Alumni Guest Blog.

Kelsey Howard, Valpo alum, studied abroad in Cambridge, England in 2008 (C-82) and writes about how her experience impacted her career plans.  Valpo alumni are invited to email study.abroad@valpo.edu to share their story on how studying abroad impacted their lives.  

 

It has been four years since I took the plunge as a Valpo Study Abroad student in Cambridge, England.  Since then I have travelled to a dozen countries in Europe, completed my Bachelor’s degree at Valpo (Political Science and Humanities at Christ College), earned a Master’s degree from Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge (Intercultural Communication) and now work at an amazing international college where I interact every day with students from all over the world. None of this would have happened if I hadn’t had the opportunity to study abroad.

Fall 2008 Cambridge co-hort

The Fall 2008 Cambridge Co-hort, C-82

I’ll admit it wasn’t an instantaneous, divine revelation for me to choose to move overseas. I came as an undergraduate for a semester and that was all I expected it to be. I wanted to travel, to eat, drink and be merry—all whilst getting to meet new people and experience cultures different than my own. I did all of these things in three short months, but after awhile of being back in the States I knew that I wanted more. When I saw the MA program at ARU entitled ‘Intercultural Communication’ I immediately felt like I had struck gold. I thought to myself, ‘that is exactly what I want to do’.

 

After putting in my application and waiting for a few nervous weeks, I got an offer to return to what had become my second home in 2008 to study once again. I can’t even begin to describe the richness this course offered, but suffice it to say that the students and lecturers I met taught me more in one year than any book could teach me in a lifetime.

my ARU coursemates and I dining at a family-owned Turkish restaurant in Cambridge

Once finishing my Master’s degree, I landed a job at Cambridge Ruskin International College in academic and student support. This post was originally supposed to last only one year (to cover maternity leave), but I have recently been offered a permanent position. I could not be happier to be where I am, doing what I do. I love the students I work with every day—they have already taught me so much!  I couldn’t have asked for a better first real job.

Workmates and I at a social event I planned for my students- CRIC's Got Talent!

Lots of people say that studying abroad changed their life—I am a living testament to that. If it had not been for my decision to study abroad while I was at Valpo, I wouldn’t be where I am today. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made.