Sarah
Garfield
International Experiences
I conducted an independent research project in Edinburgh, Scotland sponsored by UF's Center for Undergraduate Research. See International Research tab for more information.
Poland
In winter break of 2023, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Poland. I visited Warsaw, Lublin, and Krakow with a group of students from across the United States and Canada. I participated in this program because I wanted to learn and experience the conditions that my ancestors went through, especially being both Polish and Russian. I knew that my ancestors suffered the impacts of the Holocaust generationally, but witnessing these atrocities firsthand was truly eye-opening. On this trip, we visited three concentration camps: Treblinka, Majdanek, and Auschwitz. The sheer amount of collective pain and suffering was unbearable, but those of us on the trip were able to experience it together. We also visited the Warsaw Jewish Cemetery, the Lancut Synagogue, and Jewish Kraków (including the Old Synagogue and Plaszów Camp). We ended the trip by visiting Kraków’s Old Town Square and the local Jewish community. Through nightly debriefs and open conversations with the other students and tour leaders, we further conceptualized and reflected on what we learned and witnessed during the events of the day. While difficult to have these conversations, I remain in contact with many of the students (now friends!) from the program, and we remain connected with our shared experiences and resilience.
Smelling the grass. Feeling the warmth of my friend’s hand. The hue of the blue sky above. This truly was the most emotional part of the trip - I could simply leave while so many couldn’t. I also attended this trip with my brother, which added another deep emotional layer to what my ancestors went through in the past, and how I experience this trip with my brother and into the future. Overall, this global trip solidified a better understanding of my culture and how I could better preserve it in my daily life.
Last night of the trip blues.
Krakow Jewish Quarter.
Picture with my (possible) cousin??
Last night of the trip blues.
Ireland
On my summer abroad trip in Edinburgh, I had the opportunity to attend the International Association of Forensic Mental Health Services (IAFMHS) in Dublin, Ireland, at Trinity College and the Division of Forensic Psychology Annual Conference in Glasgow. In exchange for free admission to the conference with my mentor and both undergraduate/graduate students, I volunteered my time moderating panels, poster talks, paper sessions, the registration desk, and handing out lunch to attendees. When I wasn’t volunteering, I was also able to attend a lot of these sessions and network with mental health professionals from around the world. One formative experience was at the welcome social in Dublin, where I was able to network, meet, and talk with inspiring academics and clinicians (many of whom I maintain regular contact with after the conference).
One of my favorite sessions I attended was a panel on all-female inmate research, which was similar to my research this summer. It was titled “The role of trauma in creating female IPV offenders,” with collaborations from across the globe. This experience truly inspired me to continue integrating global and cultural perspectives into a future career as a clinical psychologist. I also learned that simply asking can bring you unprecedented and unexpected opportunities. For example, I inquired about any travel opportunities with my mentor, and he invited me to attend both conferences in Dublin and Glasgow (and I’m so happy to have attended both)! Asking one of the academics if I could meet with them on Zoom to talk about their work after the conference led me to explore a field of psychology I wasn’t aware of before. Going to this conference completely alone was daunting at first, but I’ve made so many deep and valuable connections and friendships not only within the clinical psychology space but within a global community.