My passion for studying and experiencing other cultures extends beyond myself. I can apply my experiences to others by helping them ignite their own interests and desires. Being a Study Abroad Peer Advisor (SAPA) demonstrated this quality. I wanted and still want to help people gain deeper understandings of other cultures whether it is through their own personal experiences or education. Being able to share my experiences and listen to what others wish to gain out of a study abroad program allowed me to develop and coach students. Having the opportunity to have been a Study Abroad Peer Advisor, provided me with meaningful, personal connections with students who were interested in gaining an enhanced global awareness and better intercultural skills. This was mainly done through weekly office hours, which continued even in the virtual times of COVID-19. As a SAPA, I also presented to other organizations and groups about studying abroad in general. We also worked very closely with the UF International Center to host various events that brought together different communities from around the University.

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Being a SAPA, allowed me to showcase my international expertise not only through my coursework, and actual study abroad experience, but also through sharing familiarities from my other non-academic related travels and adventures. After all, studying abroad includes a lot more than just specific courses taken at another international institute. Being a SAPA came with many responsibilities, but also gave me unique connections with students from all backgrounds. Not only students searching for a study abroad program, but also within SAPA itself. Learning about the programs the other SAPAs in this organization have participated in gave me an even broader range of knowledge about numerous programs. However, I think that one of my favorite aspects of having been a SAPA is that it gave me the opportunity to interact with a plethora of students to help them find a study abroad program they will love as much as I love mine.