Karolyn is the program advisor for the Reggio-Emilia, Torino, Verona, and Viterbo, Italy programs.
I was born and raised on a farm in Oregon. I’ve lived in lots of different places since then, small towns, big cities, a medieval city in Italy, and now Reno! I got my undergraduate degree in International & Global Studies at Portland State University, with a minor in Women’s Studies. I spent my second year of college studying abroad in Viterbo through USAC, and worked as a peer advisor for Portland State University during my senior year.
Where did you study abroad?
Viterbo, Italy
What is your funniest travel memory?
My funniest travel memory is from a trip to Germany I went on with my family when I was 16. We had stopped at a McDonalds to get lunch, and my dad was ordering for us. He asked the cashier for the #5, which was a “western burger.” He held up his hand when he said it, trying to be clear since he didn’t speak German. When they brought us our food, they set down trays and trays and trays on our table. Turns out my dad had accidentally ordered five hamburger meals, in addition to the food for everyone else! We learned from that and were a bit more careful when ordering food!
Favorite place you’ve traveled?
That would have to be Ecuador. That was the first trip I took outside of the U.S., so it was really an eye opening experience for me. My grandma and I traveled there when I was 11 years old, and she and the trip really inspired me. It was such a fun and interesting place, there was always something new to see and do. We spent time in Quito, the Amazon, and in the Galapagos Islands. It really was an adventure to me, in the truest sense of the word. I had some of the best and most interesting food in my life there as well, lemon meringue pie, yucca fries, stinging nettles, Guinea pig, and even fire roasted weevils!
If you could go on any USAC program, what would it be and why?
I would definitely go to Haifa. I am very interested in the history and culture of Israel, and I would love to take some of the courses available in Haifa. I’m really interested in the history of the region, so Haifa would be a perfect place to learn, and a perfect home base from which to explore other countries in the area. I have never been to that part of the world and I think it would be a good opportunity for me to learn and grow as a person. Also, I’m a big fan of the food!
What do you like to do outside of work?
I really enjoy playing tennis, and since I’m new to Reno I love to go out to explore the city. I love trying new food, through cooking and eating out, I’ve been trying to perfect my pizza recipe since I got home from Italy. I am a very dedicated and avid fan of Harry Potter, Taylor Swift, and anything Halloween related. Mostly, I love going out to the movies, and cooking and sharing food with friends.
If you could describe your life in one meme, what would it be?
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