You don’t get to break perceived notions until you are there and experience the differences first hand.
Marcus Jansen, a senior in Horticulture from Quincy, Illinois has been very active during his time at Iowa State University. Aside from being involved in many clubs and organizations including CALS Council, CALS Ambassadors, and Horticulture Club, Marcus also took the opportunity to study abroad. He participated in the “Horticulture and Culture of Ireland” in 2016 and the “Ecology, Culture and Horticulture of the Ecuadorian Andes” to Ecuador last fall. During his study abroad opportunities, Marcus most enjoyed being immersed in the different cultures, visiting popular landmarks and experiencing how different production systems operate around the world. He also values the new outlook he has gained for different parts of the world as he realized that, “you don’t get to break perceived notions until you are there and experience the differences first hand.” As a CALS Ambassador, Marcus encourages all students to consider studying abroad as there are an array of opportunities depending on comfort levels, interests, and time preference.