From sustainable farms in Denmark to the vineyards of southern France, Paige Consolo's study abroad experiences gave her a new perspective on the global food industry.
While studying in Copenhagen, Denmark and Aix-en-Provence, France, Consolo explored the relationship between food, culture and sustainability through farm visits, conversations with local farmers and hands-on agricultural experiences. What began as an opportunity to learn about food science in a different part of the world became an experience that shaped how she approached her field of study and, eventually, her career.
Together, the experiences changed how she viewed her field of study.
"Studying abroad helped me go a step further looking at the steps before processing and after," Consolo said. "It helped me connect those scientific principles to larger questions about sustainability, cultural traditions, food accessibility and consumer behavior."
Before studying abroad, Consolo primarily approached food science through the technical aspects of processing, safety and product development. Her time overseas encouraged her to consider the larger systems and decisions that influence the food people ultimately consume.
In France, living with a host family gave her a closer look at how culture influences everyday food choices. She noticed her host placed particular importance on where food came from, shopping for groceries multiple times a week and carefully considering the origins of the products she purchased.
In Denmark, she observed how consumers appeared more willing to invest a larger portion of their budgets in food, viewing quality nutrition as an investment in long-term health.
These differences challenged her assumptions about food consumption in the United States and showed her how closely food choices are tied to cultural values, economics and sustainability.
"These experiences showed me that food is about much more than nutrition or taste; it is deeply connected to cultural values, economics, sustainability and personal health," Consolo said.
Her time in France also provided hands-on experience with the agricultural side of food production. Through working on a vineyard, she learned how soil treatment, canopy management, shading and pruning influence grape development and the characteristics of the finished wine.
Although she did not plan to pursue a career in the wine industry, the experience gave her a new appreciation for the work that happens long before food reaches a processing facility.
"It reinforced that variation in a finished product can originate much earlier in the supply chain, sometimes as early as the first bud of a plant," Consolo said.
That perspective continues to influence her work today. Since graduating from Ohio State in May, Consolo has begun her career with Nestlé in the Manufacturing Leadership Development Program, where she applies her understanding of the connections between agricultural production, processing, quality and the finished products consumers enjoy.
Beyond her academic and professional interests, studying abroad also helped Consolo develop greater independence and confidence. During her semester in France, she used weekends to travel throughout Europe, navigating unfamiliar cities and public transportation systems along the way.
Those experiences prepared her to embrace new challenges after college, including beginning her career in a new state away from the familiar environment she knew at Ohio State.
"Studying abroad taught me that I am capable of doing hard things independently, and that is a lesson I continue to carry into new chapters of my life," Consolo said.
For students considering an international experience, Consolo encourages them to take the opportunity, even if it does not directly align with their major or career plans.
"You do not need to know exactly what you want your future to look like to benefit from the experience," she said. "In fact, studying abroad can be especially valuable when you are still figuring that out."
Looking back, Consolo said studying abroad gave her the opportunity to challenge assumptions, explore new interests and learn in ways that extended beyond the classroom. While the academic and professional benefits have stayed with her, so have the personal lessons she gained along the way.
"You might not immediately see how they fit into your story, but the skills, relationships and perspectives you gain can stay with you long after you return to campus."
