- International Student
- Educator Abroad
- University International Recruitment
What was your international education experience like?
My international education experience includes studying abroad in Nagoya, Japan; teaching in Buga, Colombia; and international student recruitment in more than 15 countries. While doing my Masters in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), I participated in a study abroad program in Nagoya. Having studied Japanese in high school and college, the experience brought together my passions for Japanese language and culture and TESOL. While working at Gonzaga University I was able to co-teach in a program that brought Gonzaga University graduate students and working K-12 teachers from across Colombia together for several weeks to learn and practice TESOL pedagogy. The program was held in different locations in Colombia over the years and the year I participated it was held in Buga and we stayed together on a Jesuit-owned farm. I have also worked in international student recruitment primarily in South America, Asia, and the Middle East. The experience allowed me to travel to places I cannot imagine visiting otherwise and to help students on their educational journey. It also inspired me to study Arabic.
What message do you have to share with students and community members about the importance of international education?
International education should be a transformative experience (if not, you're doing it wrong). The productive discomfort that occurs when taking risks and learning is pivotal to widening your worldview. Always be curious!