We hope you’re excited to stay engaged with IFSA after your study abroad experience. Whether you’re interested in unpacking your time abroad, exploring new international opportunities, or encouraging others to have an international experience of their own, you’ll find many ways to do that right here.
It is common to experience an unexpected cultural transition and a mix of emotions surrounding your return to the U.S. or your home campus. It is completely normal to find yourself wishing you were still abroad or missing the friends, family, adventure and lifestyle you left behind. Sometimes coming home isn’t as easy as it sounds!
Journal, blog or reflect on your experience abroad and how you feel upon return
Connect with other students returning from study abroad to share your experiences
Engage with IFSA as an alumni blogger or Global Ambassador
Volunteer or work with the study abroad office on your home campus
Complete four outreach or reflection projects during the semester.
Join and participate in our LinkedIn group.
Complete at least one review of your IFSA program.
Participate in optional career readiness professional development opportunities.
Engage with your peers, encouraging them to experience study abroad.
Gain valuable professional skills and add a leadership role to your resume.
Learn how to identify and communicate the value of your study abroad experience.
Receive a $200 stipend per semester.
To be eligible for the Global Ambassador program, you must:
Be a past participant of an IFSA program.
Be in good standing upon completion of your program.
Be currently enrolled as an undergraduate at your home campus.
Be capable of working independently.
Possess strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Possess a high degree of enthusiasm about study abroad.
Apply today to be a Global Ambassador!
Adaptable
Self-directed
Able to understand non-verbal cues
Empathetic
Responsive
Resourceful
Self-aware
Match up your transferrable skills with the job qualifications and be prepared to highlight them in your resume and cover letter as well as during the interview process.
Make a note of your language proficiencies, if applicable.
Be prepared to describe any directed research, internships, or volunteer activities in which you participated.
Describe your study abroad experience in ways the employer can relate to and understand.
Alumni photo/video/blog contests
Alumni scholarships
IFSA offers an automatic $500 grant to students who choose to study on one of our programs a second (or third!) time.
The Mike Owens Award — honors an IFSA alum who is interested in international education as a career path (not available in 2021)
When you complete your IFSA program, IFSA will mail your home school an official Butler University transcript with your credits and grades from abroad translated into an American equivalent. Your home university registrar can then treat your credits abroad the same way as they would American transfer credits. Butler University will send an official transcript to your home institution and you will have access to your unofficial American grades in your IFSA Student Portal.
ALUMNI STORIES
