Making a virtual leap into an online Summer Study Abroad Program

Whether it is doing part-time work, an internship, or acquiring a driver's license, university students have an unlimited number of ways to spend their summer holidays. Considering the options, I was thinking of maintaining an academic focus for the first part of this summer. Around this time, I happened to see information about the Summer Study Abroad Program, and also discovered that the program fee at the Summer School of Sustainability was completely waived, that is, gratis. Because I am interested in sustainability, I felt that this was the most productive way to spend this time. When physically going abroad to study, a large amount of money is required for travel and living expenses, but if it is online one can easily participate from one's home. While the disadvantage of studying online is that you do not meet other people in person, I felt that the style of this program suited me well, and that I could learn in an environment where I could relax.

Finding inspiration every day

I have been interested in biology for a long time, and the program I participated in this time around was a course focused on biodiversity. The classes were delivered via a combination of on-demand videos and real-time classes, and we had weekly discussions about readings in a class of approximately twenty students. Many of my classmates participated from countries around Europe, and I was deeply inspired by them; I was particularly impressed by their assertiveness in discussions. Despite English being a second language for many of them, they could articulate their thoughts very well and they made the discussions vibrant; during the class, I often felt less confident in my ability to express myself. We have many opportunities for discussion at ICU, but I detected differences in the intensity of debate and the engagement of individual students.

At other times (in virtual fieldwork both video and real-time), we toured aquariums and botanical gardens, and in a design contest, groups of students discussed and presented ways to achieve a Sustainable Development Goal. Each day was very rewarding, as I was able to listen to various people and learn through them.

Revitalizing my interest in biology

I became more conscious of the importance of having the ability to articulate one's thoughts and opinions through the Summer Study Abroad Program. At the same time, it reaffirmed my passion for biology. I had previously only a vague idea of wanting to major in biology, but after interacting with this class, the path I wanted to take became clearer. I decided that in the biology field, I want to specialize in biodiversity and ecology. Moreover, I also developed an interest in exchange programs, and I plan to study these subjects during a year abroad in my third year.

My current goal for the future is to work in the field of biodiversity. This study abroad program consolidated this goal, and I would highly recommend the online Summer Study Abroad Program to those who wish to explore their interests, and also for those who are hesitating.