Bonjour! Hello! My name is Ali Bronzo, and I will be studying abroad this upcoming spring in Paris, France. I go to Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, studying neuroscience (the brain) and French. I grew up in a very rural town in Vermont, with a population of just over 1000 people! Because my town was so small, everyone knew each other and would go out of their way to help people. Growing up there made me want to become a rural doctor, so I can give back to my community and help people receive the care they deserve.
When I was little, I had always dreamt about living in Paris, decorating my whole room with Eiffel Towers. I am beyond grateful that I am now able to, and that I can share my experience with all of you! During my time in Paris, I will be immersing myself fully in the culture, by staying with a local host family, taking public transportation, and taking classes at a French university. This will help me practice speaking French and learn how people live in another country. I would also say that I am a bread expert, so I am very, very excited to be eating baguettes every day!
Living in Paris will also have a large impact on my future career goals. France is known for standing up for people’s rights, especially when it comes to access to healthcare and social services. At the university, I will be continuing to study neuroscience and public health. Learning in a country that values fairness will help me become a doctor who listens, understands people, and helps everyone stay healthy.
I cannot wait to share my journey with you all!
Want to know more about how you can study or intern abroad when you are a college student? The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is a program of the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by the Institute of International Education (IIE). Learn more about the scholarship by clicking here!
