Global Learning
Caroline Harik
eportfolio
About Me
My name is Caroline Harik and I am a senior biology and global studies double major. I will be graduating with leadership distinction in Global Learning in May 2020 from the University of South Carolina. I knew I wanted to study abroad as soon as I came to USC. I had traveled abroad with my family previously, but those trips were mainly to visit family and I wanted a different experience. After I added global studies as my second major, I really started to think about when and where I would go abroad. I had traveled to Paris before, but I was too young to remember what it was like. I chose to study in Paris because I already had an appreciation for French culture but wanted to fully experience it. I was able to do just that in a semester and practice my French language skills.
I plan on getting my masters in global health after graduating, and many of the programs I applied to recommended study abroad experience. After completing my master’s degree, I hope to work for a governmental or non-governmental organization creating programs for – populations. Many of my experiences abroad have prepared me to work in new environments with people from many different places. While in Paris, I had to learn new social norms and adapt to the culture in order to have a better experience. These skills will aid me in my future career where I could be working with many different background and languages. Going into study abroad with an open mind really allowed me to gain new insights and learn something new every day.
Hopefully, my key insights will provide a look into what I have learned while attending USC and studying abroad. Studying abroad taught me about biases, the environment, and history. The leadership section focuses on my plan to implement a post study abroad experience so students can reflect more on their time abroad. It has been beneficial for me to reflect while creating this eportfolio.