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Alumni News

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  • 6 Sep 2024 3:53 PM | Stewart Coard (Administrator)

    In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, ISEP took the opportunity to sit down with one of our alumni, Rodrigo Sanchez, and discuss how his study abroad experience was different due to his cultural background. You can read the the full interview below:

    Stewart: What year did you study abroad?

    Rodrigo: I studied abroad in the Netherlands in 2018

    S: What was most impactful about your experience studying abroad?

    R: It was really diving deep into a different culture. I already have diverse experience with two cultures being Mexican-American so seeing European and Dutch culture was very interesting. It was a cool way to compare and contrast a different culture and community, as well as see what aspects I would like to adopt and what reaffirmed the parts of my culture that I really enjoy and value.

    S: Do you think the experience was different for you based on your heritage?

    R: I think having experience with a different culture mad culture a lot easier for me. I was already used to navigating multiple communities, so it was easier for me to ease into a new community and try to learn in different styles, as well as the social aspects. Other than that, I think it also gave me a different perspective. Culture has always been really important to me, so it allowed me to absorb everything as an observer and a guest in the country.

    S: Did your study abroad experience impact your understanding of your own culture?

    R: It definitely made me realize certain familial aspects of my culture. Family and the way we interact with our family is so important to us. So seeing a different form of individualism was really interesting to me. Seeing the different way they connect with their family, the difference from an intergenerational household was huge and helped me understand something I really love about my culture.

    S: Is there a special value in studying abroad for Hispanic students or other students with diverse backgrounds?

    R: Our community tends to get wrapped up in our own culture. Its great to see a different style of living and broaden our perspectives a little bit more. In the same way that our values can be a way to uphold us, there are times when they can manifest in a way that’s not healthy. Also, professionally we only have a couple of narrow ways that are open to us. So it was helpful to disconnect from the U.S. system and seeing how the Netherlands put such a different emphasis on different industries, being able to see these opportunities, opportunities I wouldn’t have considered twice at home.  I really valued both the cultural and the professional aspects, getting to be away from that familiarity.

    S: Finally, is there anything you would like to say about your study abroad experience?

    R: I tried to plan my classes around subjects I was really interested in. Each country had such diverse cultural classes or technical classes, so getting that freedom to choose really made my study abroad experience enjoyable. Many of the countries are so close by, that you get to travel across a lot of Europe.  

  • 20 Aug 2024 1:43 PM | Stewart Coard (Administrator)
    We were lucky enough to have two of our board members sit down and interview two accomplished women to learn about their insights on mentorship, diversity, and career development. Gretchen Dobson spoke with Bailey Kepford about their mutual background in international education and Rajika Bhandari discussed how women of color succeed with Simone Douglas. If you missed the webinar, you can view it here on our website: https://isepalumni.org/sys/website/?pageId=18158
  • 18 Jun 2023 12:00 PM | Tavon Cooke (Administrator)

    Source Link

    Thinking about Grad School? Searching for an international career in the private, public, or non-governmental sector?

    Whether you’ve just started your search or have a shortlist in mind, representatives of APSIA’s top international affairs and public policy graduate schools can help you navigate the admissions process.

    Register today and answer your questions about:

    • application requirements,
    • curricula and joint degrees,
    • financial aid, and
    • career opportunities.

    Go beyond what you read on a website – leave with new information and personal connections to admissions staff.

    July 20, 2023, 10:00am-12:45pm ET

    Register Online Here



  • 16 Jun 2023 12:00 PM | Tavon Cooke (Administrator)

    Source Link

    Join the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA) for an introductory webinar on best practices when applying for graduate school.

    July 18, 2023, 9:00am-10:00am ET

    In this monthly series, APSIA’s International Admissions and Operations Manager will answer questions about:

    • Selecting a graduate program
    • Preparing an application
    • Paying for school
    • Career opportunities

    By registering you agree to share your information with APSIA and its members for the purpose of sharing graduate school information and related events.*

    Register Here


  • 13 Jun 2023 12:00 PM | Tavon Cooke (Administrator)

    ISEP LGBTQIA+ Alumni Experiences Abroad

    Wednesday June 21, 2023

    1:00 p.m. to 2:00p.m. Eastern Time (UTC -5)

    ISEP community,

    As part of alumni engagement’s ISEP Diversity Abroad Series, join us for a panel discussion on Wednesday June 21st featuring LGBTQIA+ ISEP alumni, who will share stories about how their identities influenced their experiences and time abroad. 

    The panelists will also share advice on choosing a program, resources they consulted for more information about their host country, and highlights and challenges they experienced along the way.  This interactive panel will feature plenty of opportunity for Q&A.    

    A Zoom link will be sent to those who R.S.V.P. a few days before the event.  


  • 9 Jun 2023 12:00 PM | Tavon Cooke (Administrator)

    Are you passionate about community impact? Get your questions answered at our Changemaker Award Informational Webinar on 06/21 at 4 PM EST. Register today to learn more!

    The 2023 inaugural program will offer up to six grants of up to $10,000 for selected Gilman Alumni. Applicants must submit their online proposal and all supporting documents by August 23rd, 2023 at 11:59 PST. Learn more and apply.

    Reach out to [email protected] if you have any questions.

    Click here to register.

  • 8 Jun 2023 12:00 PM | Tavon Cooke (Administrator)

    Find your path to a public service career. Apply now for the Human Resources opportunity with the U.S. Department of State.

    This isn't your typical internship. This is a paid opportunity. Our internships provide opportunities to gain experience and insight into the business of diplomacy as our employees work to advance U.S. interests worldwide. We are looking for diverse, culturally aware, adaptable, strategic-thinking problem solvers. An internship with us is substantive, and rewarding, and offers you a valuable educational experience that will enhance you professionally and personally. And it can potentially lead to a career in public service.

    Visit USAJOBS to view the following opportunities and to begin the application process.

    This vacancy announcement will be open from June 7th, 2023 to June 13th, 2023 or when  50 applications have been received. The vacancy will close on whichever day the first of these conditions are met.

    Click here to apply. 

  • 4 Jun 2023 12:00 PM | Tavon Cooke (Administrator)

    Further Study Abroad: A Focus on the Fulbright Student Experience

    Tuesday June 13, 2023

    9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time (UTC -5)

    With thousands of ISEP alumni completing study abroad each year, more and more of you are interested in further study abroad on a Fulbright Fellowship.

    Many of you are asking:

    • What are the priorities of the Fulbright program?
    • Would Fulbright be a good match?
    • When is appropriate to apply and how should I prepare?
    • Should I choose the same country or region of my ISEP experience?

    This webinar features two panelists who will share their perspectives from an applicant level to an administrative leadership level. All alumni interested in pursuing a Fulbright, whether to or from the United States, are invited to attend. A Q&A period will be included.  

    Moderator: Dr. Gretchen Dobson, ISEP Board Member, and Associate Director Scholarships, Tetra Tech International Development

    Panelists:
    Terhi Mölsä, ISEP Board Secretary, Chief Executive Officer at Fulbright Finland Foundation

    Altynbyek Kunbai, Fulbright Fellow 2023-2024 Inbound to the United States from Mongolia.  and International Development Program Officer

    A Zoom link will be sent to those who R.S.V.P. yes a few days before the event.  

    Register Here

  • 31 May 2023 9:00 AM | Tavon Cooke (Administrator)

    Written by Shaleni Murugesperan, who studied abroad on exchange at AUBG Fall 2022. 


    Without a doubt, visiting Bulgaria was indeed an amazing experience of a lifetime. Walking down the memory lane, one of my greatest accomplishments in 2022 was being chosen as one of the candidates to participate in ISEP for the Fall semester at American University in Bulgaria (AUBG). This program was completely funded by my home institution, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI). My journey in the ISEP program was incredible, as I had been longing for this opportunity since 2017 and had been working arduously for several years to prepare for it. The joy and happiness I felt after being informed by International Mobility Center (IMC) that out of 200 applicants, I had been chosen for this program cannot be adequately expressed in words. I would also like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to a few of my lecturers, Profesor Madya Dr. Faridah Lisa binti Supian, Associate Dr. Rohaidah binti Masri, Dr. Syazwan bin Zaidin, Dr. Nur Hamiza binti Adenan, Dr. Noor Wahida Binti Md. Junus from the Faculty of Science and Mathematics at UPSI and my host coordinator, Ms. Mariya Handzhiyska from AUBG, for assisting me with the application process, course selection, rescheduling dates for my teaching internships, expenditures, fees, and many other things. Living independently for nearly four months and handling problems without the support of my parents or other family members forced me to grow up in ways I might not have for at least a few more years.



    I consider participating in the ISEP program at AUBG to be worthwhile due to several reasons. First and foremost, my biggest motivation for wanting to study abroad will always be the opportunity to travel and experience a completely new and diverse culture. I believe there is no more thrilling privilege in life than the opportunity to travel, meet new people, and immerse oneself in traditions and cultures that are wholly different from your own. I developed wonderful relationships with friends who are so close that I would consider them family, and I created memories that I will cherish forever at AUBG. I am genuinely grateful to have friends from all over the world, including India, Afghanistan, Spain, North Macedonia, Albania, Greece, France, The Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, and even the United States. The chance to interact with people from all around the world broadened my perspective on how things are done in different nations. It is much more valuable because not everyone is given the opportunity, which makes it rare.


    Choosing to study abroad has also given me the opportunity to witness and learn about the pedagogical approaches and instructional strategies used by AUBG professors. The educational system in universities abroad was exceptionally advanced given they combine academic and practical learning, and emphasize the value of athletics, the arts, and social services equally. Hence, I was interested in finding out how realistic the educational quality, learning cultures, and methods abroad are as an aspiring teacher. Finally, I also had the belief that the ISEP program would help me fulfill my life's greatest ambition, which is to continue my further education in universities overseas. I did sign up as a lifetime ISEP Alumna to obtain mentorship, guidance, and more rewarding employment opportunities in future.



    Another exciting part of my studies abroad was the opportunity to experience the dream of many, which is to visit different countries. During the fall break in AUBG, my friends and I visited two other beautiful countries in the region: North Macedonia and Greece. Firstly, we spent three days in Skopje, the capital and largest city of North Macedonia. We were amazed by the culture and friendliness of the people there that warmed our hearts. Moreover, we were surrounded by the amazing view of the beautiful city and before leaving the place, I was also able to taste some of their traditional food which was so delicious. Following that, we spent another three days in Athens, the capital of Greece. We visited the Acropolis and Parthenon. It was totally a surreal moment to witness the astonishing view and buildings in Athens in real life as opposed to seeing them in books and movies.



    Looking back, I can say that the ISEP programme well surpassed my expectations. I was given numerous chances to express my opinions and ask questions, to take part in AUBG activities, to pick up new skills, and to volunteer at a foster care home in the region of Blagoevgrad. I enrolled in several elective classes to fulfill my credit hours, including Introduction to Piano, Introduction to Spanish, Biology, and Environmental Science. All the classes I took there during my semester gave me a wealth of knowledge. Without any prior experience, I was given the chance to thoroughly learn piano and take part in a piano concert in front of many audiences. One of my main concerns as a volunteer was the language barrier. I could not speak Bulgarian and the children there could not speak English. Consequently, I overcame this problem by speaking with them using Google Translate. Before agreeing to become a volunteer, I was afraid that the language barrier would prevent me from showing them affection and communicating with them. However, I was able to illustrate that “love knows no language” because of my immense love and devotion towards the children. They became really attached to me and enjoyed spending time with me.


    Additionally, I had a wonderful time with several Indian friends from India who were enrolled as full-time students there. We jointly celebrated the Indian festival of Deepavali. We dressed up in our traditional sarees, made briyani together, and danced the night away to Indian music. The fact that I was able to celebrate Deepavali apart from my family in a foreign nation was a completely unique experience for me. I was also an active member in the Bulgarian Folk Dance club where I was able to learn Bulgarian folk-dance skills in groups. I constantly went for practice and attended rehearsal once a week. I was then given an opportunity to perform Bulgarian Folk Dance in one of the AUBG events.



    Overall, being an exchange student for a semester really taught me so much about myself and established a worldview that I would not have had without the experience or would not have evolved until much later. I am extremely satisfied knowing that I have attained self-realization, discovered new strengths, and developed the ability to assess my own weaknesses and come up with feasible solutions to address them. Studying abroad was the very finest choice I have ever made; therefore, I would suggest it to anyone who is considering it even a little bit. I am a better person now because of my time in Bulgaria, which is why I am making such a big effort to find my way back.


  • 30 May 2023 12:00 PM | Tavon Cooke (Administrator)

    A Chat with Adam Fortuna @ the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) Movement

    Tuesday June 6, 2023

    4:00 p.m. to 5:00p.m. Eastern Time (UTC -4)

    ISEP community,

    Are you interested in learning more about the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement?  Join us as we feature special guest Adam Fortuna, who will talk about FIRE, and how he charted a path to retiring before he turned 40 by following its principles. 

    Adam is also the creator of www.minafi.com, a platform with tools and information related to FIRE.  Please check out the website before the discussion, as this will be an interactive session. 

    A Zoom link will be sent to those who R.S.V.P. yes a few days before the event.  

    R.S.V.P. here: https://isepalumni.org/event-5294122

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ISEP Alumni Association 

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