Student Spotlight: Mika Schrader

Growing up in Lawrence, Mika Schrader had not traveled much until coming to KU.

Her first study abroad experience was a three-week summer program where she participated in an archeology dig in Israel. Her team broke ground uncovering massive fortifications that formed a wall around the ancient city of Gath more than 2,000 years ago.

Along with participating in the archaeology dig, Schrader had the opportunity to learn about different cultures and visit sacred religious sites. 

“It was probably the best three weeks of my life. I had never traveled solo before, so that was an incredible experience, but also I made lifelong friends from across the globe,” Schrader said.

Two years later, she traveled to Florence, Italy to attend the Istituto Lorenzo de’Medici for the spring semester. Her time in Florence and at the school made such an impression that she plans to return for a master’s program in museum studies when COVID-19 subsides and international travel resumes.

“Since studying abroad, I realized that I might want to take a more international focus when applying for jobs, and it really opens up a world of possibilities. I could go anywhere to work at a museum. I don’t have to do that in Kansas or the United States,” she said.

On campus, Schrader also expanded her international learning, earning a Global Awareness Program certificate, which allowed her to learn about and connect with different cultures on campus and in the region. Those encounters pushed her into global experiences she would not have sought out on her own.

Schrader graduated this spring with degrees in history and religious studies and was awarded the Kathryn Nemeth Tuttle Student Scholar Award, which is presented to a graduating senior scholarship hall student who demonstrated academic focus, leadership and commitment. 

“Studying abroad opened doors and opportunities for me that were always there that I never would have seen,” Schrader said.