“Coming to Michigan, I knew what I was interested in – I knew that I wanted to study some combination of public health, environmental science, history, and French. I remember scouring different majors’ websites late at night trying to figure out how to combine these diverse interests, ultimately thinking that I would need to choose just one. Then, I discovered the International Studies major, specifically the Global Environment and Health sub-plan, and I realized that it allowed me to meld all of these interdisciplinary interests into one major using a global perspective. I am so grateful for all of the wonderful Program in International and Comparative Studies (PICS) courses and professors for teaching me about the world, and in turn, for making my world a little bigger.
PICS also led me to study abroad in France my junior year. I loved being immersed in Parisian culture, whether that was taking classes at a local university with French students or living with a French host family. I believe that my International Studies courses prepared me well for this, always instilling in us a sense of understanding, respect, cultural competency, and global citizenship. Thank you, PICS professors, for sharing the importance of learning about new perspectives and ideas from people all over the world. Holding onto these PICS values tightly, I am hoping to return to France this fall to teach English and refine my French language skills, and eventually work in the field of global health.”
Samantha Redlich
BA International Studies (Global Environment and Health); BA French and Francophone Studies ‘20
Hometown: Potomac, MD
Affiliations: Seven Mile (student volunteer organization); Kol Hakavod (student a cappella group)
Future plans: “I am looking forward to heading back to France in the near future - hopefully this coming fall. I was studying abroad in Paris right before COVID-19 hit, and have been thinking about spending more time there post-graduation since then. I'd love to polish my French language skills, immerse myself in a new culture, travel, and explore France's world of work for a little while. Eventually, I see myself with a career in public health, specifically community health and health equity.”
Fondest memory of her experience in PICS: “During my sophomore year, I went to a few PICS alumni panels and career discussions. I really enjoyed spending an hour or two on the top floor of beautiful Weiser Hall - eating a delicious snack and listening to a speaker talk about their diverse international experiences.”
Is there anything you would like to express to your peers, parents, professors, or others?: “Thank you!”
