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Staff Travel the Globe, Learn Foreign Language with Award

Written by Tiera Greene

This summer, three Boise State University staff and faculty will study abroad through a University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) sponsored program.

  • Suzannah Lott, Student Involvement and Leadership – Luneburg, Germany
  • Marlee Harris, University Health Services – San Ramon, Costa Rica
  • Heidi Naylor, English – Viterbo, Italy

Funding is provided through Global Learning Opportunities Faculty International Development Awards (FIDA).  

I’m thrilled to be traveling to Italy, the country of my ancestry,” said Naylor. “My people emigrated to the United States in 1856, and I’ve always wanted to visit their homeland. I’ll be studying Italian language, Italian cuisine and travel journalism at Tuscia University, plus taking in amazing art, architecture, history, landscapes and beauty.”

One of Naylor’s goals is to learn more about the Italian revolutionary Giuseppe Garibaldi. Another is to make authentic cannoli.

“Thank you USAC and Boise State University….I’m going to soak in every moment!” Naylor said.

“I am so happy to work for an employer that gives me the opportunity to grow my knowledge culturally and professionally,” said Harris. “Taking a Latin cooking class will help me develop new BroncoFit food courses, building on our successful Cooking Essentials course. Food is a valuable way to express culture and increase community.”

Suzannah Lott will post to the Global Learning Opportunities Instagram account to share her experiences here: https://www.instagram.com/broncosabroad/

FIDA awardees participate in summer language programs as students. No previous language study is required. Recipients will assist with the promotion of study abroad upon their return to campus. FIDAs present about their experiences during International Education Week every fall. They also attend the annual study abroad fair every September. FIDAs regularly invite education abroad staff to speak in staff meetings and visit classes to promote study abroad to students, faculty and staff.