Samantha Markle
Major:
Marketing with a PR certificate.
Campus activities:
Phi Mu, Alpha Kappa Psi, Circle of Excellence, Cincinnati Dance Marathon.
Co-op placements:
Intern at American Modern Insurance Group.
Graduation year:
2018.
Location and type of program where you studied abroad:
Faculty-led program in London.
Describe your study abroad location for someone who has never been there:
London is the capital of the United Kingdom and is one of the most globalized cities in the world. Central London is full of big name companies, is rich with cultural sites, and is one of the most welcoming cities you will ever visit. The climate in the spring is slightly chilly with lots of windy days and a bit of rain. Many of the buildings are old but are kept very nicely which makes it a beautiful city to walk around. There is truly so much to see, things to do, and lots of great food to eat!
Why did you choose your program?
I chose the faculty-led program to London because I had never been abroad and wanted to start somewhere that primarily spoke English and was a highly-rated place for tourists. I had heard London was a beautiful place to visit and that there was so much culture to learn about, so i wanted to be able to experience it for myself.
How did you afford an international experience?
I was able to afford an international experience through the Circle of Excellence grant and a UC International grant.
What was your favorite class or academic activity abroad? Why?
My favorite academic activity abroad was a lecture from Dr. Andrew Staab about the European Union. Although I had some prior knowledge about the EU, it was very interesting to learn about the history and current state from an expert.
How has study abroad changed you as a person?
Study abroad has opened my eyes to different cultures and being more accepting of others who may do things differently than I do. It has made me excited and eager to travel more and see other parts of the world.
What professional networking did you do abroad?
During my time abroad I got the opportunity to attend a Dean's Lecture at the CASS business school. The speaker was Mark Wilson, CEO of Avivia, one of the largest insurance companies in Europe. He was very interesting and his passion for what he does was evident through the way he presented himself. After his lecture, the group of us that attended were invited to a reception where we got the opportunity to network with Mark.
What is something you learned from studying abroad?
I learned to do what the locals doo. There might be some things (even waiting in line) that are different in other countries, and in situations where you might be unsure of what to do, it's better to just follow what a local is doing.
What accomplishment are you most proud of during your time abroad?
I am most proud of all the new foods I tried while i was abroad. There were a few things I tried such as lamb, falafel, tuna, and curry that I would probably not have tried at home. I really enjoyed branching out of my comfort zone and doing new things.
Why should every student study abroad?
Every student should study abroad because it is an eye-opening experience of the many different cultures around the world. Whether it is culturally or through business, each country does things a little differently and I think it would be of great benefit for everyone to experience that.