places called “food scapes” such as food markets, restaurants, grocery stores, festivals, etc. to observe and engage to draw conclusions involving the society and culture of the areas. Our professors taught us how to observe and identify our own biases through reflection. We practiced our writing skills through analysis papers and reflected on the societal and cultural concepts at play in these food scapes. These assignments required a much different skillset that I am used to utilizing and I grew so much in my writing skills. Overall, the uniqueness of the course including class lectures, field work, and field studies allowed me to expand my perspective on academic approaches.

Traveling independently as a young woman was something I had never done before, let alone spending 4 weeks in a foreign country with people I have never met. Though exciting, the trip was daunting. I often worried leading up to the trip if I would feel safe, if I would get along with my roommates, and if I would be ok without my familiar people. All these things were valid risks, but I chose to take them regardless. This took mental and emotional strength that I am proud to say that I have. This experience has given me a new kind of confidence when it comes to taking on challenges. Better yet, since I dared to take these risks, I was able to meet some of the greatest people and experience the most incredible things. I have made lifelong friends and memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Experiencing unfamiliarity offers new perspectives and it is something I engaged in frequently throughout my project. In the classroom, I was taught different academic perspectives, which will allow me to expand my thinking and analysis throughout the rest of my undergraduate and graduate education. During field work and study tours, I got to engage with locals and participate in different cultural activities different from my own. I learned so much about the Danish and Greek culture that really expanded my mind to how other people and societies live. Everything I learned from these experiences, I will carry with me during my future academic and professional endeavors. The confidence I have gained in myself through taking risks and being independent is something that I will utilize in all areas of my life. Especially now as rising senior, the reminder that being vulnerable is necessary and taking risks is vital to grow as a person is what I needed. I have made connections with friends from all over the U.S. and will continue to foster them. Connection is truly one of the greatest parts of humanity whether it benefits you professionally, personally or emotionally. As I enter this pre-transitional period in my life, I will hold these lessons with me as I navigate the possibilities of my future post-graduation. STEP Reflection Photo – Denmark STEP Reflection Photo – Greece

For my STEP project, I participated in the Hispanic Studies study abroad program in Valencia, Spain. Alongside fellow students from the United States, I took two classes (Spanish Cinema and Spanish Literature) with Universitat de Valencia professors. When I was not in class, I explored different areas of Spain, including the following: Barcelona, Madrid, Peñíscola, Alicante, Toledo and Granada. I lived with a host mom and two roommates who also attend Ohio State.

While in Spain, my eyes were opened to the connection between language and identity. Spain is a country with rich linguistic diversity. While castellano (Spanish) is the official language of Spain, several autonomous communities have their own official languages– Catalonia has Catalan, Galicia has Galician, and the Basque Country has Basque. There are also distinct regional dialectal differences within each language. For example, the castellano of Andalusia has linguistic features that are remarkably distinct from the castellano of Castille-La Mancha. While I knew these facts coming in, thanks to my linguistic classes, I didn’t fully understand the extent to which language, identity, and pride are intertwined. 

My deeper understanding of language and identity that developed while I was in Spain was influenced by both my classes and small interactions I had with strangers. In my Spanish Cinema class, I learned that the autonomous communities that speak languages other than Spanish (Galicia, Catalonia, and the Basque Country primarily), oftentimes use their languages as forms of resistance, as a way of distinguishing themselves from the rest of Spain and representing the complex historical and political relationships they have with the rest of the peninsula. We watched the blockbuster Spanish movie Ochos apellidos vascos, which taught me that speaking a certain language in Spain means identifying oneself as part of a social group and aligning oneself with all of the stereotypes that have been assigned to that group, for better or for worse. 

The most powerful lessons, however, came from what I consider “micro interactions”, or short moments I shared with strangers. For example, I once referred to valenciano, the dialect spoken in Valencia, as catalán, the language spoken in Catalonia, to a taxi driver. Valencian and Catalan are so similar that many linguists consider them to be two names for the same language, so I thought that referring to them as the same thing would be culturally appropriate. The taxi driver was offended, assuring me that Valencians do NOT speak Catalan and that the languages can not be equated. I realized that if one can be so offended when their language is mistyped, language must be tied to their very personal identity. As a result, I worked to better educate myself on the languages spoken in Spain and their intricacies. 

I had many “micro interactions” with strangers, such as customer service workers, that were surprised when I started speaking Spanish. Sometimes, I would speak in English with my friends and then switch to Spanish with Spaniards. They were excited to hear Spanish, commenting on our Spanish skills and eager to hear why we were studying Spanish in school. They seemed honored to hear that we chose to study their language in school, as if learning Spanish was a way of showing our respect for their country and their people. I concluded that if their language was not so important to them, they wouldn’t have been so excited to hear foreigners speak it. They hold their Spanish near and dear to their hearts, and they are ecstatic when others choose to learn it. 

This understanding that language and identity are so intrinsically intertwined will be incredibly valuable as I pursue my career as an elementary school teacher. Oftentimes, students who don’t speak English as their native language are asked to leave their native language at home entirely and only speak English while in school. However, I now understand that when we ask students to privilege English and reject their home language, we are in effect asking them to leave a core part of themselves at home. I want to create a classroom environment where all students feel safe, welcomed, loved, and free to be their complete selves. Therefore, when I have my own classroom next year, I will invite students to speak their native language in the classroom. I will elevate and honor all languages equally, celebrating linguistic diversity.

1. Please provide a brief description of your STEP Signature Project. Write two or three sentences describing the main activities your STEP Signature Project entailed.

For my STEP Signature Project, I embarked on a journey to Dresden, Germany, where I participated in German language courses at the city’s Goethe Institut. This program was facilitated by Ohio State’s Global Education, and I was grateful to partake in eight weeks of intensive German classes at the C1 level to bolster my skills and confidence while speaking German. I currently await the results from my final exam, which will decide whether I have earned the C1 certificate, allowing me to work in the German medical sector or study at a German university.

2. What about your understanding of yourself, your assumptions, or your view of the world changed/transformed while completing your STEP Signature Project? Write one or two paragraphs to describe the change or transformation that took place.

Having begun to learn German when I was eleven, I have become acquainted with the culture of many German-speaking countries over the years: through my studies, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland seemed to be familiar territory. Nevertheless, my summer abroad presented many surprises upon arrival. I had always heard about the transportation options available in Germany: the trains that move Germany’s population through its cities whenever desired, the parts of the highway without speed limits. But I was shocked by just how advanced and seamless the transportation was. For the months of June and July, I purchased a “Deutschland Ticket” for forty-nine Euros; this ticket allowed me to travel around the entire country with no further payments, boarding the S-Bahn, regional trains, and trams as needed. This was a colossal shift for me, as I had only ever lived in communities where cars topped the list of transportation options. Here I observed a mindset shift in myself: when reliable, alternative transport options are available, they often prove far superior to traveling by car. I feel far more passionate about supporting effective and sustainable (public) transportation options in Columbus now, having observed their impact in facilitating the daily movement of myself and others.

One additional mindset shift I have brought with me back to the United States: my relationship to consumption has been indelibly altered. In Europe, I noticed far more attention being paid to the mindful consumption of goods: people do not shop with plastic bags, food waste is widely discouraged, and sustainable clothing options are more widespread. In the United States, there often seems to be a culture of more: more new articles of clothing, more groceries than one can reasonably eat in a week, more souvenirs and décor and furniture… you name it. Like anyone else, I have fallen victim to this mindset in the past, but after observing the flourishing lives of many Germans who often experience contentment with what they already own, I certainly have questioned my own interiority and relationship to consumption. I have already embraced more sustainable practices: just yesterday, I stitched holes in some of my worn-out clothes that I previously would never opt to wear anymore. I strive for a life of less consumption thanks to my experience abroad.

3. What events, interactions, relationships, or activities during your STEP Signature Project led to the change/transformation that you discussed in #2, and how did those affect you? Write three or four paragraphs describing the key aspects of your experiences completing your STEP Signature Project that led to this change/transformation.

I had numerous experiences that significantly altered my relationship to transportation and consumption (as described in #2). Early in my experience at the Goethe Institut, I traveled with a group of my peers to Leipzig, a nearby city in Saxony, the German state in which Dresden is located. On this trip my friends helped me navigate the train system; using our Deutschland Tickets, we were able to travel to Leipzig completely free of charge, relying solely on the regional trains. As German culture highly values punctuality, the trains arrive almost always on time, adding a new level of security to travel plans in the country. Instead of having to drive to a new city – as I would be forced to in the United States – I could instead relax on the train to Leipzig, reading Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis. It made for an extremely efficient use of my time, and once I arrived in Leipzig, I was not stressed from what would have been a two-hour drive through traffic!

Another moment in Germany that gave me pause occurred during a conversation with my teacher at the institute, Ute. Ute told me that she bikes to class daily, effectively getting her exercise in while on the way to work. I had never heard of an American adult doing this, likely because the United States does not have the infrastructure that enables biking as a safe means of commuting to work. In Germany, I noticed that bike lanes are built into nearly every road – and because of this, they are heavily utilized by Germans on the move. This experience was particularly impactful to me, as it offered a moment where I realized the United States had room to improve in its infrastructure. We should aspire to have bike lanes safe and wide-reaching enough that everyone can choose biking, a healthy and environmentally friendly transportation option, as their means of getting to work. I stand firmly in this position now, and I plan to use my vote to support better public transportation and bike lanes in Columbus!

Once I arrived in Germany, one of my first tasks was to visit REWE, the grocery store. It was not until I stood in the check-out line that I realized there were no free grocery bags at the registers – instead, one could opt to pay twenty-five cents for a paper bag or a few Euros for a reusable tote. I experienced an initial tinge of annoyance – why should I have to pay just to carry my groceries home? – but now that I have gotten used to this new German supermarket practice, I do not think I will ever return to my old habits of consuming plastic bags at an Ohio Kroger. That day, I researched the effects of plastic bag use on the environment, and I became grateful for the reminder that German supermarkets provide their customers: it is the responsibility of everyone to make mindful decisions that will reduce waste. I bought a REWE tote bag covered in an asparagus pattern, and I have found it incredibly useful, even repurposing it to serve as more than a grocery bag.

The culture of environmentalism in Germany is not limited to the aisles of the supermarket; everywhere you turn in Germany, there seems to be a push to go green. At the Goethe Institut, the classroom and bathroom lights have motion detectors installed, ensuring that the lights will automatically power off if no one is in the room. Additionally, wind farms are ubiquitous all throughout Germany, even in the more conservative countryside; rather than the fossil fuels that many rural Americans champion, Germans of all backgrounds seem to have embraced renewable energy. This exposure has definitively encouraged me to support more sustainable business practices and lifestyle choices in the United States – working together, we can make a sizable change in our communities and ecosystems!

4. Why is this change/transformation significant or valuable for your life? Write one or two paragraphs discussing why this change or development matters and/or relates to your academic, personal, and/or professional goals and future plans.

This shift I have experienced – where I am far more interested in better transportation and a more environmentally conscious lifestyle – has already begun to creep into every facet of my life. As I enter my senior year of college, I have committed myself to a zero-waste school year. I have considered doing this even before Germany, but having seen a country committed to its ecosystem, I now know I am both willing and able to successfully carry out this goal. What I mean with this plan of “zero academic waste”: I intend to go the entire school year without using paper notebooks, plastic binders or pencil pouches, or fossil-fuel-powered transportation as I carry out my academics. In short: I intend to use my iPad for all assignments, and I will only get to class by foot or by bicycle, omitting transportation by car from my academic life. I hope that even through these small steps forward, I can reduce my carbon footprint and commit myself to a more sustainable academic life in a period of history that enables such a lifestyle. Outside of my academic life, I hope to rely on air travel less, instead opting for buses or the limited network of American trains to travel long distances. Although it may inconvenience me slightly, I want to use my dollar to support the more sustainable infrastructure that does already exist in the United States, hopefully encouraging further development of train lines and public transport in this country. Ultimately, the way German culture has so readily embraced sustainable living has greatly shaped how I plan to live my life moving forward – and I simply cannot wait to implement these choices that best align with my new values.

This was the view of Dresden’s Altstadt from the river. So many beautiful buildings!

Walking to class with my reusable asparagus tote bag from REWE. I got so much use out of this bag!

   I studied abroad in Perugia, Italy for ten weeks this summer. Studying in a small Medieval city with limited tourism allowed me to practice my Italian through true language immersion. I also got to take classes in a variety of other subjects as well!

This Summer made me realize how much I missed taking courses in and focusing my attention towards areas unrelated to my main academic focus, and having experiences that ignite interest in a new area. I had the opportunity to study the Anthropology of Food and Eating, the History of Food and Culture in Italy, and ceramics while in Perugia. I love my major here at Ohio State, criminal justice, and had forgotten how much I appreciate really diving into other subjects and interests as well. It was really fun to get to use parts of my brain I feel like I haven’t used in a while.  

               Practicing my Italian on a daily basis felt like I was constantly exercising a muscle in my brain that had been weak. There was definitely never ending trial and error in my abilities to communicate and follow custom.  It felt like there were a lot of unspoken rules, and any slip-ups led to potential eye rolls or smirks from locals. These experiences, while frustrating at times, also allowed me to have growth opportunities in practicing my Italian to ask for clarification or help if confused. 

               In the classroom, I’ve never taken a hand building ceramics course before this summer, and I really enjoyed that experience as well. It even inspired me to find a studio here in Columbus where I can continue! The condensed summer schedule led to long classes each day, which allowed me to really slow down and catch my breath while working with the clay which I appreciated. 

               The anthropology and history courses that I also took have completely changed how I view my relationship with food/the relationship we have with it as humans. Food carries so much historical and cultural significance that it’s often easy to forget when ingredients have become so mainstreamed. I found the readings and class discussions really interesting and would like to continue learning the history of food.

               This experience has been a wonderful reminder that while I’ve been entirely focused on my major for the last few years, my interests truly are vast and I can and should always access them regardless of what I’m doing in my professional life down the line. I will continue to stay curious and seek out experiences and opportunities that can help me understand myself and the world around me more. I am fortunate enough to have the resources to learn about nearly anything I want to in this world with a simple Google search at the very least, and I need to take advantage of that. 

1) My STEP project was a study abroad program with DIS Scandinavia. I studied abroad over the summer in Copenhagen, Denmark and Stockholm, Sweden.

2) Before my study abroad experience, my knowledge of Scandinavian countries was limited to knowing that, despite enduring cold and dark winters, they consistently rank among the happiest in the world according to various studies. I embarked on this journey with an open mind and a deep sense of curiosity. With this program, I was able to visit three countries: Denmark, Sweden and France (study tour). The first thing that I noticed when I traveled abroad was how different the architecture was from the United States. Copenhagen is known to have outstanding architecture and I think it truly lived up to its expectations. The old buildings are well preserved throughout the city and the modern buildings are a stark contrast and are spread throughout the city. In my opinion all of the architecture found throughout the city was jaw dropping compared to some other European cities that I have seen. Another very big difference in Copenhagen was seeing all the people biking and how well the infrastructure was to support this culture. Nearly every Dane owns a bike and many use it to commute to work even in the cold months. This was transformative to me because it showed me a different way of life that I did not know was possible. It allows them to live an active lifestyle by going about their daily lives. Moreover, Stockholm showed me how a well designed public transportation system can allow people to travel far distances without having to own a car. Their system was a mix of buses, the metro and ferries. With public transportation, I was able to travel over 30 km to various places.

3) One event that was transforming was my study tour to the French Riviera while I was taking my course in Copenhagen which was called “The Good Life.” This course entailed learning about philosophy and understanding what makes a good life good. We spent a lot of time reading from a few well known philosophers including Albert Camus, Søren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche. While on the study tour, we had the opportunity to visit the same places that some of these philosophers resided and hiked the same paths that they did. We walked the same paths they once did, experiencing firsthand the landscapes and environments that inspired their thoughts and writings.  This immersive experience profoundly changed my perspective on learning, demonstrating the powerful impact of interactive and experiential education. It went beyond the traditional classroom setting, making the lessons come alive in a tangible and meaningful way.

One activity that was transforming for me was riding a bike in Copenhagen. As stated in answer #2, the infrastructure set up for biking is not like any other in the world. There are bike lanes that are slightly raised from the roads in every major street that extend for miles beyond the main city center, allowing people to commute seamlessly via biking. The city of Copenhagen is flat, making biking a relatively easy task. Additionally, I was able to rent a bike through an app, allowing me to ride whenever I wanted. This was transformative for me because it was so easy to get around and was drastically different to my experience biking in the United States. The well-maintained bike lanes provided a safe and dedicated space for cyclists, something that is often lacking in many parts of the US. Instead of it being a scary and fearful experience, I felt at ease everywhere I went with the bike. Biking alongside the canals was an experience like no other.

One relationship that was transforming was meeting my friend Bella in my class in Stockholm. We took a class called “Photography in Europe: Technology, Culture and Art. Bella became a really good friend of mine through this class. During our field studies we would have fika, which meant that we would take a break to have coffee and a snack; we were able to bond during this time. We talked about nature and travel and all of our little adventures that we had throughout our trip. We went on hikes and took a boat to a nearby island. As we talked I learned about her background as a finance major but what she truly wanted to do was to be an entrepreneur. We talked a lot about food because she loved to learn about healthy ways of living. I also learned that she has a blog that she writes in her free time. Bella told me that what she wants to do at the end of the day is to create a business within the healthcare realm that is in tune with her healthy lifestyle. This was a transformative relationship because it has inspired me to think about a career as an entrepreneur and to create something that I am passionate about.

4) This study abroad experience was valuable to me because it allowed me to see a new part of the world and to live life in a completely different way. Studying and living in Copenhagen and Stockholm opened up my eyes to how different the lifestyle is between us. I gained a deeper appreciation for the Scandinavian approach to work-life balance, environmental sustainability, and social welfare. I noticed that people were, in general, happier and more relaxed on a daily basis. Being able to experience efficient public transportation, the biking culture and the abundance of parks and public spaces in a city impacted how I view major cities. It has allowed me to broaden my horizon and has inspired me to incorporate various aspects of Scandinavian lifestyle into my own routine.

This relates to my personal and academic goals because one day I want to move abroad and work in another country. Being able to have a taste of living and studying in two different countries over the summer opened my eyes to the world of possibilities that are out there. I met a medical doctor who lives in Stockholm but lived and trained in the United States. Through talking to her, I realized that my goal of working in healthcare and living abroad was much more attainable than I had previously thought. She has inspired me to continue to pursue my dreams of going to dental school and working in another country.

1. Brief Description of STEP Signature Project

For my STEP Signature Project, I participated in the Washington Academic Internship Program (WAIP) while interning at Invariant, a top lobbying firm in Washington, DC. My main activities included covering hearings, preparing background documents for client meetings, and working on projects related to plastic package recycling and energy/environmental policies.

2. Personal Transformation

During my STEP Signature Project, I experienced a significant transformation in my understanding of the complexities of policy-making and the importance of networking. Initially, I viewed policy-making as a straightforward process driven solely by facts and data. However, my time in DC revealed the intricate balance of interests, negotiations, and strategic communications involved. Additionally, I developed a deeper appreciation for the role of networking in professional growth and opportunities.

3. Key Experiences Leading to Transformation

Several key experiences during my STEP Signature Project contributed to my transformation. First, my involvement in hearings and client meetings at Invariant exposed me to the multifaceted nature of lobbying and policy advocacy. Observing how different stakeholders present their cases and influence decision-making processes highlighted the importance of persuasive communication and relationship-building.

Secondly, my research project for a client on post-consumer and industrial recycling challenged my previous assumptions about corporate sustainability initiatives. Engaging with industry experts and understanding the practical challenges and innovations in recycling expanded my perspective on environmental policies and corporate responsibilities.

Another pivotal experience was my informational interview with an individual who helped moderate the Bipartisan Policy Council’s Climate and Trade summit. This interaction not only provided insights into energy policy but also underscored the value of proactive networking. Their willingness to recommend me for a position with his energy team demonstrated the potential doors that networking can open.

Lastly, my mentor, Alex Temple, played a crucial role in my transformation. Our discussions about my internship, the benefits of in-person Masters of Public Policy programs, and the LSC fellowship program were instrumental in shaping my future academic and professional aspirations. Alex’s connections within the OSU alumni network and his introduction to key individuals in environmental policy were invaluable.

4. Significance of the Transformation

This transformation is significant for several reasons. Academically, it has solidified my interest in pursuing further studies in public policy, particularly in environmental and energy policies. Understanding the nuances of policy-making and the role of lobbying will enhance my analytical and strategic skills, which are essential for my future studies.

Professionally, the insights and connections gained during my internship will be instrumental as I navigate my career path. The emphasis on networking and relationship-building will guide my approach to professional interactions, making me more proactive in seeking opportunities and collaborations.

Personally, the experience has broadened my worldview, teaching me the importance of considering multiple perspectives and the power of effective communication. These skills and insights will not only aid my professional journey but also enrich my interactions and contributions to society at large.

In conclusion, my STEP Signature Project was a transformative experience that deepened my understanding of policy-making, highlighted the value of networking, and aligned my academic and professional goals with my newfound insights and aspirations.

For my STEP Signature Project I spent approximately 1.5 months in Copenhagen, Denmark as a software development intern at an early-stage startup. In tandem with this professional experience, I was enrolled in an accelerated entrepreneurship course at the Danish Institute of Study Abroad (DIS) where me and a team of peers created, developed, and pitched our own startups.  

My experiences abroad gave me much to reflect upon. The greatest impact that my time in Copenhagen had on me was how I perceived time. More specifically, what quantifies as ‘time well spent.’ In Denmark, and many of the other Western European countries I visited after the conclusion of the program, I felt a sense of slowness that simply does not exist in the United States. Not slowness as in ‘laziness,’ but slowness as in a heightened understanding and appreciation for the ‘here and now.’  

The Danes place high emphasis and importance on life outside of school and work. Academic and professional milestones take -on average- longer than they do to achieve in the United States, and the average working week in Denmark is marginally shorter than those typically seen in the States. This is not because the Danes are lazy, rather because their culture places a higher emphasis on working to live rather than living to work. Experiencing this way of life first-hand gave me a radically different perspective on life than what I am accustomed to in the States: both as a student and a working professional.  

Several different experiences contributed to this change. Some of the most transformative moments of my trip came from simple discussions over meals. There were many points in my time abroad where I ate with the Danes, whether they be my professors, flat mates, or my colleagues at work. Through these meals we had the opportunity to compare our respective experiences at home and abroad. It was eye-opening to see firsthand how drastically our cultures differed, but equally fascinating how similar we were to each other in many ways.  

Simply experiencing the Danish way of life was equally as important to contributing to this understanding of living a more balanced life. Walking through Copenhagen on a typical weekday yielded drastically different experiences than one would find walking through Columbus proper under similar conditions. Shops open later and close earlier, business professionals could be seen out at any time of day: sometimes seemingly doing everything but working, and Danish families with children of all ages could be seen cycling around the city at any time of day. Life in the big city was busy, but there was a collective understanding that there is much more to life than sitting behind a desk.  

The Danish art of ‘hygge’ is a perfect summary of these aforementioned experiences. Hygge -pronounced ‘hoo-guh’- has no direct English translation, and its definition can differ slightly depending on who you ask, but it is generally defined as a feeling of coziness or contentment evoked through comfort and/or companionship. Hygge is the soul of the Danish way of life. It is enjoying a ‘kanelsnegl’ -literally cinnamon snail- by candlelight in a quaint cafe. It is having a hearty meal with friends after a long day of work. It is reading a book in your kitchen nook to the soothing backdrop of the storm outside your window. Experiencing hygge is the epitome of living life in the present and gleaning the most out of any given experience.  

My time in Copenhagen had a profound impact on me in all spheres of my life. Professionally, it reinforced my interests in data-driven careers and computing. It gave me the confidence that I could learn new skills on the fly and showed me that I could successfully navigate vaguely defined requirements and metrics. It also proved to me that working in a startup environment is much harder than I had ever expected it to be. Academically, it fostered growth in my understanding of startup methodology and what it means to be an entrepreneur. I learned essential project management and planning skills that can be applied to all aspects of my life. I also learned first-hand just how hard it can be to work in a team with little to no blueprint to guide our decisions, and how to resolve difficult internal conflicts when they inevitably arise. 

The greatest impacts of the program manifested in my personal growth. I learned through my combined experiences that pursuing your passions is not enough to guarantee your success. In fact, there is no guarantee that you will be successful. The best indicator of success is measured by how many times you can bounce back from your inevitable failures, and how quickly you learn from those failures to influence your future decision making. Additionally, I learned just how important it is to take care of yourself. The hardest working, most successful people I met abroad were also the ones who took sufficient time for themselves to recuperate and steady themselves for the challenges ahead. Finding a balance between work and life is essential for a well-lived life.  

My STEP Signature Project consisted of a global education experience in London, England from May 13th until July 5th. During my eight weeks abroad, I studied British politics and interned for a nonprofit organization called Hope for the Young that assists refugees and people seeking asylum access mentoring and grant programs.

I could never have anticipated the shifts in my perspectives, behaviors, and views of the world which this experience would bring. Before landing in the United Kingdom, I assumed that the culture would be indistinguishable to that of the United States. However, I soon learned this was not the case, which led to modifications and expansions of my abilities, comfort zone and appreciation for the world around me. Living independently alongside the physical separation from loved ones also forced me to become more confident in both my navigation skills and self in general. My study abroad experiences completely transformed my time at Ohio State.

While visiting any city’s top attractions allows for quick and effective submersion into a new culture, I found speaking with others imperative to getting a better understanding of life outside of the United States. During lunch breaks at my internship, I spoke with my coworkers about the current political environments, university admissions and social norms of our respective countries. These moments provided bigger perspective on life in the United Kingdom and British humor. One weekend, I visited Wembley Stadium during one of Taylor Swift’s performances in London. Here, I met two fans in similar positions as me. While we all had totally different backgrounds, as one had just moved to London from New Zealand, and the other had just come back to the U.K. after finishing her undergraduate studies in Pakistan, we related based on our interests and our recent arrivals in the city. While we listened to Taylor’s singing, we also discussed our unique adventures, reminisced on our childhoods and examined how differently we all celebrated holidays. Through these many different conversations, I became more inquisitive and understanding about other cultures and new perspectives.

While abroad, I found my methodology for exploring new cities change. Prior to studying abroad, I researched and created an extensive list of interesting locations around London. During my first couple of weeks, I visited and checked off new sites every day, eager to see as much of London as I could. One day, a few classmates and I stopped by Hyde Park to sit and enjoy the warm sunshine, which was a pleasant change from the chilly rain that had passed through London. We sat on the grass, spent time together, made friends with the local geese and read the rest of that afternoon. While sitting there, I saw many locals enjoying the nice weather as well. From this point on, I realized the importance of appreciating every aspect of life, especially while in a new city. Days spent running around, rushing to new locations were exhilarating, but taking some time off to enjoy the natural scenes and environments were well worth my time, too.

While interning, I was provided exceptional opportunities to gain skills including leadership, initiative and adaptability. I had never worked with a nonprofit before, and I took advantage of every chance to learn and grow with them. My main duties as an intern included marketing and communication for the nonprofit, but the experiences I had didn’t stop with just those tasks. Instead, I also gained interview and ad management skills, learned about the nonprofit’s grant decision process and met their mentees and grant recipients during a picnic meant to commemorate the students they worked with. This experience increased my confidence, reliability, time management, and initiative skills immensely.

Professionally, I learned what working at a well-oiled nonprofit with a collaborative and enthusiastic team looked like. Every Wednesday, Hope for the Young held team meetings where everyone discussed the tasks they completed the previous week, what was on their plate this week and any of their “highs” for the week, which were heartwarming moments they experienced. I felt myself and my work was valued by the team, who welcomed me with open arms and allowed me to share my highlights and tasks every Wednesday. Academically, I learned about the British political system, its history and even met with a Member of Parliament during a class period. My classes also allowed for real-world exploration and curiosity. We went out and visited locations like the Docklands Museum and the Imperial War Museum for class, and we also took a day trip to Cambridge. During these periods, we explored personal interests which related to our class topics. Personally, I left the United Kingdom a totally different person. Due to my extended time in a foreign country, many aspects of my character were positively affected. I became more confident, understand the world a little better and appreciate what I’ve done and my time at Ohio State much more.

1. My STEP Signature Project was a three-week study abroad program to Copenhagen, Denmark and Munich, Germany through DIS Abroad. I took a course on the neuroscience of fear and anxiety and attended class in Copenhagen. I went on a study tour to Munich, where we visited sites that gave historical examples of the role that fear and anxiety plays in society.

2. Studying abroad in Europe was a completely transformative experience for me in many ways. This trip was my first time traveling entirely alone without any friends or family. This allowed me the opportunity to genuinely reflect on myself and my interests as it was the first time I wasn’t catering to the needs and interests of others. I learned a lot about myself and how to genuinely enjoy time spent alone. I also had to learn how to deal with feeling like an outsider on my own. While my Pakistani identity made me stand out in the US, it was entirely different when visiting a country that was mostly homogenous and Scandinavian. 

My view of the world also shifted as I learned a lot about northern european culture. Visiting Denmark was a very different experience from countries I have visited in Asia and the Middle East. I was able to see how much the Danish value their own culture and traditions and didn’t put English on a pedestal like many other countries, but instead just treated it as just another part of general education. I also learned a lot about the differing attitudes on mental health and homelessness in Germany. Whenever I considered topics on mental health, I typically only thought of the attitudes present in the US and believed that differences in opinion were mainly based on generational differences. However, I learned that some countries have an entirely different outlook from the US and genuinely work on rehabilitation and supporting people in a manner than the US has not considered. 

3. Spending the first few days of my trip by myself was a very transformative experience for me. I struggled to explore by myself, as I was unsure of the local customs and hesitant to sit in busy cafes and public spaces alone. These feelings were also made worse as I felt like I stood out significantly more as I noticed the city had much less diversity than I was used to. However, everywhere I went. I met locals that were incredibly kind and happy to start conversations. I also quickly became familiar with the area and learned to be excited about meeting new people and navigating unfamiliar territory.  

Another experience that transformed my view of northern European culture was the language differences. In Denmark, everyone spoke English as fluently as Danish, and I found it amazing how they were able to so easily switch between the two. In countries in Asia, I found that posters, store signs, and advertisements were often in English, despite most people not speaking much English. However in Denmark, all writing was still only in Danish even though they were fluent in English. I loved how clear it was that their Danish culture and language was valued and respected, and that knowing and using English didn’t mark superiority as I noticed in many other countries. 

The most transformative experience I had during my time abroad was one of the class trips I went on in Germany. On our first day, we toured a facility of an organization that works with homeless people. We spoke to a social worker about his daily life and his role in the facility. The facility was essentially an apartment building/dorm that housed homeless people. He discussed how the rooms and services provided were 100% free, and the people living there were not expected to leave. Instead of being a temporary arrangement, people were permitted to live there for their entire lives if they wished. He also discussed how, as the only psychologist in the building, he personality took care of each individual that lived there. I was so incredibly moved by his passion for genuinely helping people and focusing on making long term impacts in people’s lives. In the US, I feel like services for homeless individuals are focused on the short term and getting people quickly back on their feet, which doesn’t always actually target the root problems. The approach that Germany took had inspired me greatly and reminded me of why I originally sought out to join the social work field.

4. The personal and academic discoveries that I experienced made the study abroad trip one that I will never forget. Speaking to the social workers and touring the facilities in Germany was absolutely valuable and transformative as it inspired and motivated me to work towards my original goals. Working in the US, it is easy to fall into the belief that things must be done the way they always have been done. Seeing how differently mental health is treated in Europe reminded me that there are countless different approaches and ways to change our outlook and system. I absolutely needed this reminder, and I will never forget the stories of recovery and rehabilitation that I heard about. As I go on to work in the medical field, I will remember what I saw in Europe and how different approaches and outlooks are vital to giving each person the treatment that they deserve.

1. Please provide a brief description of your STEP Signature Project. Write two or three sentences describing the main activities your STEP Signature Project entailed.

My STEP Signature Project consisted of a four-week study abroad course in Prague, Czech Republic. During the project, we took a course at Charles University and spent the weekends traveling as a group to different cities in the Czech Republic or new countries. The program ended with exams in our classes that overviewed what we learned and how we can apply this to our home countries and the new countries we studied.

2. What about your understanding of yourself, your assumptions, or your view of the world changed/transformed while completing your STEP Signature Project? Write one or two paragraphs to describe the change or transformation that took place.

I tended to always notice major issues in the United States and used this as a way to complain about what was going on in the world. I noticed, however, that I was not looking at problems other where in the world and comparing this to the United States. Instead of constantly thinking about changes that needed to be made in the United States, I came up with real processes in other countries that I could utilize in my future career. As an education major, this is a problem that we run into a lot and I came to realize that there is no country that is flawless in this system, but there are people that can become educated on all of the issues and find a compromise to benefit the students.

I also got to look deep into myself and became more comfortable exploring and trying new things. I found myself adventuring off on my own and spending the end of the day using what I learned in class to adjust my thinking towards my habits. I gained the confidence that I needed to succeed in my studies in the future, because I felt that I could create good change on my own through exploration and studies.

3. What events, interactions, relationships, or activities during your STEP Signature Project led to the change/transformation that you discussed in #2, and how did those affect you? Write three or four paragraphs describing the key aspects of your experiences completing your STEP Signature Project that led to this change/transformation.

The first thing that really inspired me to be confident in who I was were the interactions that I had with my peers. We were all students who had come out to a new country knowing no one, and soon recognized that in itself was something that forced us out of our comfort zone. That one giant step made each of the smaller steps into exploring on my own or traveling to new countries a lot easier. These interactions also formed into fast friendships that I know I can return to any time in the future for that same motivation.

Furthermore, I took a class abroad that I thought was very beneficial to my future studies and the view I had on the world. This Global Economy course helped me and my peers learn that each country had its own struggles, and every person cannot only be judged by the views of the country they reside in. Each of the countries that we reside in or visited relies on each other and we can use these same relationships to learn and adjust the programs that we introduce into our own ideas.

As I reflect on my time abroad, I realize that this trip has made me more open to new ideas and more respectful of the cultures around me. I met people that could immerse me into a new culture and teach me new ideas that I can use to benefit my future students. I now have the background knowledge needed to learn about each of my students and be more accepting of the different cultures that I will meet in the future. Each student deserves respect and I feel that I have learned through meeting new people and learning how to be confident in my own abilities.

4. Why is this change/transformation significant or valuable for your life? Write one or two paragraphs discussing why this change or development matters and/or relates to your academic, personal, and/or professional goals and future plans.

As mentioned before, I feel that I can extremely benefit from this experience in my future classroom. As I traveled around Europe and sat through lecture about the global economy, I learned how to respect certain customs and studied the practices in different school system that find great success with students. As a person, I have always been shy and reserved, and found it hard to participate in class and share my ideas. With the new values I have gained, I feel confident enough to really investigate my ideas that I am willing to present in the future and start sharing my findings with people who can help me create success for students and teachers throughout the world.