- Study Abroad Student
- Other -- Language Learner, International Exchange Student Host Family, Global Development Minor
What was your international education experience like?
My curiosity and enthusiasm for international education started growing in middle school when I enrolled in a language course for the first time. Through the course, I learned about communication styles, food, movies, school culture,...etc, and it sparked my curiosity to learn more about different cultures from my own. Around the same time, I connected with my local Sister City program, and my family started our annual tradition of hosting exchange students for two weeks each summer from Japan. These were the first of many treasured international friendships.
Since then, I've been drawn to international education experiences throughout my education and career. In college I took classes in Japanese, Spanish and Mandarin, studied abroad for a semester in Ghana, graduated with a minor in Global Development, and when I graduated, I spent the next two years in Ecuador earning my CELTA qualification for teaching English, and working at private companies and schools. When I can't travel, I read books by international authors, take local language classes, try new restaurants and recipes, and look for international events and activities near me.
What message do you have to share with students and community members about the importance of international education?
Participating on a program abroad is just one of many ways to have an international education experience. Santa Clara is truly a global community - be curious and take advantage of the opportunities you find! Taking a language class or global topics course, engaging with classmates and faculty from other countries, participating in a virtual exchange, or getting involved in international clubs and activities are all equally rewarding ways to have an international experience during your time at Santa Clara University.