Alumni testimonials
Botswana: University Immersion in Southern Africa More testimonials »
The ACM Botswana program presented me with an array of experiences which, from the phenomenal to the mundane, challenged my understanding of development, Africa, people, and myself. I appreciated equally opportunities to meet current and former presidents and listen to federal budget presentations and the opportunities to ride khombis and to work side by side with Batswana women discussing and laughing about clients and husbands in mixed English and Setswana. I alternately cherished and struggled with the slow pace of life, the subtle, roundabout conversations, and the overwhelming heat, but through these transformations confronted serious questions about research, international development, my involvement in different communities, the political and social systems of my own country, and the intricacies of friendship. It was an extraordinary journey.
—Laura Eberly, Botswana, Spring 2008
Brazil: Semester Exchange Programs More testimonials »
I had always wanted to learn Portuguese, but my college wasn't offering any Portuguese classes at the time. I discovered the Brazil Exchange program and found it attractive because everything would be taught in Portuguese, and I would be with all Brazilian students. When I arrived in Brazil, I knew less than ten words in Portuguese. Luckily, I caught on quickly and after about two months, I was completely conversational; after six months, I was fluent. Juiz de Fora had few tourists, so I was a total celebrity! I was known as Ivi (pronounced Evie), the American, all over town. I can't imagine a better place to spend a semester or a better way to learn Portuguese.
—Eve Aguilar, Brazil Exchange, Spring 2008
Chicago Programs: Business, Entrepreneurship, & Society More testimonials »
The most beneficial experience of the ACM Chicago Business, Entrepreneurship, & Society program for me would be the internship. I had my internship at ACCION Chicago, a non-profit organization that provides various services to small businesses, including credit. At this internship, I had substantive work to accomplish, such as a project to prepare an international fact sheet for their clients. The experience and contacts made there will aid me in my future goals.
—Katie Schumacher, Chicago Business, Entrepreneurship, & Society, Spring 2009
I have had positive experiences throughout this semester on the Chicago Arts program, but my most positive experience has been my interactions with the faculty. While working on my independent study project, the faculty were all very available and helpful, and flexible with some students’ busy schedules. I also felt like I could talk to all my faculty members about any concerns I had.
—Justin Williams, Chicago Arts, Spring 2010
The Chicago Urban Studies program allowed me to truly get a personal look at the often hidden issues of an urban environment. Through my classes, I’ve experienced connections with real individuals in communities, NGO organizations, the education field, and community leaders. This program does not just tell you about issues – it shows them to you, makes you debate them, experience them, and live them.
—Emma Beyer, Chicago Urban Studies, Fall 2009
Costa Rica: Field Research in the Environment, Social Sciences, & Humanities More testimonials »
My ACM Costa Rica experience can best be summed up as inspirational. It was the first time I truly felt useful as a researcher, carrying out research that was bigger than me but somehow, made better by my hard work and by that of my team members. Also, I got my first true idea of just how research can go wrong and, in spite of the best-laid plans, can be taken off track by external forces. As a result, I learned the best lesson of social research- what I want to learn and what others want to teach me are often two different things, and the only way to make the best of it is to change my perspective, not that of those who are being kind enough to share their lives with me. The ACM Field Research Program is the only one I know of that truly challenges its students, and I managed to love every second of it.
—Stephanie Jaros, Research Coordinator at Stanford University's Bipolar Disorders Clinic, Costa Rica, Spring 1998
Costa Rica: Language, Society, & the Environment More testimonials »
I came to Costa Rica with ACM with limited Spanish, directionless in my career path, and knowing no one. Leaving three months later, I was almost fluent, I had direction in my life, and a handful of lifetime friends and experiences. The ACM Costa Rica program changed my life in ways that I hoped it would, and ways that I never expected.
—Claire Hammer, Costa Rica, Fall 2008
Florence: Arts, Humanities, & Culture More testimonials »
I had no idea what to expect when I left Wisconsin in my way to Florence. During the ACM Florence Program, Italy challenged me in ways I could never have imagined. Whether through finding out the hard way that bus number 13 is never on time, or discovering the connections between Renaissance etiquette and modern survival, living in Florence taught me to accept my own mistakes and become a more creative problem solver. Discovering these abilities changed how I view and make art, altered how I interact with people, and, I must admit, taught me to love coffee, too!
—Jennifer Halbman, Florence, Fall 2007
India: Culture, Traditions, & Globalization More testimonials »
My ACM India program experience not only introduced me to a different world, but to a group of friends who were also interested in living beyond their own world. With these lifetime friendships, I made a home in Pune. While exploring the city and getting to know a new family, I created one of my own among the program's other participants.
—Addy Najera, India, Fall 2008
The Japan Study program gave me the opportunity of immersion in a language I had long studied and provided me with some of the most memorable experiences of my life. From picking the bones out of a fish at 6:30 in the morning while discussing hydrogen power (in Japanese) with my dorm manager to eating fresh taiyaki with friends while talking about the eye-opening international perspective we were gaining from studying abroad, I could not have had a more rewarding or beneficial experience. The level of language and cultural education that I had on the Japan Study program is something that I will carry with me for the rest of my life, and is something for which I am tremendously grateful.
—Keaton White, Japan Study, Fall 2007
London & Florence: Arts in Context More testimonials »
I chose the ACM London & Florence program because I wanted to visit Italy as an Italian, for the rich culture, to study the language and history, and the vivacious cities. And London, what a thrill! Living in the incredible city was terrific. Learning its history and walking throughout London was surreal. I also enjoy theatre, so the opportunity to view over twenty productions was an amazing experience. As a result of choosing to study in Europe, I was able to travel to seven countries (Italy, Great Britain, Spain, Belgium, Germany, France, and Switzerland) in seven months. It was an incredible opportunity, richly engaging, and not to be forgotten.
—Arielle Denis, London & Florence, Spring 2008
Mexico Summer Program: Service Learning & Language Immersion More testimonials »
My experience in Mexico was incredible and I’ve been missing it since I stepped foot on the airplane back to the U.S. Watching the World Cup games with 35-50 soccer-obsessed Mexicans was of the most unforgettable things I’ve ever done. All of the Mexicans that I met were enthusiastic, fun-loving, open, and kind. I’d take the first chance that arose and fly right back to Mexico City. ¡Viva México!
—Grace Robia, Mexico, Summer 2010
Newberry Seminar: Research in the Humanities More testimonials »
The Newberry Seminar is a fantastic experience! It is a great preview of graduate school-style learning, and you gain a lot from being part of such a wonderful community. The Newberry's resources are truly unique, and everyone you meet is willing to help you with your project. I had a great time, and I would recommend it to anyone who is genuinely interested in humanities research.
—Nicole Helregel, Newberry Seminar in the Humanities, Fall 2009
The Oak Ridge Science Semester was an amazing and extremely rewarding experience for me. I had the opportunity to participate in world-class research with some of the top researchers in the country. The researchers took the time to explain the goal of the project but even more, they explained what graduate school life is like. From this experience, I was further prepared for research in graduate school and I also got a publication from our work. Oak Ridge provided me with more than just a great intellectual adventure, but I also made strong ties with other students in my program. If I could do it again, I would participate in the Oak Ridge Science Semester.
—Lee Pedzisa, Oak Ridge Science Semester, Fall 2008
Tanzania: Ecology & Human Origins More testimonials »
The ACM Tanzania program was my first opportunity to travel outside of the United States, and now I have a desire to see the rest of the world. It was my first opportunity to conduct undergraduate research, as well. After living, traveling, and studying in a biodiversity hotspot, I have decided to pursue a career in ecological research. Living in Tanzania opened my eyes to the connectivity and interdependence of each part of our environment. Not only is the baobob a beautiful and resilient species, but it also provides food and shelter to insects, birds, monkeys, elephants, and many other animals in the park. I saw trees buzzing with activity from beehives, covered in mud from elephants scratching their sides with the tree’s bark, bats and owls flying from them, and one that had a leopard den inside. It is these connections and my time that I spent in Tanzania that helped me decide what I want to do with the rest of my life.
—Kathleen Quigley, Tanzania, Fall 2007