Kierra Ivy

International Experience Country:
Spain
Cohort Year:
2012
Home Institution:

Duquesne University

Heinz Programming Area:
Children, Youth, and Families
International Experience Summary:

Kierra Ivy attended the University of Granada in Granada, Spain, for four weeks during the summer of 2012 through the AIFS Program. From beginning to end, she was completely immersed in the Spanish language and culture. During her stay, she participated in an extremely intense language and culture class five days a week, four hours each day. During her free time she volunteered at the nearby convent and taught English to the Spanish kids that attended the local middle school. In addition, she took time to explore the town by taking long walks and talking to the locals on the streets and in the stores. Her Spanish improved tremendously during her four weeks in the country. Moreover, Kierra had the opportunity to stay with a host mother named Manoli. The time she spent with Manoli and her roommate, Kayla, will always have a special place in her heart. Kierra was also fortunate enough to travel to other places including: London, Cordoba, Seville, and Malaga. Furthermore, she had the opportunity to experience the Arab baths, the discos, the cafes, and the paelladores of Granada! She was even fortunate enough to establish a solid group of great friends who she has visited since her return to the States. Upon her return, Kierra has received an internship with a Department of State organization, Global Pittsburgh, where she will exercise the many skills she learned while studying abroad.

Community Engagement Experience Summary:

CEE Title: Pyramid of Cultural Immersion: Connecting the World One Country at a Time(PCI)

Kierra helped create Pyramid of Cultural Immersion: Connecting the World One Country at a Time (PCI) which encouraged high school students to broaden their global perspectives by pursuing travel opportunities at a young age. Kierra and her team executed the project at Gateway High School to an audience of fifty freshman to which they presented on the value of cultural immersion and linguistic acquisition. Shortly after the presentation, the students played a game of “International Jeopardy,” which included facts about cultures from around the world. Following her CEE, Kierra received word that several of the students had enrolled in language classes and started speaking with their parents about studying abroad.