Stephanie has been working at Griffith International for over 3 years and loves that her job involves speaking with students about study abroad opportunities every day. Stephanie is a Griffith University graduate herself, completing a Bachelor of Business & Bachelor of International Business with specializations in Marketing and International Business.
Did YOU study abroad?! If so, where and what inspired you to go?
When I was a student at Griffith University I was fortunate enough to have two opportunities to study abroad. I did a 3 week cultural and language program in Busan, South Korea and a 3 month internship in Essen, Germany. I loved both experiences for different reasons – but I believe there is no better educational experience than travelling.
After both trips, I returned to Australia and saw my own culture and own country in a different light. Hands down, my international experiences were the best part of my degree. I would encourage all students, no matter where they’re from, or what they’re studying, to go overseas as part of their University program.
What does the future hold for Griffith University - any exciting new programs to share?
Griffith University is a young University – just 40 years old this year. We started out wanting to be a ‘different’ University, one that offered programs across multidisciplinary study areas, with a focus on developing graduate employability skills. I think Griffith’s commitment to forward thinking is in our Community Internship program.
This is a ‘free-choice’ subject whereby students undertake a minimum of 50 hours work experience with a not-for-profit organisation, and earn academic credit. It’s blurring the lines between volunteering and academic studies. We have over 400 internships for students to choose from and students can choose the one which best suits them.
One of the most fantastic things about this subject is that it is offered to our Study Abroad students. I wish they had this course on offer when I studied at Griffith!
What country have you always wanted to visit?
I have to admit – I have the travel bug! If I was to list all the places I want to visit here you would be reading forever. One of the regions I want to visit in the near future is South America. I have never been to this part of the world and I’m excited to learn more about the culture, language and diversity in this region.
I have quite a few friends who are currently, or have previously travelled through this region and speak so highly about it! I would particularly like to visit Chile, Colombia and Argentina.
Describe a time when you felt especially proud to be part of the Griffith University team.
Recently I went to a graduation for the Griffith Business School. In this graduating ceremony there were two international students I was particularly proud of. One was a student who had done an internship with me at Griffith International for the previous semester. The other student was the Valedictorian speaker for his graduating class.
In his speech he spoke about his journey from his home country to Australia, and how he ended up at Griffith University. It was so touching to hear how much of a positive difference his study at Griffith University had made in his life. I know both of these students will do well in their future careers and I’m so happy that Griffith University has played a part in their story.
