As part of the annual celebration of International Education Week (IEW), Augsburg’s Study Abroad/Away office (CGEE) recently hosted an invigorating panel discussion that showcased the diverse global and international experiences shaping our campus community.
What is IEW? A joint initiative of the U.S. Departments of State and Education that celebrates the transformative benefits of international exchange worldwide—a mission perfectly embodied by our panelists!
The dynamic event was hosted by Sarah Morgan, Study Abroad and Away Advisor (CGEE), and featured six remarkable panelists: four current Augsburg students (including two international students) and two distinguished faculty members. Each shared their unique, powerful insights into how global experiences have fundamentally shaped their worldview and helped them develop an invaluable sense of community.
Meet the Panel of Global Auggies
The panel was rich with perspectives from students who traveled abroad and international students who brought the world to Augsburg:
- Everlyn Balvoa-Granda: An Augsburg student who gained hands-on experience by studying and interning abroad through CGEE’s program in Northern Ireland.
- Aidan Wippich: An Augsburg student who broadened their academic horizons on an exchange program at Yonsei University in South Korea.
- Yan Urrizalqui: A current international student from Spain, sharing her experience navigating life and academics in the U.S., and feeling welcomed by the Augsburg staff immediately upon arrival.
- Tommy Maritan: A current international student from Italy, who offered his perspective on studying at Augsburg, and his experiences making friends in Minneapolis and connecting with staff and faculty to feel welcomed.
Faculty: Bridging Global Gaps
Adding another layer of compelling experience, two faculty members reflected on their own journeys that started as international students in the U.S., demonstrating how their backgrounds enrich the classroom today:
- Bernardo Andrade: Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Augsburg, who grew up in Brazil before coming to the United States as an international student.
- Jayoung Koo: Associate Professor of Marketing at Augsburg, who grew up in South Korea before embarking on her journey to the United States as an international student.
The panel was a testament to the powerful exchange of ideas and the creation of community that happens when the world meets at Augsburg!
Auggies, are you interested in studying abroad? Head to the Study Abroad website to begin your search.
International students, are you interested in studying at Augsburg University? Head to our International Admissions website to get started.