This summer I studied abroad in Madrid, Spain and Florence, Italy with the Global Food Science and Health program.

Being a Food Science major made the program very important to me. I was able to see different ways of food production, farming techniques, ways to eat food, and the differences in health and food safety compared to the United States. For example, we saw a magnificent vineyard and then a rice field farm all in one day!

From the vineyard, we were able to learn the whole process from grape to wine. Beginning with the beautiful green vines they grow on to learning about harvest, flowering, and the underground water pump systems to keep everything hydrated. Then being able to see the fermentation barrels. Lastly, they served us an outstanding meal with new foods and different flavor combinations. Learning about the foods and then having them prepared within a dish was such an amazing experience.

When at the rice fields, we were able to take a boat tour to see all of the land and hear how the rice fields themselves work. We were also able to see their fishing systems in action and learn about the olden days of husking rice. Being able to participate in something so new was eye-opening to all the creative career possibilities I can choose from.

Alongside all the interesting learning, I was able to meet lifelong friends, network, and find out more about myself than I had known! Studying abroad without your close friends or family can definitely seem intimidating but you should take the opportunity and don't let the “what if’s” scare you!

On this program I learned that I am able to be very outgoing and independent, which are two characteristic words I would have never used to describe myself before my time abroad! Being able to create memories and learn so much in a different country with wonderful new people still feels so surreal.

Before attending this program, I had this idea in my mind that all study abroad was attending a university in a different country. While that sounds great too, I knew I wanted to be a part of a program that was more hands-on. I was able to do that on this program. We got to explore so much of Spain and Italy with overnight or day excursions.

On some days we had classroom lectures taught by our MSU professors. On site visits, we were able to see a ton of production like the magnificent Parmigiano Reggiano and have a ton of food tastings.

I had an extravagant time while studying abroad and am so grateful that I had the opportunity to go!

Name: Sarah Poeschel
Status: Junior
Major: Food Science
Hometown: St. Clair Shores, Michigan
Program: Global Food Systems and Health in Italy and Spain