There is so much that I have learned about myself and the world by being a part of the International Scholars Program. The French courses I have taken have helped me to deepen my understanding of Francophone culture and communicate effectively with others beyond my country's borders. I have always wanted to learn multiple languages and learn more about different cultures. I also enjoy teaching languages and that is why I chose to complete a TESL certificate and volunteer as an English Language Institute Conversation Partner and a French tutor. I chose a French major so that I could expand my cultural understanding of the world. I wanted to be able to communicate more effectively with my French peers and I also love the French language and culture. I gained an excellent second language learning experience and I can use the skills that I have developed from this major and apply them to learning other languages like Japanese. My film concentration has helped me to understand French, German, and European culture in a new way through the art of cinema. I have also learned a lot about European history and modern European issues through these courses. The Women, Leadership, and Diversity in the Global Environment (WST3371) course allowed me to understand how the lack of diversity in certain working environments leads to people of different cultures, gender, sexual orientations, etc. to struggle to succeed in American society. All of the campus life events were very eye opening and educational for me. I learned about the cultures of countries such as Korea, Indonesia, Fiji, Chad, Zambia, Madagascar, Nepal, and the Caribbean through past volunteer Peace Corps panels and by talking with my conversation partner (Jason). Because I have worked with students from around the world ( Korea, Saudia Arabia, China, and Turkey), I had an unique opportunity to learn more about their cultures and their second language learning experiences in America. These interactions along with my experience in the Women, Leadership, and Diversity in the Global Environment (WST3371) course allowed me to be more open minded and understanding of immigrants, citizens of different diversities, and second language learners in America. My global experience in Japan allowed me to meet my family, explore my roots and the Okinawan culture, and learn about my mother's childhood.

 

   Overall, my participation in this program and my courses, language learning, and my traveling has broadened my perspective of the world. I have learned to be more understanding, more open minded, and more eager to learn about what is beyond my culture. I have learned that diversity brings so many new ideas, ways of thinking, and innovative solutions. I plan to use a lot of the knowledge that I have gained through this program for my near future. After I graduate, I plan to teach English abroad for a year in France (TAPIF program) in order to become more fluent in the French language and gain valuable teaching experience. Then, I am going to apply to teach English abroad through the Peace Corps for two years. After my Peace Corps service, I plan to teach English in Okinawa (JET program), learn Japanese, and spend time with my family.