Hello! My name is Sam Warkentin and I am currently a senior at the University of Washington majoring in Environmental Studies. I had the opportunity last year to study abroad as a Corbett Exchange Scholar at the University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada.
While at the University of Victoria, my Environmental Studies courses helped me learn about environmental policy and management issues in British Columbia and Canada. I also took several Canadian Studies courses, which helped me see how Canada’s environmental policy grows out of a historic, political and cultural context than is different than that of the United States. These courses challenged my thinking regarding cultural and environmental issues and gave me a new perspective that has been useful in my senior year coursework.
I broadened my viewpoint through the new connections I made outside of the classroom. My new Canadian friends took me to sporting events, helped me explore the outdoors, and showed me Victoria, Vancouver Island and the Calgary Stampede. While these experiences are memories I will have for a long time, I especially appreciate being welcomed into a new culture and the opportunity to live in a foreign country.
Having now returned to the University of Washington for my final year, I deeply appreciate all the opportunities and experiences enabled by the Corbett Fellowship. I look forward to applying all that I have learned as a result of this opportunity to my future studies and career!
Sam Warkentin is finishing his senior year at the University of Washington, and serving as an intern for EPA Region 10.
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The Corbett British Columbia-Washington International Exchange Program, housed at the Canadian Studies Center, Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies, provides an opportunity for undergraduate students at the University of Washington to spend two semesters at the University of British Columbia or University of Victoria; and for students from the University of British Columbia and University of Victoria to spend three quarters at the University of Washington. More information about the program and how to apply is available here.
