Rachel Crowley
Rachel Crowley, a sophomore in Food Science and Human Nutrition from Cascade, Iowa participated in the Summer 2018 travel course, 鈥淐athedrals, Castles, Culture and Cuisine-sustainable, Safe, & Nutritious Food in France鈥�. Prior to participating in this faculty-led travel course, Rachel had limited domestic and no previous international travel experiences. Rachel learned about the study abroad opportunity while participating in Cyclone Scholars, a program for undergraduate students to develop professional skills in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition. Rachel found the travel course program structure to best fit her limited travel experience. In particular, she enjoyed the pre-departure orientation classes as they helped prepare her for the group鈥檚 travel and allowed her to get to know her classmates and enhance her knowledge of France. While abroad, Rachel was able to compare the food storage and preservation methods in France compared to the United States and noticed that there was little food refrigeration and less of a concern about food safety and sanitation when serving or selling foods. On a personal level, she was able to make connections worldwide with upperclassmen, dietetic interns and even businesses on the travel course, allowing her to broaden her horizon about her specific major and learn more about future possibilities in her field of study. Rachel really values the opportunity of being able to travel internationally and the skills learned abroad, she hopes to return someday with friends.