Ann Nguyen
<i>"Hello" in your host country's language:</i> Ciao!
<i>Home Institution (your U.S. University/College):</i> University of Florida
<i>Expected graduation year:</i> 2022
<i>Destination city & country:</i> Vicenza, Italy
<i>Program provider:</i> Vicenza Institute of Architecture
<i>Major/minor:</i> Architecture / Sustainability and the Built Environment
<i>Demographics:</i> Asian/Asian American, First-Generation College Student
<i>Future career aspirations:</i> Throughout my architecture student career, I have learned the power of design as a transformative force that can put the right in what is wrong in communities around the world. My exposure to social and sustainability issues has built the foundation for me to identify ways to improve the performance of buildings and their effects on people and the natural world. As an aspiring architect, I dream of creating sustainable public spaces that serve as a bridge between people and places, strengthening the relationship between culture and the environment. I want to design buildings that tell the stories of unheard communities — directly addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion — while simultaneously creating a positive impact on the built environment's resource and energy use.
<i>Top 3 goals for your time abroad:</i> To immerse myself in a new culture and experience completely new foods, customs, traditions, languages, and social atmospheres. These opportunities will help me gain a new, distinct cultural perspective — one that will allow me to further embrace and appreciate cultural differences. I want to use these experiences to bring my study abroad trip beyond a purely academic experience; To observe and study architecture among the world’s most prized architectural treasures first-hand. By analyzing facades and construction techniques of iconic and revolutionary buildings, I want to explore beyond the lessons my professors have taught me in my classes; To become more adaptable and independent in an unfamiliar environment. I hope these skills will add a boosted confidence to my personal and professional career, which will allow me to thrive in new, unexpected circumstances
