Twelve students from the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) at Illinois State University have been recognized with the EF/Nobel Prize Museum Global Citizen Certificate. This honor follows the group’s transformative spring break 2024 study abroad trip to Italy, Germany, and Switzerland, where students engaged in cultural exploration and reflective learning.
Journey through Europe
From March 8-17, 2024, a team of 30 students—accompanied by faculty members Drs. Amy Yacucci, Heidi Verticchio, and McLoddy Kadyamusuma—embarked on a cultural immersion tour of Munich, Innsbruck, Venice, Milan, Lucerne, and Zurich. The trip, organized by EF Education First, combined breathtaking experiences—such as gondola rides in Venice, a cruise across Lake Lucerne, and stunning views from the Swiss Alps—with meaningful academic and professional opportunities.
In Zurich, students attended a presentation by ISU alumna Julia Tochstein, M.S. ’15, who shared insights about working as a speech-language pathologist at the Zurich International School. Reflecting on their travels, students cited personal growth, deeper bonds with peers and faculty, and unforgettable moments abroad.
About the EF/Nobel Prize Museum Global Citizen Certificate
The EF/Nobel Prize Museum Global Citizen Certificate honors students who demonstrate exceptional reflective skills through a final project submitted after their EF study abroad experience. Participants must respond to the following prompt:
“How did your travel experience help you deepen your appreciation of the global dimensions of your program, uncover a truth about the world, develop a new idea, or provide you with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will enable you to contribute to making the world a better place?”
Submissions can take the form of essays, videos, or podcasts and are evaluated on growth mindset, global perspective, personal development, action and impact, and presentation skills. Projects require a score of 12 points or higher to earn the certification.
Innovative reflections and projects
Students explored diverse themes in their submissions, including education, health care, privilege, resilience, and cultural appreciation.
- Kate Gornick, a senior, reflected on adapting to unexpected travel challenges when a Lufthansa strike disrupted their itinerary, forcing the group to reconfigure their flights. “I learned that not everything in life is going to go my way, but everything happens for a reason, and it will all be okay,” she wrote.
- Mallory Olsen, a first-year master’s student, created an informational bulletin board displayed in Fairchild Hall.
- Jamie Wanserski and Kailee Shreeves, both juniors, produced a podcast detailing their experiences abroad.
- Allysa Canales, a senior, crafted a video and essay about her evolving understanding of diverse cultures and landscapes.
- Grace Mathon, another senior, compiled a digital scrapbook with photos and reflections, noting how stepping outside her comfort zone has prepared her for future challenges as a clinician. “Taking risks is how we learn and grow. The biggest leaps can lead to the most amazing views,” she said.
Honoring hard work and achievement
The department celebrates the accomplishments of the following students, whose hard work and reflections earned them this prestigious recognition:
- Alexis Besich
- Allysa Canales
- Jillian Capriotti
- Kate Gornick
- Hannah Hogue
- Tatumn Lantz
- Grace Mathon
- Kassidy Matykiewicz
- Mallory Olsen
- Lilly Styan
- Kailee Shreeves
- Jamie Wanserski
Congratulations to all the recipients for their dedication to global learning and self-discovery!
