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home | study, work, travel | work abroad | um-based programs | miisp | testimonials
MIISP Alumni Testimonials
 My experience performing biomedical research at the Fraunhofer Institute in St Ingbert, Germany was not merely one of lab work, soccer, and schnitzel – it was a catalyst for personal growth and self-discovery. I found a profession I can envision myself doing for the rest of my life, and realized that the land of fairy tales is where I want to live happily ever after. 
– Mark Rudolf (BME '12)
One month down, three more to go. I received funding to work with an organization in Guatemala called CasaSito. I had a previous relationship with CasaSito from the service work I do with the student-led service group at the University of Michigan called Health in Action. During the 2008-09 school year and spring break 2009, we initiated a relationship and community development program with the community of Samox San Lucas, Guatemala. Now I have returned to Guatemala to continue to build a relationship with both CasaSito and Samox San Lucas.
In just one month, I have already done so much! First, I helped to plan CasaSito's first annual music festival which included a choir competition that offered funding for school music programs in the villages around Antigua, Guatemala. I have also been volunteering at a nearby animal shelter where 300 dogs, 100 cats, and 10 rabbits are waiting for homes. Next week, I am heading off to help with the construction of a radio station training center where indigenous Mayans will learn how to use the radio to share information about politics, education, and other pertinent issues that affect the indigenous populations. In September, I will be returning to Samox San Lucas where I will help CasaSito prepare for the construction of a secondary school and I will continue Health in Action's community assessment to find out exactly what is needed to improve their living conditions. Meanwhile, I will be helping to plan a debate competition and art festival in collaboration with other non-profit childrens' organizations in the area.
This trip has already begun to open doors for both future Health in Action projects and my own future in non-profit work as I hope to someday work on animal population control in rural areas.
– Christie Donahue (BME '10)
[MIISP] certainly made things more manageable. I really had little idea what steps to take after I decided I wanted to intern abroad. I wasn’t at all aware that funding was available to students to travel and work abroad. MIISP has made me more confident going into this experience.
–Anonymous, from MIISP program evaluation
Made me aware of many of the things to consider before, during, and after a trip abroad.
–Anonymous, from MIISP program evaluation
It [MIISP] made me feel like I have people I can talk to if I have questions or concerns.
–Anonymous, from MIISP program evaluation
I feel so much better prepared for international travel, for my safety and health abroad, for the work in an international place, for handling the culture shock, etc. I am so much more confident in my abilities to succeed this summer. I really cannot emphasize how much MIISP helped me to make my dream trip actually happen!
–Anonymous, from MIISP program evaluation
I feel very prepared and I know that I have people back in Michigan excited for me about my trip.
–Anonymous, from MIISP program evaluation
I’ve learned what it’s going to take to be successful abroad.
–Anonymous, from MIISP program evaluation
I really appreciated having someone who was always there to answer my questions and hold my hand through this new and intimidating process!! I’m not sure I would have followed through with my abroad plans without MIISP’s help!
–Anonymous, from MIISP program evaluation
The most important thing that I have learned because of this program is that there are an incredible amount of international opportunities at U-M and elsewhere that are looking for eager participants. Before I was part of the program, I thought it would be difficult, if not impossible, to find an international internship program that suited my interests and accepted more than a select few participants.
– Anonymous, from MIISP program evaluation
I learned how to explore connections. Had [the program administrators] not encouraged me to “work the connections” I already had, I would never have pursued the internship I am looking at.
– Anonymous, from MIISP program evaluation
Last reviewed: 09/12
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