Welcome Back

Congratulations on completeing an unforgettable adventure abroad! We know that every expereince is unique and that you have all had your own exciting, traumatic, wonderful, sad, funny, unforgettable and enriching experiences. The PIC would like to provide you with tools and resources to adjust back to the US and to GVSU campus culture.

 

First things first...

  • Make sure that your transcript from your host institution is sent directly to the Barbara H. Padnos International Center. GVSU will not grant credit for courses taken abroad without official documentation.
  • Notify the Padnos International Center of your address upon your return.
  • Check with PIC to confirm that the courses you completed overseas match the courses that were evaluated by GVSU faculty on the Study Abroad Credit Form.
  • Join the Study Abroad Alumni Association
  • Submit your photos

 

Update your resume

Your experiences abroad won't count to an employer unless the you can say how it has made you a better person, scholar, citizen, and professional..." Read our guides to learn how to incorporate your study or internship abroad experience into your resume and how to communicate the importance of your international experience in an interview, at a career fair, during informational interviews, and on social media sites.

Study Abroad to Career: Use your experience abroad for future professional benefit

Intern to Professional: Capitalize on your international internship experience

Get a Career in International Education

 

Suggestions from Past Participants

  • Be an active member of the Study Abroad Alumni Association!

  • Join the Study Abroad Alumni Association Facebook page.

  • Become a Study Abroad Peer Advisor. 

  • Get involved with GVSU Cultural Organizations and seek out opportunities to connect with international students here at GVSU.

  • Enroll in a foreign language class or another course that builds upon what you learned abroad.

  • Participate in on-campus international events.

  • Subscribe to a foreign newspaper or listen to NPR for updated world news.

  • Join international organizations (Amnesty International, West Michigan World Affairs Council, GR Sister Cities, African Community Center, Hispanic Center of Greater GR, etc. For additional information visit: www.grandrapids.org/diversity/community/ethnicity.htm

 

Page last modified January 9, 2013