Posted By: Career Enrichment Network
Photos and content contributed by Casey Saline, majoring in Integrative Arts and Psychology. Casey took part in the Liberal Arts Faculty Led Summer program to Dublin, Ireland. Read more about her experience below!
I was very lucky to be able to go on the “Representing the Irish Landscape” study abroad program. This program was perfect for me because of the blending of Art and Literature. As a prospective Art Therapist I enjoy learning about different ways of creating whether it be through what I love, art, or through poetry and creative writing. This program allowed me to learn about both art and writing, while traveling through a beautiful and unfamiliar place. When making my decision, this program was perfect because I was going to be able to put myself in a situation unfamiliar to myself while still being able to create. I wanted to see how being outside of my comfort zone would impact my creative process and if my work would be more reflective of my experiences and emotions while abroad.
I chose to go abroad during the summer semester because that is when I have the most free time from work and my other duties on campus. Summer was the perfect time to go abroad for a short period of time while obtaining 9 credits in a life changing and memorable way. The summer program also fit perfectly into my strategic course plans in order to graduate early in December. Studying abroad was something I knew I wanted to do before I graduated and summer seemed like the best time to do so for my personal academic plans.
Outside of studying abroad, I have had many other enriching experiences. I took part in a Pre Art Therapy internship at The Hearthside rehabilitation center and nursing home. I am a psychology research assistant in the fMRI research lab. I am a member of the Penn State Sign Language Organization, and served as the THON Family relations chair for THON 2016. I was previously the president of the Penn State Art Education Association from 2013-2015, where I started The Lilly Project that collects art supplies and monetary donations that are then donated to children’s hospitals. I also volunteer as an Arts Ambassador for the College of Arts and Architecture.
Upon graduation in December 2016 I hope to attend a graduate program for Art Therapy. Once I receive my master’s degree in Art Therapy I hope to work with service members and their families. A life goal I have would be to start my own Art Therapy practice where I can use art to foster well-being and improve the lives of as many people as possible. Studying abroad has impacted my career goals because the experience broadened my idea of what art is. It has allowed me to see creative writing, poetry, dance, song, music and other arts as powerful forms of expression. Instead of just using visual arts, I hope to incorporate all of the other art forms when working with clients. I received Enrichment Funding.
Advice I would give to someone studying abroad is to always keep your mind open to new ideas, and always be prepared to go with the flow! People you meet could have different views that you do not agree with. Instead of getting upset, think about it and allow it to inform your opinion. Also, schedules are always changing and there WILL be bumps in the road, but stick together with the people you are with, support them and they will support you, and you will get through it together! One other tip, PACK LIGHT! I wish I would have listened to this tip before I went abroad.
This experience has made a large impact on me academically because it has given me a greater love and appreciation for the arts and for cultures different from my own. This program also allowed my peers and I to meet and discuss current affairs, art, and literature with well-known Irish artists and writers. A once in a life time experience. Learning from these amazing scholars has motivated me to work hard in my academics to achieve my goals. Seeing how excited these scholars were about education has inspired me to be excited and to use what I have learned to excite others.
Staying with my host family in Allihes, West Cork, was one of my favorite parts of the trip. Our host mom broke her hand very early in the week so my roommate and I enjoyed helping her set the table, prepare dinner, and do dishes. Not to mention our host mom used to be a chef so the food was always gourmet! Our host father is a carpenter and a musician so we had a blast going to the pub to hear him play. Their daughter and I became very close, even sharing clothes, and we still remain in contact every day! This family became a home away from home, treated us like family, always being silly, smiling, and laughing. They even celebrated with me as my boyfriend of eight years was given a sports marketing position at a major university. I was very sad to leave them at the end of our short stay. I hope to remain in contact with this family and visit them again in the very near future!
Liberal Arts Enrichment Funding from the College, this funding is available to all students with at least one major in the College. To learn more about study abroad, be sure to attend the Education Abroad Fair this Fall, taking place in the HUB on October, 12 from 11am-4pm. You can also schedule an appointment with Jackie Smith (jds54@psu.edu ), Global Experiences Coordinator on Network Symplicity