Propelling Students Abroad
Written by Asia Howe
“It’s a big world out there, it would be a shame not to experience it.” — Jo Andrews
We constantly see University of Hawaii at Hilo (UH Hilo) students holding on-campus jobs. There are students working for the Student Life Center, library, dining hall, bookstore, and Office of the Registrar. For those who live in the dorms, perhaps the easiest place to spot a student employee is in the housing office. These may be the most obvious choices when it comes to pointing out places which have students supporting their operations. Is it not harder to realize that the Center for Global Education and Exchange (CGEE) employs students as well? Here, Xiaoqing Zheng talks about her experiences as a study abroad advisor for an organization dedicated to propelling students into the world.
Xiaoqing Zheng, UH Hilo sophomore and study abroad advisor. Photo courtesy of Xiaoqing Zheng.
“I’m originally from China,” the 19 year old sophomore concedes. “I came to Hawaii when I was 6 and was raised [here]. I came into [the] university as a freshman and was looking for a job. At the same time, the [CGEE] was hiring. I love my job. I have learned so much in just one semester, I love the people I [have] met, [and] the new experiences [have] opened me up. I [also] met one of my idols working in this job. I did study abroad before. I did a summer program in Seoul, South Korea at Chung-Ang University. It was the most amazing summer [of] my life. It really changed my outlook on life and I’m definitely going to study abroad again.”
When asked what her job entails, Zheng explains, “I help advise students [who are] thinking about studying abroad to pick where they will be going and where will be suitable for their major and interests. I explain the study abroad process to them and how they can apply for our program. I read through the new applications that students turn in. We have a pre-departure orientation class that I organize and present to our students to help them learn about culture shock and prepare them them for departure. I [also] organize the Bi-Annual study abroad fair and do classroom visits to promote our programs to our students. I help update the [CGEE] website, contact partner universities, [and] help our students fill out their applications for their host universities and their visa applications. [Finally,] I help with our office’s newsletter, the Panorama.”
“I learned to never judge someone before you actually get to know them,” the sophomore responds to a question about what she has taken away from her job so far. “I learned that everyone … [has] something to offer. I learned that everything is worth a try, even if at first it seems like something you would never do. I learned that no matter how much someone may seem like they don’t like it at first, talking to them won’t hurt. I also learned how important it is to be globally aware.” Zheng maintains that her new knowledge has allowed her to be herself among more people and in effect, become friends with more people. Moreover, it inspired her to try out for the master of ceremonies (MC) position on International Night and apply for a Fall 2016 student exchange.
CGEE faculty and staff. Photo courtesy of The Center for Global Education and Exchange Study/Abroad home page, hilo.hawaii.edu/studyabroad/.
“Currently,” she continues, “I have been applying what I have learned from high school classes into what I have been doing now in my job because I took a course called work-based learning. The class taught me about time management, taking initiative, organizational skills, etc. I think these skills are the ones that are most important to my work place. I would say that from this job I really learned to communicate professionally to others, whether through email, on the phone or even in person. I feel like this job helped me open up out of my shell and built my public speaking skills. I now know that I am capable of handling much more responsibility than I did when I first started. Overall, this job helped me grow as a person.”
In regard to studying abroad, Zheng believes every student should seize the golden opportunity. “I would encourage everyone to study abroad. Students are extremely lucky to be in a university with such a small student population because we let them choose where they want to go … with very minimal requirements. In bigger universities it’s a lot harder for students … to go to their first choice university and instead they have to go to their second choice or third choice. Studying abroad is definitely a phenomenal experience[—]it’s something that you can almost never do again after you graduate and get a job. When are you going to have the opportunity to drop everything and live in a different country for four months to a year? Everyone [should] apply even if they are just thinking about it for later because we require students to apply a year in advance. Don’t miss your chance.”
If studying abroad is truly not a student’s passion, the sophomore would still encourage them—to get an on-campus job, that is. “I would definitely encourage students to get an on-campus job. It really helps our students learn more about our university and get a different perspective on each department. Before I got a job at UH Hilo, I never really understood why things worked a certain way at the university, but now working [for] CGEE helped me understand why they work the way [they] work. It’s also good to have extra money in your pocket.”
Those interested in studying abroad should visit the CGEE webpage for prospective students, call (808) 932-744, or email uhhglobe@hawaii.edu. Those interested in getting an on-campus job may visit the UH Hilo Online Employment System.
