What inspired you to work for Forum-Nexus (FN)?
I initially became involved with Forum-Nexus as a student intern in 2014. Being able to travel internationally for the first time and also work behind-the-scenes with the FN team changed my professional and educational path for the better. I decided that I wanted to help other college students have the same amazing study abroad experience as me, which led to me joining the core Forum-Nexus team shortly after my summer abroad.
This is me having a MOMENT in front of some Roman ruins during my first summer abroad with Forum-Nexus. It was 2014 and I was a rising junior at the time.
Describe a typical day at work as the Social Media Manager.
A typical day of FN work consists of managing all of the FN digital platforms - check us out on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube! - talking to college students who reach out to us via online/social media with questions about our program, creating engaging digital content to attract students to our multi-country programs, brainstorming campaigns for marketing efforts, and any other fun projects that get thrown my way!
What are some current projects you are working on?
Recently, I launched the Forum-Nexus Alumni Community. It’s a project I’ve worked on for over a year with one other staff member, and we’re very excited that it’s finally “live.” Now our alumni can reconnect with us as well as meet other fellow alum from other years, and continue to reap the benefits of studying abroad. The initiative consists of a private community group, newsletter, and alumni highlights on our travel blog.
One of my favorite years with Forum-Nexus was in 2016 when my sister, Jonna, joined as a student! Being able to travel abroad together was incredibly fun.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
To push yourself out of your social comfort zone. I quickly formed a friend group a few days into my study abroad program and didn’t branch out until the last week. It made me realize that I missed out on a few incredible friendships by hanging out with the same people every day.
Are there any developments with Forum-Nexus that you would like to share with us?
In addition to our iconic European programs, we recently announced a multi-country study abroad program in Asia for summer 2019. Between the itinerary, professional visits, and other fun adventures that await, it’s going to be an awesome experience! I hope some of our alumni come back for Forum-Nexus round two.
What makes Forum-Nexus easy to market to potential participants?
Forum-Nexus is unique, expansive in destinations, and the most FUN! Our programs have a very unique spirit that cannot be fully understood without experiencing it first-hand. I’ve had four of the best summers of my life when working abroad. Having that personal experience to pull from makes it easy to market to potential students in an authentic, believable way.
Forum-Nexus has given me quite a few lifelong friends. Here I am in Rome with two of my very best friends, Selin & Nick, who I met through studying abroad.
What is Forum Nexus' mission and how do you continue to work towards it?
Our mission is “to provide a first-class international educational experience and to foster an appreciation for the richness of other cultures, by offering unique and life-changing summer programs that encourage the exchange of ideas with individuals from around the world, and create a community of students with a passion for learning and exploring the world with an open mind.” I try my best to recruit passionate, diverse students who want to explore the world. I also try to reflect the values of our mission and company every day by being positive and open-minded.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I hope our future students continue to learn compassion for the world, practice open-mindedness, and develop a curiosity to continue exploring. The life-long memories and friendships are a sweet bonus.
What questions do participants often ask you, and how do you typically respond?
Participants usually want to know 1) What my summer was like and 2) Do I keep in touch with my study abroad friends. I always answer: My summer was a life-changing experience in the best way. And, YES. I still talk to and meet up with most of my study abroad friends - nearly five years later. They are some of my very best friends and I can’t imagine life without them.
In 2017 a student snapped this pic of me in action: capturing the “Forum-Nexus experience” and content for marketing purposes. I’m behind the camera 90% of the time, so I like having this realistic portrayal of my time abroad.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
It’s so easy to get comfortable in our own corner of the world. If we don’t step outside of our “bubble” from time to time, our thinking becomes complacent, we start to lack empathy for others, and we lose an open-minded perspective. Traveling abroad and experiencing new cultures is one of the most authentic educational moments one could ever have. We should never stop pushing ourselves to learn and cherish the world we live in.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means going to anywhere you want with an open heart and mind, ready to learn from the specific culture and people of that place.
What hopes do you have for the future of international education?
I hope that most, if not all, students are able to have their own international education experiences, and that cost is no longer a deciding factor. I love sharing about our scholarship and financial aid resources with students and working with them on a plan to make studying abroad a reality. Everyone deserves the opportunity to travel!
