Blake White

Biography

Utah State’s study abroad office offers a number of direct options for students wishing to transfer credit quickly and easily, including Blake’s Fall 2015 study abroad in Milan, Italy. There, he studied the Italian language and a number of international politics classes based on EU perspective. Without extensive prior knowledge of the Italian language, Blake was still able to have a fully immersive experience in Italy and participate in weekend excursions through the program to other parts of Italy, including Venice, Florence, and Rome.

Like other study abroad participants, Blake found other students to not only be exceptional friends, but also a crucial element in the education available outside of the traditional classroom. While there were other American students as well, Blake particularly enjoyed spending time with a diverse group of same-aged people with origins as far apart as Brazil, Japan, or Germany and comparing the differences and similarities between the United States and the rest of the world from fresh perspectives.

The Italian research-based academic system focused Blake on thinking critically and analyzing new information outside of a traditional lecture, and he often found his most educational moments to be beyond the university boundaries where he could interact with local people and events. Oftentimes, living in a country for an entire semester or year gives students the opportunity to experience cultural holidays and events they aren’t accustomed to; Blake was lucky enough to be in Milan during the 2015 World Fair and discover the world’s differences in nutrition and healthy eating.