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International Scholars Program (ISP) Reflection
How has ISP prepared me for my future profession or area of graduate studies?
Through my involvement in the International Scholars Program and the Global Business Society, I worked closely with exchange students adjusting to life at the University of Florida. As a Global Gator Guide, I helped students navigate housing, transportation, and campus life while learning about their cultures and perspectives. During these interactions, I often reflected on how different cultural backgrounds influence communication and expectations. I felt a strong sense of responsibility to help students feel welcome while also appreciating how much I was learning from them.
These experiences strengthened my intercultural communication skills and taught me to approach unfamiliar situations with curiosity and empathy. In my future career, these skills will help me collaborate effectively with diverse teams and work in globally connected environments.
How did ISP reinforce or strengthen my beliefs, feelings, and/or actions?
Before joining ISP, I already had an interest in international culture because of my language background and personal experiences. ISP strengthened this interest by giving me opportunities to actively engage with students from around the world. Through programs like the Global Business Society, I was able to turn my curiosity about global perspectives into real action by supporting exchange students and building cross-cultural friendships. These experiences reinforced my belief that empathy, adaptability, and open communication are essential skills in both academic and professional environments.
How did your work inside the classroom affect your actions, beliefs, and feelings outside the classroom?
Studying international topics in my coursework helped me better understand the cultural differences I experienced when interacting with international students at UF. Concepts like communication styles and cultural expectations became much more meaningful when I saw them play out in real life. Because of this, I became more intentional about how I communicated in group projects and leadership roles. I learned to ask more questions, avoid assumptions, and approach conversations with curiosity.
Overall, my academic experiences helped shape how I interacted with others outside the classroom.
How did I change from my beginning experiences with ISP and UF to now as I prepare to graduate?
When I first arrived at UF, my interest in global perspectives came mainly from my German upbringing and language background. However, my understanding of how culture shapes professional and academic environments was still developing.
Over time, my experiences with international students, coursework, and global organizations helped me see how interconnected cultures and industries truly are. My curiosity evolved into a deeper commitment to understanding and working with people from different backgrounds. As I prepare to graduate, I feel more confident navigating cross-cultural environments and more intentional in how I communicate and collaborate with others.
One ISP experience I will never forget...
One experience I will always remember is working with exchange students as a Global Gator Guide through the Global Business Society. I helped students adjust to life at UF by providing guidance on housing, campus resources, and daily life in Gainesville. What made this experience meaningful was the opportunity to build genuine friendships while learning about different cultures and perspectives. This experience reinforced the importance of empathy, adaptability, and cultural understanding. These are skills that I will carry with me into my future career forever and always.
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