Liberal Arts Major(s): International Politics
Minor: Sociology, History
Hometown: Potomac Falls, Virginia
Experience Time: Spring 2020
Give us a brief summary of your experience?
I chose the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) due to its option to spend six weeks in different locations. I spent the first six weeks in Paris, France and then six weeks in London, England. Unfortunately, due the coronavirus outbreak I was not able to complete my last six weeks in Rome. Despite this, I took every opportunity to explore and take in Europe as much as I could. I have taken weekend trips to Amsterdam (The Netherlands), Interlaken (Switzerland), Edinburgh (Scotland), and Dublin (Ireland).
I took every opportunity to explore and take in Europe as much as I could.
How did this experience impact you academically?
This experience has given me a new perspective on international politics. The professors from Paris and London offered invaluable knowledge and perspective on politics that I would have not learned had I stayed in America. As an international politics major, I think it is super important to understand and learn the perspectives of other nations besides the United States. Moreover, I was in Paris during the transportation strike and in London during Brexit. These are key political events on the international stage that I got to experience firsthand.
How will this experience impact your career goals?
This experience will help my career goals because it has given me new knowledge and perspectives that will make me unique when applying and working in different jobs. Since my major is 'international,' going abroad has really given me that 'international' experience. Additionally, my job may require me to go abroad, and now I have the experience and knowledge of how to live in a foreign country.
How has the College of the Liberal Arts helped you to find and/or succeed in this experience (e.g., adviser, faculty, staff, enrichment funds, etc.)?
The College of the Liberal Arts enrichment funds have helped me make my aspiration of studying abroad a reality. Funding is a big part of studying abroad, and the College of the Liberal Arts was really supportive and helpful with students' concerns about funding their experiences.