For our December Alumni of the Month, we’re pleased to feature 2009 North Queensland and Fiji student Hannah Rogers from the University of Florida.

After her involvement in our programs, Hannah has stayed in close touch with Dr. Heather Gibson at UF and Eleanor on our team. Always one to help out at study abroad fairs and pre-departure orientations, Hannah constantly shares her passion for study abroad with potential students.

Hannah Rogers in Paris

Following the completion of her bachelor’s degree, Hannah started at UF a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning with a concentration on landscape preservation. She’s currently in Paris, France studying landscape architecture and urban studies. She couldn’t miss the opportunity for a Christmas in Paris, but she’ll be returning Stateside after the holidays to continue her studies at UF and also fulfill an internship with the Historic Preservation department in Gainesville, Florida.

We caught up with Hannah and asked her a couple of questions about how study abroad has impacted her career and her as an individual:

AUIP: What impact did study abroad have on you?

Hannah: My study abroad experience with AUIP solidified every interest that I had to be academically and professionally involved within our environment. It has guided my studies into preservation of unique landscapes, in addition to, planning our current and future cities to be as sustainable as possible. I not only established a professional passion, but I grew as an individual as well. Studying abroad and the experiences you have in a foreign country not only gives you lifelong memories but you gain so many new perspectives on life and learn to establish yourself as a person. I not only learned invaluable things, I also learned who I wanted to be. This is one of the most important things that a young person can achieve and studying abroad is one of the best ways that I can think of in facilitating this.

AUIP: What are your future life and career goals?  How do you think study abroad has helped or will help you toward these goals?

Hannah cuddles a koala in North Queensland at a habitat park

Hannah: My future goals are to work both in the States and internationally to preserve our historic and environmentally unique landscapes. I want to be able to assist in planning for our future in ways that have the least environmental impact as possible. Studying abroad in North Queensland and Fiji opened my eyes to new and wonderful landscapes that need to be advocated for. This in turn guided me into my academic profession and studies of landscapes and planning worldwide. I gained experience in a foreign country that has helped in diversifying myself and has lead me to study abroad again in my graduate studies.