What inspired you to work for your organization?
The University of Liverpool is one of the most prestigious and beautiful universities in the United Kingdom — particularly in the North of England! I was excited to work at a Russell Group University, as this indicates the institution places a strong emphasis on research and teaching. Aside from the strong academics at the university, I love how friendly and welcoming both the university and the city are. Scousers (locals from Liverpool) are known for being some of the friendliest people in the UK, and this is a great environment to study and work in!
Enjoying views of Prague's beautiful architecture from Prague Castle
Why do you do what you do?
I am responsible for Inbound study abroad programs at the University of Liverpool. This means managing exchange balances with our partners, helping students with their applications, planning orientations and cultural activities, and working hard behind the scenes to improve the programs that we offer to students. For example, this year (2020), we've added more than 20 additional research projects to our Summer Research Programme, to expand the subject areas offered to our students. This means cooperating closely with all of our academic schools to find suitable projects for our students.
One of the most 'fun' projects I've had this semester was organizing our first weekend trip to Scotland in April! Our students have been requesting a weekend trip be added to our cultural activities, and we've listened! I can't wait to take our students on a five-day excursion over our mid-term break to Edinburgh, Stirling, and the Highlands.
Visiting Mozart's birthplace and home to the Sound of Music- Salzburg!
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
Studying abroad and completing my Master's degree abroad has helped me enormously in my career. In fact, before I studied abroad, I intended to have a career working in Theatre, as that was my undergraduate degree program. After studying abroad, I realized how much I loved traveling and seeing new cultures, but also how much I learned about myself. I decided that I'd rather work to help other students have a similar experience, and so I began working as a peer advisor in my university's study abroad office. I decided to move to the UK to complete my Master's degree, as I knew that more international experience would be helpful in my career path. I was then lucky to find a job in the Czech Republic, which allowed me to continue living abroad, traveling (independently and with students), and learning about many different European cultures. I have worked most of my professional career in countries outside my native country, and having the cross-cultural communication and adaptability skills has been essential in succeeding as a working professional abroad. For this reason, I believe that every undergraduate student should have this experience and opportunity!
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
I would tell my pre-travel and pre-study abroad self to slow down, and to look outside my narrow line of sight for opportunities. Before I studied abroad, I was very focused on my chosen major and career plan, that I didn't consider any alternatives. In hindsight, studying abroad saved me, as it forced me to spend half a year in a new environment with new people learning new things. It's amazing how even small interactions with someone in another language and culture can fully change your perspective — but only if you'll give it a chance!
What makes your organization special?
The University of Liverpool is the 'friendly' university — as is the city of Liverpool! We are the original red brick university that has become synonymous with the 'traditional' university campus, and have focused on and embraced our originality throughout the last 140 years. The University of Liverpool places huge value on our students' experience here on campus, and every staff member is committed to ensuring that all students receive the best academic, social, and cultural experience whilst in Liverpool.
Katie exploring Chefchaouen, the blue city of Morocco
Why should someone choose your organization over competitors?
The University of Liverpool is an ideal study abroad destination. While we're not in London, which is perhaps the more common study abroad destination in the UK, the city of Liverpool is a destination in its own right. The university is consistently ranked highly for student life, nightlife, and is home to several UNESCO heritage sites. In fact, Liverpool is home to the largest number of galleries and museums, as well as traditional Georgian architecture, outside of London! Liverpool was historically one of the most important cities in the UK, as it was a major trading hub. It was so important, that the United States established its first-ever foreign embassy in Liverpool by the docks in the 18th century.
The University of Liverpool strongly embraces its history and identity with the city of Liverpool. We are home to some of the most beautiful architecture in the city. We've also updated our campus continuously, and have some amazing new facilities for students to take advantage of, including brand-new management school and law school buildings.
Studying abroad in Liverpool is also one of the most cost-effective places to study abroad in the UK. The North of England is known for being much more affordable than alternative destinations elsewhere in the country, and Liverpool has that without sacrificing any of the facilities, tourist sites, and 'up and coming' vibe that the city has become famous for.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
Our aim is allow students to feel a part of the Liverpool community, both on campus and off. We want our students to fully immerse themselves into life in the UK, and get a good feel for both British culture day-to-day, as well as British academic culture.
Sitting atop the Acropolis in Athens, Greece
How do you help support participants?
The University of Liverpool provides support for students in every facet of life on campus. Students living in halls will have Resident Assistants to support them, and all students have access to our Student Support office. Student Support provides International Advice and Guidance, Disability Support, Mental Health and Counseling Services, and general welfare support. Academically, students are assigned to International Opportunities Advisors, who are academics from the departments where they're registered for classes, that will be on-hand to assist with any academic questions. The Study Abroad Team is also available to all study abroad students throughout orientation and the rest of the semester to answer any questions that may arise.
If you could participate in one of your organization's programs, where would you go and what would you do?
If I were to participate in any UoL program, I would definitely choose the Summer Research Programme. This program allows students to study in Liverpool for four weeks, eight weeks, or 12 weeks over the summer (the warmest and sunniest time in Liv!) to complete research alongside one of our world-leading academics. The university is very proud of its research, and our supervisors are some of the most incredible that the university has to offer. Past students studying on this program have had their work published in academic journals whilst they were still undergraduates! This is the perfect program for students wishing to make international connections in their fields — especially if they're interested in completing postgraduate studies.
It's important to mention that all UoL study abroad alumni get a 10 percent tuition discount on any future program, including postgraduate degree programs! This means that students interested in applying for a Master's at the university can participate on the Summer Research Programme to get a look into the university and life on campus, whilst earning alumni status with us.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
Open your mind to different locations and experiences! It may be 'easy' to decide to study in obvious destinations where you'll know a lot of other people studying abroad, but it's an adventure to go a bit outside of your comfort zone to choose something different. I studied abroad in a smaller town in France where I was the only student from my university attending, and that meant I was free to meet loads of new friends from all over the world, and have many new experiences that I may not have had if I had a large cohort from home with me.
What hopes do you have for the future of international education?
I hope that international education will expand to be a normal and even vital part of the undergraduate curriculum. In the world we now live, it's so important for young adults to have the opportunity to see new parts of the world, but especially to meet new people and engage with values and ideas aside from those they already have. Fostering cross-cultural competency is so important, and will allow students to be more successful in their careers. This is not only a critical skill for students' development, but I believe this will increasingly become a critical skill for communication in everyday life.
