Wallace finds mission in helping students study abroad

Ashley Wallace found a passion for travel when he studied abroad in Japan as a student at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Now a global experiences coordinator in the Global Experiences Office, Wallace aims to create those same once-in-a-lifetime experiences abroad for Huskers.

In a Q&A with University Communication and Marketing, Wallace shared how he helps students shape their education abroad.

You are a global experiences coordinator at the university. Can you talk about what this role entails?

As a global experiences coordinator, I assist students in finding a location to study abroad. They can meet with me to discuss how to get started, when to go abroad, what type of program they want to participate in, scholarships for studying abroad and any questions about international travel and what it entails. Additionally, I help faculty leaders with programs that they want to lead in a particular country. We also put on events and do tabling for students throughout the year.

What about the Global Experiences Office, your role and the work your team is doing excites or inspires you?

The main reason I took on this role was because I wanted to empower students to study abroad. I also wanted to give back to this university, as I was once a study abroad student here at UNL.

One thing that really excites me is that I believe we have the most diverse group of individuals on this campus, and yet we all work together in harmony. I think that students who see this can really have their perspectives changed in a positive way.

The fact that I can potentially help a student who has never traveled across the ocean before is what inspires me. Studying abroad is an amazing and transformative experience and being able to offer that opportunity to a student who has never done it before is incredibly fulfilling.

Explain the value of studying, researching, interning and experiencing life abroad. Why should more students look into these opportunities if they can?

If you are someone looking to test your limits, studying abroad is the way to do it. Putting yourself out there in a culture, society and language you know nothing about is incredibly valuable.

Showing that you can endure and take on what happens in the unknown reveals a lot about your character, flexibility and adaptability. I believe that, now more than ever, employers are seeking individuals with these soft skills. The world is wide open. If you work in a company today, it is almost guaranteed that you will interact and work with someone who doesn’t think or look like you.

I believe that highlighting the challenges faced during an abroad experience in a student’s interview will set them apart from other candidates. It is a worthwhile investment in a student’s future.

What kind of impact can traveling abroad have on a student’s life?

I believe it will increase a student’s confidence. A student will be able to walk into any room and take a seat at the table with less hesitation. Also, the student will have memories that will last a lifetime. Last, a student may be able to create networks with citizens from the country that could potentially lead to long-lasting friendships.

What would you tell students who may be hesitant to travel abroad but are excited about the possibilities?

We have a slogan in our Global Experiences Office that we use. When a student gets hesitant, I say, “Just go!” This is an opportunity that should not be missed. There probably isn’t another time in their life when they will be able to experience living in a country like this. Traveling for work or on vacation is nowhere near the same experience.

You have spent time abroad, namely in Japan, working and living. What did you take away from this experience and how do you use this experience working with students?

My study abroad experience at this university propelled me to challenge myself to work and live in Japan. I don’t think I can fully put into words what I took from my experience living and working as an African American in Japan. However, I will list some key takeaways below:

• I truly learned what it meant to not give up.
• I learned what it means to truly be human.
• Things are not always going to go your way.
• I understood what true friendship and support are.
• Adapting your mind to a vastly different culture can be tiring.

Just because you know the language of the country you’re residing in doesn’t mean you understand the people or their culture. I mainly use my experience abroad to help students understand that “You can do this.” I experienced tremendous ups and downs during my time in Japan, but I did it. Now, I’m back here to let students know that they can do it, too.

For students interested in studying abroad, what does the process look like and how can they prepare to take this leap?

A student should start by sitting down and thinking about where they really want to go. After that, if they don’t have a passport, they should apply for one as soon as possible. If a student knows which country they are going to, they can begin finding information through books and the internet. This will help them get a better idea of what they are stepping into. The student can schedule a meeting with our global experiences coordinators through this link. We will assist students in navigating the process of going abroad from start to finish.

Is there anything people may not know, but would be interested to know about Global Experiences?

All our staff members have either resided in or are from a country outside of the United States. The languages spoken among our team in the office include English, Japanese, Spanish, French, Shona and Korean. This year, we are sending over 720 students abroad. There is also an amazing photo gallery on the second floor of our building, Louise Pound Hall.

Please stop by and say hello to us!