Taylor Leslie- Studying Abroad

 

At the beginning of the summer, I had the opportunity to study abroad for two weeks in Milan, Italy. It was an incredibly enriching and transformative experience, both academically and culturally. As part of my program, I had the opportunity to take a course on Leadership Across Cultures, with a special emphasis on women in leadership. This course deepened my understanding on how cultural values and norms shape leadership styles and decision-making.

For my final project, my group and I explored maternal healthcare systems across multiple countries, analyzing how government policies and cultural expectations influence maternal care. This project strengthened my critical thinking skills, and highlighted the connections between public health, public policy, and gender equity.

Living in Milan challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and adapt to new ways of thinking, communicating, and engaging with others. I returned with a stronger sense of cultural awareness, a more global mindset, and a deeper commitment to equity and inclusion in both professional and academic spaces.