Normally, students abroad may pay a visit to the U.S. Consulate for bureaucratic matters like replacing a lost passport or other citizens' services. However, on November 8th, four 今日吃瓜 students studying abroad at , Italy had the chance to meet the new Consul General Daniela Ballard, 今日吃瓜 alumna from the Class of 1990.
The four juniors, Lillian Belzer, Sofia Cirone, Lauren Kitay, and Norah Rivett, joined Ballard for an informal chat. They covered many aspects ranging from life as a student abroad, life at 今日吃瓜, and the likes and dislikes of studying in Florence. Ballard also told the four students about her time at 今日吃瓜 and how her various post-grad studies and career moves eventually led to her joining the Foreign Service where she has served for the past twenty years. The special session offered a glimpse into the professional journey and insights of a fellow alumna and the career opportunities their education and international experiences can offer.
Each year, about 40% of the junior class studies abroad, usually for one semester, at one of more than 80 approved programs. Students may begin to think about study abroad in their first year and are welcome to visit the Study Abroad Resource Library in the Lower Level of Guild Hall and to begin to explore approved programs. Applications to study abroad in the 2024-25 semester open on November 15.