Sarah Petrovich

I was abroad for 2 weeks for my Global Independent Study project. My project involved conducting research in Finland centered around meeting older adults and interviewing them about their aging experiences. I used a Finnish translator for interviews and examined the participants' activities, health and health care needs, overall happiness, and their overall aging process experience.

What made you interested in Global Independent Study?

I was excited by the opportunity to travel and explore a topic my curriculum wouldn't have otherwise included. I was looking for a new personal experience in traveling to a new country and to understand my focus (aging) from a global perspective.

Is there anything else you want to share about your Global Independent Study project?

I learned how to be flexible and how to adapt my perspective, attitude, and approach to different aspects of the project and my travel. Doing a research project required a lot of work before and after my travels. It was less work during my time traveling which allowed me to really enjoy the country I was in. I absolutely recommend doing a research based GIS but only if your heart is in it. I loved every step of the process but it was demanding at times and not always easy.

Poster Archive of Previous Student Project: Aging in Finland and the US