ISEP Voices Blogger
Work effectively toward achieving common goals within diverse teams.
After I was accepted into my International Student Exchange Program in the fall of 2017, I was offered the opportunity to blog for ISEP Voices. ISEP Voices is a highly selective student blogger program aimed at featuring diverse and underrepresented voices in study abroad. The organization receives applications from nearly every state, but only selects 15 to 20 bloggers each semester.
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During my semester, some of my co-bloggers were from countries such as Morocco, Germany, Canada, Vietnam, Ghana, Ecuador, and the United States to name a few. Together we blogged about our independent study abroad programs, providing insight, knowledge, culture, and tips as we began to navigate our new homes.
The purpose of this platform was to educate other students potentially seeking to study abroad as a resource and first hand account of what it would be like to live in a different country.
We were also required to submit monthly blog posts on specific topics outlined by our ISEP mentors. Many of us were encouraged to network with the locals in our new cities and towns. To go beyond just the touristy parts, but delve deeper into what life was really like day-to-day.
Therefore, besides just learning how to communicate more effectively, I also learned how to work with people from diverse backgrounds. Together we created not only informational, but also reflective pieces of writing to document our experiences throughout our six month programs.
This opportunity helped me gain more confidence in my writing skills and taught me how to work collaboratively with others. Traveling abroad, in general, was undeniably a humbling experience. Through this experience I became more culturally aware and sensitive to my peers and colleagues. I am an avid supporter of study abroad and would highly recommend it to any college student.
My passions for travel, food, culture, and learning are the reasons why I study International Business. In the long run, I would love to work for an International non-profit organization and be given the opportunity to educate other people about different cultures and communities.
