(Posted June 6, 2019)

Huntingdon, Pa. – Seven Juniata College students traveled to Chatham University to attend the “Lessons from Abroad” (LFA) Conference in February. 

The all-day conference provides students who have recently returned from studying abroad a chance to network with others and share their experience. The College’s Center for International Education (CIE) sponsored the conference fees and travel costs to Pittsburgh.

All students who recently returned from studying abroad were invited to apply to attend the conference. After submitting letters of interest, all seven applicants, recent graduates, Nathaniel Ulrich of Homer, New York, Anne-Marcelle Kouame of Germantown, Maryland, Vienna Cordier of Medford Lakes, New Jersey, Amelia Wagner of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Catherine Neville of Hull, Massachusetts, and Theresa Joson of Bowmansville; and rising senior Katelyn Meehan of Huntingdon, were notified of their acceptance: 

At the conference, the participants attended alumni panels, took part in presentations, and engaged in networking opportunities. Students met with peers from other colleges to meaningfully reflect on their experiences abroad. 

“This allows them to cement the intercultural learning and articulate that into words in job interviews, on their resumes, for their future, and for themselves,” says Jillian Murphy, the study abroad coordinator at the College.

Murphy adds that it’s not only important for students to study abroad, but also to find meaningful ways to reflect on their experiences upon their return. 

“Studying abroad made me open-minded and culturally competent,” says Joson, who studied in Mexico. “At the conference, I learned that even though skills might not be perceived as being important in an organization, they actually are. These skills help you get along with your co-workers and adapt to situations.” 

Utilizing her research from studies in France, Kouame entered the poster presentation contest, “Learning Outside the Classroom,” and won first place.

“People were able to see connections in my research,” Kouame says. “It made me happy to know someone understood my work and the meaning behind it.”

Juniata offers 59 study abroad programs in 24 countries on six continents.

“When students return from abroad, they are more independent and self-aware with a clearer sense of their career path and post-graduation life,” says Murphy.

Efforts are also made to ensure that studying abroad is accessible and affordable for students who study at the College. 

“Study abroad is a part of the culture at Juniata, largely because the faculty is so supportive and willing to plan academic and other requirements for students who are going 

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.