Major: French, Telecommunications, Global and International Studies
Minor: Arabic, Middle East Studies
Hometown: State College, PA

How did you learn about this opportunity?

I first learned about this internship opportunity when I reached out to several of my Facebook friends when I was still applying to internships. One of my friends who I grew up with recommended that I apply for Global Connections because of her previous experience with the Conversation Partners Program. I then began corresponding with the Executive Director of Global Connections and arranged a meeting. After meeting with him, I was accepted for a summer internship.

Tell us a little bit about your experience.

At Global Connections I was able to learn a lot about working for a non-profit organization. More importantly I was able to see first-hand how an organization such as Global Connections helps reinforce the international community in State College. During my time working with Global Connections, I was able to think of and implement marketing strategies using social media applications such as Facebook. I was also able to work with the Global Connections Conversation Partners Program and work on designing an updated guidebook for volunteers of the program using Microsoft Publisher, a program that was completely new to me. I was also able to hone my skills using Microsoft Excel which I used to keep track of my hours and to record for my supervisor the programs I was working on. My internship supervisor also allowed me to sit in on meetings and brainstorm marketing strategies for upcoming events. I also had the opportunity to work one on one with individuals within the international community. Throughout my internship with Global Connections, I helped several individuals find housing at various times throughout the summer.

"Global Connections has given me the chance to meet some extremely interesting people and broaden my cultural horizons through my interaction with them."

How did this experience impact you academically?

My time at Global Connections has given me the chance to learn what it means to work in a professional field within the human services industry. Although I am not taking classes during my time with Global Connections, I have found that I have acquired new skills that I couldn’t have obtained in a classroom. The most valuable lesson is that this experience has opened my eyes to an entirely new aspect of my hometown that I had never seen before. This next year I want to become more involved with the organization even after my internship ends this summer.

What are your career goals and plans?  How did this experience impact them?

My career goal is to obtain a position where I can help people from other communities adapt to life in a new location. I also enjoy learning about other cultures and ways of life. My internship with Global Connections was great because it fit with this career goals so nicely. Global Connections has given me the chance to meet some extremely interesting people and broaden my cultural horizons through my interaction with them. I can see from my time at Global Connections I would enjoy working in a similar field and hope to continue working with internationals in the future.

Would you recommend this experience to other Liberal Arts students?

I would most certainly recommend this experience to other Liberal Arts students. Global Connections provides students with the opportunity to work with internationals in the community and to foster cultural diversity. Even if your concentration isn’t within the international scope, Global Connections is a terrific experience for any student who enjoys working with and helping others.