As the world continued to open this past summer, international travel still faced many restrictions. However, these travel limitations did not stop the Vira Heinz scholars from gaining international experience.
In November of 2019, then-sophomore students CeCe Fitts, Amanda Latta, Rachel Pellegrino and Emily Schafer, received the Vira Heinz Award. As the four Waynesburg recipients planned for their exciting journeys, the COVID-19 pandemic struck and placed their travel plans on hold.
Now seniors, all four students completed their programs virtually over this past summer. Despite being online, the Vira Heinz scholars still managed to be transformed by their experiences and gained an understanding of different cultures.
According to the foundation’s website, the Vira I. Heinz (VIH) Program for Women in Global Leadership “prepares scholars for tomorrow’s global challenges by offering a unique opportunity for international experiences, leadership development, and community service.”
Vira Heinz scholars receive up to $5,000 for a summer international experience. Any female college student who has never traveled outside of the country is eligible to apply.
Amanda Latta, South Africa and South Korea
Latta, an International Studies and Political Science Major, studied “in” South Africa under the School for International Training program (SIT). She had classes on South African culture, a language class with South Korea, in addition to a diplomacy internship.
“Studying with South Africa and South Korea was the ‘ah-ha’ moment of my academic career so far,” Latta said. “It gave application to my study and a glance at my future.”
Through her internship, Latta was able to interview a youth activist leader, explored the political climate in both South Africa and the rest of the African continent and learned about different economic structures. She even worked with political campaign posts involving the Africa 2063 Agenda. Agenda activists aim to improve the areas of women’s rights, the Environmental Green project and the Silence Guns campaign.
Rachel Pellegrino, Italy
Pellegrino, an electronic media and journalism major, also participated in a virtual internship along with classes. She studied Italian culture through the International Studies Abroad program (ISA) and completed a journalism internship through the English-based magazine Magenta Florence.
“The culture is so beautiful,” Pellegrino said. “I am so happy I chose Florence; it’s the center of everything.”
Pellegrino’s articles were published in the magazine, which focused on Italian art and culture. Her articles covered a variety of Florentine events including river beach destinations, a men’s fashion show and a dance festival.
“My internship solidified my career field,” Pellegrino stated. “I gained experience with networking, and it will definitely be a resume builder for future employers.”
CeCe Fitts and Emily Schafer, Costa Rica
Fitts and Schafer both studied “in” Costa Rica.
Schafer, a nursing major, focused on holistic health through the International Studies Abroad (ISA) program.
“It really opened my mind to practicing,” Schafer noted. “With westernized medicine, you get sick and we treat it. We are just using medicine instead of preventing.”
Schafer believes the United States should adopt the Traditional Complementary and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) method, a way of focusing on preventing illnesses instead of just treating symptoms. She believes a main issue with the lack of preventative measures is due to privatized health care.
“With privatized health care, we want you to come back,” She explained. “Big Pharma controls these medicines. They want to make money. They want us to use their medicine, they want us to stay in the hospitals.” She also added, “Why would they advertise about something that’s going to prevent people from getting sick? And that’s the problem with our healthcare system.”
Schafer will be giving a campus wellness presentation about alternative medicine on Sept. 23 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Stover Campus Center.
In an email interview, Fitts took note of the challenges imposed by COVID-19.
“It would rain often in Costa Rica so it would sometimes disconnect,” She wrote. “The images were choppy, or I couldn’t hear my professor … An advantage I faced was simply asking more questions and forming relations with my teacher,” She wrote.
Fitts, a marine biology major, studied in Costa Rica through the International Student Association. Her summer course emphasized the importance of conservation of water and the ecosystem. She also learned about the impact of the coastal environment on marine life.
Overall, all four scholars are thankful for the Vira Heinz program and recommend others take advantage of the opportunity.
“It is life changing,” Latta stated. “It gives you the opportunity to change as a leader and gain new lenses. Your perceptions will change.”
Pellegrino felt similarly and is grateful for her opportunities. She mentions her appreciation “to become part of a great group of leaders.”
“It’s more than just a study abroad experience, you are working with the women leaders of tomorrow.” Schafer said. “I highly recommend. It’s something that you can’t do again.”