G’day! My name is Juliana Ortega, and I’m 20 years old. I’m from Royal Palm Beach, Florida, and my family is Puerto Rican and Dominican. Growing up in Florida, I spent a lot of time outside, listening to music, dancing, laughing with friends, and sharing good food with my family, all things that are still a huge part of who I am.
I’m a junior at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, where I study Anthropology on the pre-health track with a minor in Global Health. Moving from Florida to the Midwest was a big change, but it pushed me to try new things and see the world in a different way. Through anthropology, I’ve learned how culture, history, and social structures shape people’s daily lives and health experiences.
Right now, I’m spending four months studying abroad in Sydney, Australia, at the University of Sydney. While I’m here, I’m learning both in and out of the classroom, exploring the city, spending time outdoors, meeting new people, and trying as much new food as possible. Sydney has been an amazing place to experience a new culture while still having fun and staying curious.
Before coming to Australia, I’ve been lucky to travel, volunteer, and do research in Uganda, Guatemala, and different communities around the United States. Those experiences helped spark my passion for working with underserved communities and showed me how important it is to listen, learn, and work alongside people. I love connecting with others and hope to use creativity and collaboration to help improve health and well-being around the world.
I’m really excited to share my journey with you, from college life and studying abroad to food, culture, health, research, and everyday adventures. I can’t wait to explore the world together and hear about your experiences too!
Want to know more about how you can study or intern abroad when you are a college student? The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is a program of the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by the Institute of International Education (IIE). Learn more about the scholarship by visiting www.gilmanscholarship.org.
