Tara Trudnak recently returned from her Field Experience in the Dominican Republic in May-June, 2006 and reported on her work there in dealing with domestic violence.  More

USF understands that the first experience in a country like the United States can be exhilarating and challenging at the same time. USF Health's International Programs Office helps make the connections that ensure that study or research in the U.S. is a rewarding and memorable experience. Max Moreno of Cartagena, Colombia, is earning a PhD in public health with a concentration in environmental and occupational health.

"  I was looking for a university where I could earn a PhD out of my country. Unfortunately in Colombia there are not the best conditions and help in order to study for a Ph.D. program or develop a professional career in research. Besides that, I have always been interested in knowing different cultures and studying in a developed country. In Colombia, I was working in a government aquaculture research station. I wanted to achieve my big dream of earning a Ph.D. in a developed country and prayed for that dream to become true. I experience new emotions and expectations each time I arrive into a new country. In the United States, the people are friendly and nice although not very aware of the world outside the U.S. Definitely I can say with pleasure that faculty and other students at USF made me feel welcome. The greatest challenges were being admitted to the PhD program, and being able to study in a language that I learned well while doing the program. The greatest rewards: many good friends, the knowledge I have received, and the satisfaction of having the opportunity to teach and share what I know.

Between our countries, there are a few key differences. The level of consumerism is much lower in my country. Family structure places the importance on the group, whereas in the U.S. importance is placed on the individual. But there are common bonds: both countries have government systems based on presidential republics and follow similar economic models"

- MAX MORENO

Those who study abroad say nothing can replace the experience of being surrounded by and immersed in a different culture. Desirae Nasrallah, a USF public health student specializing in global health, went to Haiti with Food for the Poor, conducted community needs assessments in the Dominican Republic and worked alongside local residents to construct a safer water system in Ecuador.

 " There has been no other country I have visited that made such a strong impression as Haiti. When I first stepped off the plane my heart was racing. I was truly walking into the unknown. Having fellow classmates by my side was an extraordinary comfort. Being in a new country is an amazing and irreplaceable experience, but being able to share that experience with other makes it unimaginably powerful?I noticed the eyes of the people. Most of the children smiled and most of the elderly smiled. It was the eyes of those in between that sometimes seemed to express being on the brink of hopelessness?They were caught up in the struggle... their eyes were laden with the uncertainty of what tomorrow might bring. Still, that being said, the people seemed happy with life's simple treasures ?the company of a good friend, and if they were lucky, a hot meal and a place to call home. Coming from the United States, it was a huge lesson to slow down and notice what is going on around you. It was refreshing to be in a place where people mattered more than things.

You become aware that one person can truly make a difference?all you have to do is speak up! You are never prepared for the lessons you will be taught abroad. You leave a part of yourself behind and bring back the spirit of the people?You are won over by the spirit of the people. All of a sudden you are a changed person ?and you never even knew a change was coming. Going abroad, anywhere abroad, is the best education you will ever receive."

- DESIRAE NASRALLAH