“I love global learning:” study abroad alumni panel shares their experiences | Arts And Entertainment

The Haenicke Institute for Global Education (HIGE) hosted a study abroad alumni panel in the Student Center Ballroom Nov. 3.

The panel was a part of International Education Week which was celebrated Nov. 3 through Nov. 7 and featured multiple panel discussions, guest lectures and presentations brought to campus by HIGE. 

Five students were able to share their experiences studying abroad during the panel, which was  moderated by Study Abroad Specialist Eden Latham. 

One of the first questions Latham asked the panelists were about the factors that motivated them to study abroad.

“I’ve always wanted to study abroad. It’s been a dream of mine for a long time,” said third-year food marketing student Lauren Adsmond.

Latham asked the panelists to share their advice for students who are nervous about funding and receiving scholarships for their travels. 

Fourth-year aviation management student Jeffrey Harris spoke first.

“I feel like we really have a lot of opportunities for study abroad scholarships at Western,” Harris said. 

Samantha Becker, a second-year student, shared her experience on securing scholarships.

“All I do is go through Scholarship Universe and work with the study abroad office,” Becker said. “I haven’t paid a dime for my study abroad experiences.”

Students are also able to apply for the Gilman Scholarship for study abroad trips if they are a Pell Grant recipient through their student aid. 

Several students spoke about adjusting to a different language while studying abroad.

“One thing that I was worried about was the language barrier, but I made sure to learn all the basic phrases beforehand,” Adsmond said about her trip to Thailand.

Becker offered some advice regarding overcoming anxiety about speaking another language.

“At least in my experience in Ecuador and Costa Rica, everyone was happy to help as long as you showed some effort with the language.”

Fourth-year sales and business marketing student Presley Koepp discussed how her study abroad experiences have changed her.

“I actually changed my minor to international business after my trip to Thailand,” Koepp said. “The experience changed my career trajectory.”

She continued: “Personally, I don’t say no as often as I used to and I complain a lot less about the small things.”

Graduate student Diego Sandoval spoke about what he gained from his trips to Ghana and the Dominican Republic.

“It was a huge wake-up call,” Sandoval said. “I was so thankful for everything I have and it really changed my perspective and helped me stop taking life for granted.”

Lastly, the panelists were asked for their final comments on studying abroad.

“Don’t let anything stop you,” Sandoval said. “You can always talk to anyone at the Study Abroad office for questions.”

The Office of Study Abroad hosts regular information sessions about the study abroad experience. They are conducted virtually every Tuesday and Wednesday at 4:00 p.m.

To learn more about study abroad programs, costs and scholarships and more, visit the WMU Office of Study Abroad website. To learn more about the Haenicke Institute for Global Education, visit their website for information on study abroad, international student services and more.