Outreach Activities

My study abroad in Germany from September 2024 until July of 2025 extended far beyond the classroom. While abroad I had incredible opportunities to travel and connect with people from across the globe. I took full advantage of my time there to explore major cultural and historical hubs across Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Hessen and Berlin as well as various other countries. Yet, some of my most memorable experiences happened in smaller towns, where my university friends and I would gather to go on hikes and attend local festivals. These lively, traditional celebrations provided the perfect backdrop for making lasting memories and naturally became spaces where I met and bonded with a diverse network of international students. Whether navigating a bustling metropolis or sharing a laugh together, these travels deeply enriched my cultural understanding and have resulted in lifelong friendships. Through helping to coordinate these group activities I improved my organizational skills and leadership abilities.

During this year spent studying abroad at Otto-Friedrich-Universität Bamberg, I immersed myself in both focused academic training and the unique culture of Franconia. Taking courses taught entirely in German allowed me to deepen my understanding of the language through specialized studies in phonetics, grammar, and general linguistics. At the same time, I expanded my linguistic horizon by taking Russian language courses alongside local and international students. Beyond the classroom, living in Bamberg offered an incredible daily engagement with Franconian traditions, architecture, and historic charm, turning my time abroad into an unforgettable period of academic growth and cultural immersion.

As a tandem partner at Clemson University, I actively helped international students navigate their transition to campus life by creating genuine friendships and shared experiences. I moved beyond standard orientations to create a welcoming, personal environment for those adjusting to a life at Clemson. Whether we were sharing stories over coffee at local cafes, grabbing ice cream downtown, or simply exploring the university grounds together, these outings served as comfortable spaces to discuss cultural differences, overcome language barriers, and build confidence in a foreign country. Ultimately, these connections not only helped my tandem partners to feel at home in the Clemson community, they also deeply enriched my own global perspective.