Help Me Fund My Dream Study Abroad Program This Summer!

Laurel Calabretta Start Date: Apr 25, 2023 - End Date: Aug 22, 2023
  • Amsterdam, Netherlands

My Travel Story

by: Laurel Calabretta Start Date: Apr 25, 2023 - End Date: Aug 22, 2023
As some of you may know, last summer I suffered an injury of a broken leg that resulted in surgery to place hardware in my left leg and foot (long story short). This has left me with great financial stress as I was unable to walk and work for a few months and am still quite limited on how much I am able to work due to my mobility still being limited. This injury occurred about two weeks before I started my first semester of college at MSU Denver, I was heartbroken that I would not be able to attend my classes in person and was forced to learn virtually from home. One of my biggest dreams is to be able to study abroad, following in the footsteps of my late aunt, Jody. I immediately started looking at programs when I started school, and came across the perfect program for me. – I am a Gender, Women’s and Sexuality Studies major with a passion for Women’s Rights, Social Justice, Equity, and more specifically the decriminalization of sex work in America, as well as reform of Sex Education in America. So, when I came across the School for International Training’s Summer Program in Amsterdam, Netherlands studying Human Trafficking, Sex Trade & Modern Slavery, I knew immediately that this was the program for me. It is unlike any study abroad program that I, and even my school’s advisor has seen and I knew that despite my financial struggles, I could not let the opportunity pass by me. This program is so so special to me, and I refuse to give up on it yet.
 
I have been accepted and offered admission to the program, I have gotten my passport, and even paid a deposit to secure my spot in the program already. The cost of tuition, room & board totals at $10,515 and my grants and scholarships will only cover about half of the total cost. So I am sucking up my pride and asking for donations to help contribute to these costs.
 
If you are interested in hearing more about the program here are some details:
-The program is 6 weeks total, studying with women working in the Red Light District of Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- I will be housed with a Dutch family for the duration of the program.
- Key topics of study include; development, scope, and ethics of the sex industry. Extensive exploration of issues around sex work & human trafficking. The role of consumers and corps. In global sex trafficking. Legal Policy and framework around human trafficking.
-I will be earning a total of 6 credits through this program, but also gaining an absolutely priceless experience, and networking with others who share my passions.
 
From this program, I hope to gain international and global perspective on the issues covered by the academics of the program, while meeting others who share the same passions as I do. This experience is priceless and means so much to me. Any help at all is very much appreciated.
  • Amsterdam, Netherlands

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