Ben Russ studied abroad on the Australia: Human Impacts on the Natural Environment program in summer 2023.

Ben Russ, an environment, economy, development and sustainability and political science double-major, studied abroad on the School of Environment and Natural Resources Australia: Human Impacts on the Natural Environment program in summer 2023.

This study abroad experience taught me that I am capable of doing more than I give myself credit for. It showed me that if I put the effort in, I can bring people together to make a significant impact on addressing environmental issues. I also grew more confident in my studies and passion, knowing that after I graduate I want to make a significant impact on helping the world become a better place.

I wanted to go abroad because I saw this as an opportunity to go and learn about one of my dream locations. I was able to see things I don't think I would ever be able to see or study without this opportunity, including the Great Barrier Reef, a rainforest, and The Outback. I better understand how all these ecosystems work and impact each other.

Going abroad opened my eyes to a new culture that addresses environmental issues much differently from the U.S. This global education experience helped intensify my passion to help communities in the U.S. address the increasingly concerning issue of global warming and pollution. Also, I made so many new friends, met incredible people, and had some of the best professors along the way.

It is important to be a global citizen because it shows you new perspectives of how life exists for people outside your circle. Seeing and hearing stories of those under completely different environments opens your eyes to what people experience and the struggles they go through in life. By doing this, you become a more sympathetic person who can see the bigger picture of life as we know it.