CAPLA Study Abroad: Magnolia Hilvert ‘25
Magnolia Hilvert '25 visited Paris as part of a summer CAPLA Study Abroad.
7 Questions with Magnolia Hilvert
“Our program encouraged us to have open, honest conversations about the ways history, culture and identity intertwine, which has left a lasting impact on how I view the world and my place within it.”
Magnolia Hilvert is a senior at the University of Arizona pursuing a degree in applied humanities with a fashion studies emphasis, in addition to a minor in marketing. She ventured outside of her comfort zone and studied abroad in a new program, giving her a unique perspective.
Get to know Magnolia and hear about her summer in Paris with CAPLA.
Interested in taking studying abroad with CAPLA? Applications are now being accepted for Summer 2025!
What brought you to the University of Arizona?
Since childhood, Arizona has held a special place in my heart. My grandparents moved to Phoenix when I was young, so I spent a lot of time visiting, and I was immediately drawn to the beautiful weather, vibrant vegetation and unique architectural style. Arizona always felt like home to me. While I was in high school, my aunt and uncle, both alumni of the University of Arizona, took me on a campus tour and I could immediately see myself at this school. When the time came, I was excited to leave the snow behind and come to sunny Arizona to find my community here.
If you have a particular focus or interest area in your degree, what is it and what excites you most about it?
My passion for fashion began at a young age through sewing with my grandmother, and I was quickly captivated by the world of clothing and design. I always feel most excited and like myself when I’m able to be creative and fashion has given me a way to follow this passion. My degree’s emphasis on fashion allows me to explore all aspects of this creative field and tap into different interests within it. I love that this program encourages me to think outside the box and gives me room to explore and express the parts of myself that feel most authentic and exciting.
What did you like about the CAPLA Study Abroad?
What I like best about CAPLA is how the study abroad program encourages us to consider various perspectives and learn from one another. Coming into CAPLA from another discipline, I immediately felt welcomed and respected, and I loved being able to bring my unique perspective to the classroom. CAPLA's emphasis on creativity and boundary-pushing inspired me every day to explore and strive for growth.
Can you give an overview of your study abroad experience? Where did you go? When did you go? What classes did you take?
I studied abroad for five weeks this summer in Paris, France with CAPLA Study Abroad. We stayed at the Cité Universitaire, an international university in Paris, but we also went on a few overnight trips to Lyon, Bordeaux and Nantes. I took ARC 499: Independent Study, which focused on Paris’s urban landscapes and cultural neighborhoods, and ARC 497: Special Topics in Architecture, where we explored French materials like sugar, silk, stone and glass and their historical and cultural significance. The experience was immersive; we went on walking tours, visited museums, met with professionals, watched dance performances and shared many delicious meals together. I also formed meaningful friendships with students from diverse backgrounds, adding a personal layer to the experience that I’ll cherish forever.
How do you see study abroad adding to your overall academic experience?
My courses in Paris taught me to examine history and culture through a layered lens. This experience highlighted the importance of understanding the larger effects of historical events and taking time to consider perspectives beyond my own. Our program encouraged us to have open, honest conversations about the ways history, culture and identity intertwine, which has left a lasting impact on how I view the world and my place within it.
What did you learn from your study abroad that you wouldn't have learned in the classroom?
Being in a foreign country allowed me to see history and culture in action. Observing the differences in neighborhoods and the impact of French history on the city was something I wouldn’t have been able to conceptualize without leaving the classroom. Every day, our classes involved going to museums, looking at buildings, talking to people and more. It forced me to go out and make discoveries for myself instead of just reading about them in a textbook, and it was a powerful reminder of the value of interacting with what you’re learning about first-hand.
What advice do you have for students interested in CAPLA Study Abroad?
My advice would be to step outside their comfort zone and embrace every opportunity that comes their way. Studying abroad in a program outside my major taught me so much and introduced me to amazing people, ideas and experiences I would have otherwise missed. Your time in college is what you make of it, so don’t hesitate to get involved, take risks and pursue what truly makes you happy.
