IIC Student Spotlight- Samantha Koch

IIC Student Spotlight

Samantha Koch

RPCV Mozambique, 2011-2013

1) What undergraduate college did you attend? Where?

The University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa

2) What was your undergraduate focus?

Major: Geography
Minor: Spanish

3) How did you become interested in the IIC Program?

I fell madly in love with a class during my undergrad, "Intercultural Perspectives," and I asked the professor if she knew of any graduate programs of a similar subject matter with which I could blend my interest in public health.  She gave me a list of grad programs and after a little research, I realized that DU's IIC program was the best fit. 

4) What is your favorite place where you've traveled/lived so far?

In the States: Washington D.C.  I interned at Peace Corps Headquarters for three months in 2010, and my 21-year-old self thought I could live out my yuppie years here.  I greatly appreciated the cosmopolitanism, the near absence of political apathy, as well as the eclectic culture, activities and people.  I actually cried the night before I flew back to Iowa to finish my bachelor's.

Out of the States: Mozambique.  Never before have I met such nurturing and hospitable people, eaten outstandingly flavorful food from the simplest ingredients, or taken in the beauty of vast, white sandy beaches.  

Continuing to travel is a major dream of mine.

5) Do you have a dream job? What?

I suppose I always imagined myself working in Behavior Change Communications (BCC) for an organization like Population Services International (PSI), since behavior change and reproductive health have been my focus for the last few years.  Honestly, I'm open.

6) What is your favorite part about the IIC program thus far?

I've been so fortunate to have an intelligent, diverse and friendly cohort and faculty.  I'm also excited about next quarter's classes. 

7) Anything else you would like to share?

I finished my Peace Corps Service in late July and returned to the States mid-August.  Returning from ex-patriot life comes with a readjustment process and potentially some challenges.  Thus far, I've eased back into life in the states.  I've discovered how life has changed here (especially in a technological sense), and I'm still discovering how I have changed.  Overall, it's been fairly easy to get back into the swing of life here even though all I can think about is where I'll go next.