Olga Aranzabal has a new master’s degree in public health and a dream of putting her education to work on an international scale that’s taken her to Berlin for a prestigious spot in the U.S. State Department’s Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) through June 2024.
Aranzabal immigrated to the U.S. at 15 and initially struggled to learn English, but she nonetheless thrived in her new hometown of Tampa.
Aranzabal immigrated to the U.S. at 15 and initially struggled to learn English, but she nonetheless thrived in her new hometown of Tampa. The experience led to her interest in eventually working with international health organizations. Earlier this year, she was selected as one of 74 Americans to study and work in Germany as part of the CBYX program, now in its 41st year and supported by U.S. Congress and the German Bundestag, while a contingent of 75 students from Germany are doing the same in the U.S.
“What particularly appealed to me was the program's inclusivity, welcoming candidates from various career fields and backgrounds, which promised a diverse and enriching experience,” she said. “Over the course of the year, I aim to deepen my understanding of diplomacy within the realm of global health. I want to explore how diplomatic strategies can be used to promote health equity, enhance preventive healthcare, and foster collaborations between governments, NGOs, and international bodies to ensure comprehensive and sustainable health interventions.”
USF World caught up with Aranzabal as she started language classes in Cologne; she’ll move on to Bremen for the second part of the program where she’ll gain work experience.
USF World: Tell us what you are doing as part of the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals program?
Olga: During this time, we engage in studying, interning, and living with host families as part of a comprehensive cultural immersion program. This program provides a unique and enriching opportunity to immerse oneself in German culture, enhance our understanding of intercultural exchange, diplomacy, and foreign affairs, and serve as young ambassadors for our respective countries.
USF World: What interested you about this program?
Olga: I think that CBYX provides a unique opportunity for young professionals like me to immerse themselves in another culture while gaining valuable skills and insights in our chosen field. The prospect of living and working abroad while advancing my personal and professional growth was irresistible.
USF World: What are your long-term goals?
Olga: My long-term goals involve working with an international organization focused on public health, such as the WHO, USAID, the UN, or similar entities. Whether it involves responding to health emergencies, developing health policies, or implementing community health projects, I hope to find a job that allows me to serve in the foreign service while also advancing my career in global public health.
USF World: You have a very interesting journey from Peru to success at USF, can you tell us about it?
Olga: I moved to the U.S. from Cusco, Peru when I was 15 years old. Adjusting to high school
as an immigrant was challenging because I struggled with English. Despite the language
barrier, I never stopped dreaming of a brighter future for myself and my family. This
determination helped me persevere through difficulties and motivated me to pursue
higher education.
I am proud to be a Hillsborough Community College alum and to have continued my studies
at USF, where I graduated with a bachelor's degree in Public Health in 2021. I was
the first in my family to graduate from college outside of Peru. Along this journey,
I found wonderful mentors, peers, and new friends who helped me grow both personally
and professionally, and I am deeply grateful for their support.
USF World: Any favorite memories of your time at USF you'd like to share?
Olga: The last year of my master's program was particularly special because I had the opportunity to be part of the Salud Latina Initiative, where I worked as a graduate research assistant. In this role, I actively contributed to community outreach and health education programs. This experience deepened my involvement on campus, allowing me to collaborate with student organizations like the Student Latino Caucus for Public Health and the Institute for the Study of Latin America and the Caribbean (ISLAC). Through these connections, I met passionate graduate students and faculty who share my commitment to promoting public health in the Hispanic/Latinx community.
I was also honored to receive the Women in Leadership and Philanthropy (WLP) Florida Medical Clinic Foundation of Caring Scholarship, as well as the Florida Public Health Student Scholarship last year. Becoming a WLP Scholar had a significant impact on me. Participating in their networking and professional development events was incredibly helpful in expanding my connections and honing my skills. These experiences not only enriched my academic journey but also prepared me for my future career by providing valuable insights and opportunities for growth, which I believe have led me to where I am today.