Jacob DuBrava  ’26
Health Sciences major
Fulshear, Texas

Where did you study abroad and why did you choose this destination?
This past May, I enrolled in Butler’s incredible dual study abroad program—Healthcare Delivery in the United Kingdom and Mediterranean Diet in Florence, Italy. I found out about the program my very first week on campus when I met Dr. Jane Gervasio during Orientation. From that meeting onward, I knew I wanted to study abroad. I chose these experiences because the classes seemed interesting and I wanted to experience something new (traveling overseas).

What have you enjoyed most about being abroad?
My experience exceeded my expectations. Studying abroad includes a plan, itinerary, syllabus, classes, assignments, etc, just like you have on campus. However, studying abroad is living and learning about relationships, experiences, and yourself in the moment. You find out who you are, what you are capable of, and most of all, open yourself up to so many new opportunities. In London, I learned to navigate the tube and see parts of the city during my free time, visited several pubs including Prince’s Head and sat in the booth that was used for Ted Lasso, met with FDA agents at the U.S. Embassy who taught me I could take my interest in medicine in more directions that I had realized, and I bonded with my professor Dr. John Hertig and Butler classmates over meals as we shared what inspired us that day.  

The two words to describe the abroad experience in Florence would be delicious and beautiful. I rode a Vespa through the stunning Tuscan landscape, learned to make pasta, pizza, tiramisu, and biscuits from scratch, traveled throughout Tuscany to learn about wine, vinegar, and olive oil, and experienced first hand the importance of living a healthy Mediterranean lifestyle.  

What have you discovered about yourself from your study abroad experience?
I learned that I should not be afraid of trying new things. I absolutely loved experiencing so many firsts. I think it is better to live a life knowing how you feel about something in life, rather than regretting not doing it at all.

What surprised you most about your study abroad experience?
What surprised me the most was how absolutely stunning and beautiful everything was. Pictures do not do the sights justice.

What advice would you give to Butler students who are considering studying abroad? 
By the end of the trip, Dr. Hertig, Dr. Gervasio, and my classmates became family. Studying abroad was a gift and has forever changed my life. If there is one thing I believe every student should experience, it would be studying abroad. It will awaken something in your spirit. If you have any desire to study abroad, do it. The worst that can happen is that you learn the experience was not for you.