For integrative biology and global studies major Ella, curiosity didn’t just spark a new question, it opened a door to a life-changing experience. Through the Illinois in Vienna Programs, and with the support of the School of Integrative Biology (SIB), she turned her questions about science, health, and culture into an unforgettable semester abroad.
Ella balanced her two majors by taking courses ranging from Evolutionary Theory to German Literature and Austrian Culture and History. She discovered new ways of learning in the European seminar model, where discussion and collaboration replaced lectures. “We even read On the Origin of Species in one of my classes,” she said. With guidance from SIB advisors, Ella was able to align her Vienna coursework with her honors requirements. “IB Honors is super flexible, and that gave me the freedom to take advantage of this experience.”
Immersed in German language study and Austrian culture, Ella’s curiosity fueled confidence. “Being in Vienna skyrocketed my conversational skills,” she shared. Small, discussion-based classes taught entirely in German, combined with friendships forged across cultures, gave her the kind of language fluency that only comes from full immersion.
Outside the classroom, Vienna itself became her laboratory for discovery. From coffeehouse culture and community markets to earning a Global Sustainability Certificate, Ella explored how a city can embody values of environmental responsibility. A highlight: hiking the Alps and drinking fresh water directly from the streams that supply Vienna’s taps. “Vienna’s commitment to sustainability was inspiring,” she reflected.
Ella’s living experience at Haus Panorama expanded her community even further, with peers from across Europe sharing daily life. Travel was also a major part of her semester—she visited 15 countries, with Croatia topping her list. “We rented a villa in Dubrovnik during spring break—it was so relaxed, surrounded by mountains, and it was where I really bonded with my friends,” she recalled.
The impact of this semester will carry forward into Ella’s career. A medical emergency abroad gave her new insight into global healthcare, solidifying her interest in public health law and policy. At the same time, Austria’s leadership in sustainability opened her eyes to environmental law. Both paths, she says, were shaped by the questions she pursued as part of her education in SIB in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Looking back, Ella calls her semester in Vienna “the best decision I’ve ever made.” She encourages other SIB students to take the leap: “Studying abroad is the most impactful experience you can have—personally, academically, and culturally. And with SIB’s support, you can make it work within your degree.”
At Illinois, Ella’s story reflects the heart of LAS: where curiosity drives impact.