Fundraising for My Faculty-Led Education Abroad

Katelyn Santiago Start Date: Jan 12, 2017 - End Date: Apr 2, 2017
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Study/Degree Abroad
  • Segovia, Spain
  • Sevilla, Spain
  • Toledo, Spain
  • Madrid, Spain

My Travel Story

by: Katelyn Santiago Start Date: Jan 12, 2017 - End Date: Apr 2, 2017
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Study/Degree Abroad
Dear Family and Friends,

Thank you for taking time out of your day to visit this page. I appreciate all of the support you’ve always extended to me.

I am continuing my pursuit of a Biology major and Chemistry minor.  My long-term goal is still to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to earn a position within the healthcare industry.  In an effort to connect with and serve a more diverse group of medical patients, as well as advance my graduate school and employment opportunities, I would like to become fluent in Spanish.  I’ve added a second major in Spanish to my undergraduate degree program in order to attain that goal.

Most foreign language professors, including my own, believe that studying abroad is one of the best ways to master foreign language speaking and listening skills. This summer Appalachian State University is offering a short-term Faculty-Led Spanish study abroad session in Spain.  My professor recommended that I enroll in that program to develop and demonstrate native-like competencies in my speaking and listening comprehension.

As you might imagine, those skills are critical to helping medical patients whose first language is Spanish and not English and will eventually permit me to serve a currently underserved demographic.
  • Chronic Shortage of Spanish-speaking Doctors in US Results in Growing Demand for Multi-Lingual Health Professionals
“… hospitals and health clinics are facing an immediate and chronic shortage of bilingual physicians - a serious problem in a field where lives can depend on an accurate exchange of information between doctor and patient, and where the use of interpreters raises privacy concerns.” – Link to Article 8.16.2016
  • The Bureau of Labor Statistics project’s a 22% increase for bilingual professionals by the year 2018.
  • The demand for bilingual Spanish-speaking healthcare workers continues to grow.
  • Bilingual healthcare workers are needed in hospitals, clinics, outpatient facilities, hospices and physicians' offices, emergency rooms, and health insurance companies.
After much discussion with my professor, my academic advisor, several physicians and nurses, and my parents, I’ve decided that the opportunity to complete some of my required Spanish courses via this study abroad program would be a valuable investment not only in my chosen career path but in my continuing commitment to community.   

At this time, I am requesting your help to fund a portion of the cost for this educational opportunity in hopes that the combination of my savings, my parent’s contribution, and the generous donations of family and friends will meet the total funding needed for this educational experience (required costs and incidentals).

Any contribution will be more than greatly appreciated!

If you would like to learn more about what your support will permit me to accomplish during my time spent in Spain and how you can help, please feel free to visit the website link and/or contact me to discuss any questions you might have.

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration!

PLEASE NOTE:
1. 5% of your donation is allocated to FundMyTravel for administrative fees.
2. The fundraising goal listed on this page reflects the balance due. It does not include payments made by me or my parents.
3. If you prefer to send a check payable to me directly, let me know. I will be glad to send you my mailing address.
4. This trip is not expected to be available again prior to my graduation.
  • Segovia, Spain
  • Sevilla, Spain
  • Toledo, Spain
  • Madrid, Spain

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