To begin our study abroad blogging journey, I would like to start by introducing everyone. Our group is comprised of 14 undergraduate students, 1 graduate assistant, and an Assistant Professor, Dr. Andrea DeMaria. Our shared interests brought us together to conduct women’s health research and gain an understanding of Italian women’s reproductive health experiences, specifically related to health access, emergency contraception, infertility, reproductive tourism, and the the Italian cultural construct - La Bella Figura.
Starting at the end of 2017, our group began having monthly meetings to build a community, learn about Italian culture, and develop our research skills. We also shared amazing food! We taught research skills, such as how to use Dropbox and Zotero and how to conduct qualitative research. The undergraduate students practiced giving interviews to hone their skills and get comfortable with the interview guide.
We ended the semester by holding apperativo, an appetizer hour, at Dr. DeMaria’s house. Each student prepared an Italy-inspired appetizer or dessert for all of us to share, and wore their best Italian street style. We bonded over delicious food and the excitement for our departure in 11 days!
We cannot wait to embark on this journey. Feel free to subscribe to our blog and read about our travels along the way. Each day, a different person will be posting about their experiences. This post was written by Stephanie Meier, a doctoral student in Consumer Science from Greenville, SC. Her research interests include healthcare access and decision-making.Â