On November 2nd, Ohio Wesleyan University hosted the Lessons from Abroad Conference, an event designed to help students transform their international travel and study into academic and career success. Attended by students and university staff from across Ohio and representatives of study abroad providers around the world, the conference offered ample networking opportunities and engaging discussions with others who share a love of travel and interest in other places and cultures. To include everyone, the conference organizers provided structured conversation starters and hosted a real-time Instagram photo competition to spark further interaction.

The conference featured two sessions of breakout workshops, which allowed participants to choose the topics most interesting and relevant to them. “Going Abroad Again” suggested options for graduate programs and post-graduate funding for further international study and research.  “Translating Your Experience Abroad to Career Growth” offered practical advice on leveraging overseas experience into strong resumes, cover letters, and interview strategies. Most importantly, the breakout workshops were all presented in a dynamic and engaging way and were not just lectures. Each workshop included interactive activities that were well thought out, relevant and even fun. Throughout the day, one-on-one resume reviews were available to students, as well. 

Ohio Wesleyan alumna Claire Everhart of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation delivered the conference’s keynote address. She became interested in international development through running ultra marathons around the world to raise money for charity and was open about the winding career path that brought her to her current position (including working in a window factory directly after graduation). Her honesty and humor about these ups and downs was refreshing and reassuring. She candidly shared the role that luck has played in her career, but also advised that students be prepared to take advantage of that luck, and use their networks to make luck more likely. She also discussed the struggle of finding organizations that agree with your morals while still getting paid—a question that many area studies students wrestle with in their job searches.

Alexis Voisard, Engineering Program Manager on Ohio State’s Global Education team and conference organizer, said: 

When I studied abroad years ago, I didn’t have the opportunity to participate in a professional development experience like Lessons from Abroad. I went just before the pandemic which halted international travel and conferences like Lessons from Abroad. I served on the planning committee this year to expand my network and it was so rewarding getting to know new colleagues and hear wonderful stories from students preparing to go abroad and those who returned! My favorite moment of the day was sitting in on a session led by CEA CAPA. Students walked all over the room with sticky notes and wrote down stories that connect with 8 career readiness skills as identified by the National Association of Colleges and Employers. These students walked away with reflections on how they can use their stories from abroad in cover letters, resumes, and job interviews! I also participated and took a trip down memory lane. Under the “Teamwork” skill, I wrote about the time I planned a trip with friends to Italy for fall break during my study abroad program. Under the “Communication” skill, I reflected on a time where I helped my friends navigate a difficult train station in Barcelona, where I was the only one who knew Spanish and asked a staff member for guidance. Even though I can still recall incredible stories from my time abroad, I do wish I’d had an opportunity like this much closer to my time coming back to the United States to build an even larger and richer bank of stories that I could use during my job search. I highly encourage any students thinking about studying abroad and those who have returned to take advantage of Lessons from Abroad next year!

CSEEES Assistant Director Emma Pratt, who also attended the conference, encourages CSEEES students and FLAS Fellows to attend in the future.