What is your favorite travel memory?
One of my favorite travel memories is visiting my close friend in Buenos Aires two years ago. I met her during study abroad as a junior in college and we have kept in touch ever since. Visiting her years later brought back so many memories of how she helped me explore the city, of how it was a struggle to adapt at times, and how I grew so much in those two semesters.
Which destination is most underrated?
NYU Accra is definitely an underrated location. Many people don't realize how cosmopolitan the city is, and the variety of courses you can take at the Academic Center, as well as the chance to take local courses at the University of Ghana. Students explore so many subjects, including healthcare, literature, journalism, fashion, and education. Additionally, one of my favorite things about this program is that requires a student who is independent and can venture into the city, but also a student who can navigate a small group dynamic and feel comfortable in the close-knit community that makes up NYU Accra. This program provides one of the best blends of immersion and NYU support.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful global program?
One of the biggest factors in being a successful study abroad provider is taking a holistic approach to the study abroad process, and remembering that every student is different in the financial and familial support they receive in considering this as an option for their undergraduate career. We cannot assume students can or cannot study abroad- we need to make sure everyone has the resources and information they need to make the decision. When I started working in study abroad, I didn't realize how many factors are taken into consideration as we recruit and prepare students. One of my favorite parts of this role has been the support I've received to learn more about underrepresented student populations, both in study abroad and the University as a whole. As a result, I am able to be more knowledgeable and strategic in reaching out to and advising students, especially in regards to race and ethnicity, religion, gender, sexuality, disability and socioeconomic status.
How have you changed/grown since working for NYU Global Programs?
When I started working in study abroad, I didn't realize how many factors are taken into consideration as we recruit and prepare students. One of my favorite parts of this role has been the support I've received to learn more about underrepresented student populations, both in study abroad and the University as a whole. As a result, I am able to be more knowledgeable and strategic in reaching out to and advising students, especially in regards to race and ethnicity, religion, gender, sexuality, disability and socioeconomic status.
What unique qualities does NYU Global Programs possess?
New York University's Office of Global Programs is unique in that we take a holistic approach to the study abroad pre-departure process. We do our best to consider every factor that may influence a student to go abroad: do their families support them? Will their financial aid be sufficient? How will study abroad help keep them on academic track? How may it help their careers? How can we support them in exploring their identity abroad and resources they may need? I am proud of our institutional support and the partnerships we have built across the University to make study abroad an option for as many students as possible.