Hello! My name is Ava Steijger, and I will be studying abroad this upcoming spring in Florence, Italy. I attend a fashion institute in New York City, where I specialize in business with a focus on trade and marketing. My intensive trade studies include a liberal arts semester abroad, which gives me the opportunity to fully immerse myself in another culture while expanding my global perspective—an experience that is especially meaningful for my future career.
Travel has always been important to me, both personally and professionally. I love exploring historic places, trying new foods, and connecting with people from different backgrounds. Florence is a popular destination for study abroad students, and I am excited to document daily life as an American student living in Europe. An especially meaningful part of this journey is that I have never been to Europe before. Reach the World provides a unique opportunity for me not only to share my excitement and discoveries, but also to consistently reflect on and document this brand-new experience.
Academically, I have experience writing for my school’s magazine and participating in conferences hosted by my school’s trade association. I have also pursued internships in the fashion industry, working with both a small designer and a large luxury brand. Outside of school, I model part-time and enjoy running, cooking, and reading. I have also been slowly working on writing a book of my own. I am very social and love spending time with friends, and while abroad, one of my biggest goals—along with building new friendships—is to find inspiration everywhere I go.
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!
