Global Chats
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Global Chat — Summer European Innovation Academy

Listen as Franklin College students Nagib Afani ’24, Matthew Arcari ’24, Zachary Fichter ’25, and Braden McGowan ’25, share their experiences participating in the European Innovation Academy in Porto, Portugal.

The episode is guest-hosted by Jeremy VanAndel, Professor of Business and Director of Professional Development.

 

Global Chat — Summer Study in Europe

Listen as Franklin College students share their experiences calling Europe home for the summer.

The episode is guest-hosted by Annie Kruse, Health and Counseling Center.

 

Amy Garrido Portillo ’24

Junior Amy Garrido Portillo is a Political Science major who spent her summer studying and interning in Rome, Italy!

Amy made sure she appreciated the experience while in the moment. “I would go to the Trevi Fountain, for example, and just sit on one of the benches to hear the waterfall. Since Rome is so touristy, it was sort of magical to find the beauty of the city in all of the chaos. The lights, the ongoing conversations around you, the monuments—I think the best way to put it is that it all just felt like being in a movie.”

 

Cara Mullen ’24

Junior Cara Mullen is a Political Science and Philosophy double major on the pre-law track who spent her summer studying abroad in Copenhagen and Stockholm!

Cara credits this summer for helping her learn what she really wants to do with her education and her future career. ”If you have the opportunity to go, go.”

 

Global Chat — Internship in Costa Rica

Listen as Franklin College student shares his experience participating in an internship program in Costa Rica. Learn more about what led him to his study away adventure and the passion he has for working with children.

The episode is guest hosted by Dr. Sara Colburn Alsop, Franklin College Professor of Spanish.

 

Nolan Cook ’23

Senior Nolan Cook is a Creative Writing major with a minor in Spanish. He spent his summer interning with after-school program outside of San Jose, Costa Rica.

“My time in Costa Rica was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and it reminded me of the huge differences I can make in people’s lives,” Cook said.

 

 

Global Chat Spanish internships -1

Listen as Franklin College study away alumni chat about their experience in Spain participating in summer internships. Learn more about what led them to a study away experience, what an internship overseas abroad was like, and how their experiences will follow them after they graduate from Franklin College.

This episode is guest hosted by Sara Kinder, Director of Counseling.

 

Annah Elliott

Meet Annah Elliot ’23.

Annah is in her senior year at Franklin College majoring in Political Science with a minor in History. Annah spent this time this summer interning at Coffee Women, a non-profit organization in Barcelona, Spain. During the internship, she helped to research global concepts that could be integrated into her organization.

“My time abroad was life-changing and challenging all at the same time,” Elliott said.

 

 

Nagib Afani

Meet Nagib Afani ’23, a Business Management major and member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.

Nagib is spending his summer interning at Kalypso, a retro fashion company inspired by the 1950s, in Barcelona, Spain! Nagib is responsible for analyzing website data and looking for areas the company can improve upon.

“The connections I have been able to make during this trip are amazing,” Afani said. “I was able to meet people from all over the world and learn about different cultures. There are so many places where you can go and hang out with your friends. The environment is very friendly, safe, and fun.”

 

 

Rebecca Pfeifer

Meet Rebecca Pfeifer ’23, an exercise major and member of the Women’s Swim & Dive team.

Rebecca is spending her summer completing an internship at Instituto Poal de Reumatologia in Barcelona, Spain! Instituto Poal is a rheumatology clinic that directs its work to the treatment of pain in the musculoskeletal system, pain management, and pain prevention.

Her primary responsibilities this summer are assisting with the clinical trial Instituto Poal is currently conducting and observing physiotherapy visits.

“Living in Barcelona has been so amazing it’s hard to choose just one favorite thing,” Pfeifer said. “I really love immersing myself in the culture and seeing all the beautiful sights around the city.”

 

 

Global Chat: Ghana

Listen as Franklin College study away alumni chat about their experience in Ghana participating in a medical internship program. Learn more about what led them to a study away adventure, what an internship overseas entailed, and what lessons they have brought to our campus community following their experience.

This episode is guest hosted by Emily Olibo, Director of Alumni Engagement and Campus Partnerships.

 

Sydney Bostic

Meet Sydney Bostic ’23!

Sydney is one of three Grizzlies who spent a portion of this summer volunteering with and shadowing various medical professionals from the OB/GYN, Pediatrics, Surgery, Ultrasonography, and Emergency Departments at Manhyia District Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana!

“The best part about the trip was immersing myself in the culture and meeting other volunteers from around the world. We had traditional drum circles, bonfires, trips to historical sites, ate traditional Ghanain dishes, gave back to local villages, and even went to church. I learned about the healthcare system in Ghana and how it compares to others around the world. I could post a million photos, but nothing will capture how amazing my experience in Ghana was.”

 

Sydney Pitts

Meet Sydney Pitts ’24!

Sydney is the second of our three Grizzlies who spent time this summer volunteering at Manhyia District Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana!

Her primary focus was labor and delivery. She had the opportunity to be by the patients’ side through the entire delivery process, assisting the nurses in the unit with whatever they needed!

“Between visiting the children in the school, hospital, orphanage, and village, I could play with them and put a smile on at least one child’s face while there, and that’s what made the difference for me. Just talking to them and giving them the smallest amount of attention made them so happy.”

 

Morgan Nelson

Meet Morgan Nelson ’23!

Morgan is the third Grizzly who spent time this summer volunteering at Manhyia District Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana!

“My favorite thing about Ghana was the welcoming environment fostered by everyone that I met. From the moment I landed in Accra, I was met only with friendly faces. People would stop what they were doing just to greet one another. I was able to make connections that will last a lifetime!”