June 17, 2016

For many undergraduate students, studying abroad is an unrealistic dream. But for Carter Little, a Richmond, Va. native and public health (Bachelor of Science) student from Arnold School, that dream became a reality. Little spent her 2016 spring semester studying in the Land Down Under.   

What initially seemed impossible for the public health student became a reality with careful course planning and the help of Sara Corwin, Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Student Services. Corwin worked with Little to create a study abroad program compatible with her Arnold School degree requirements, and in doing so, Little did not have to modify her length of study at USC or add additional hours to her course load upon return. Little credits Corwin's plan for keeping her classes and credit hours on track. Little’s circumstances are unique in that she entered the Arnold School with a semester of college credits from high school Advanced Placement courses and tested out of several freshman courses. These opportunities gave her more time to complete her public health major courses and allowed her the time to study abroad.

Little chose to study abroad in Australia because she is fascinated by environmental health sciences, and the Australian culture and lifestyle are heavily influenced by environmentally safe practices. “The environmental health policy I was exposed to in Australia adds a unique perspective to my knowledge on human health as a I pursue my public health career in the United States,” Little says. Corwin agrees. “Global study is directly connected to and critical for students in public health,” she says. “Not only are many of our health problems at home (in the U.S.) shared by others around the world, but the leading causes of death and morbidity worldwide have an impact on each and every one of us. “

For public health students thinking of studying abroad, Corwin suggests, “Start planning early! The earlier your advisor is aware of your interest in studying abroad, the better. Your course requirements can be scheduled to support your global education experiences if we know ahead of time.” Little adds, “There are people all over campus waiting to help you succeed, so take advantage of the incredible resources USC (and the world) has to offer!”