During the four-week Global May Great Britain program, Ashlee Sizemore not only expanded her cultural awareness but also discovered new strengths within herself.
Sizemore, a third-year strategic communication major, had long dreamed of going abroad, and London was always her destination of choice.
“Studying in London was something I had always wanted to do,” Sizemore said. “Spending a month there allowed me to explore a new city and learn more about myself in the process.”
For Sizemore, the experience was more than an academic opportunity. It was a transformative journey that broadened her worldview and reshaped how she sees herself and others.
“It was important for me to go abroad to better understand the world around me and, in turn, uncover things about myself,” she said. “The experience reminded me that there’s so much more to life than what we know and are used to. London now holds a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to go back.”
While the experience was rewarding, it also came with unexpected challenges that tested her adaptability and confidence.
“During my time abroad, I learned that I am capable of doing hard things,” she said. “It takes a lot of effort to live and thrive in a different country, and through that process, I built resilience and confidence.”
That resilience was tested when someone used her bank card without authorization.
“I had to shut it down due to fraud,” Sizemore said. “I had just over a week left of the trip and wasn’t sure how I’d make purchases. But with help from my bank and my parents back home — despite the time difference — I was able to resolve the issue. It reaffirmed that I can handle challenges independently.”
As a strategic communication major, Sizemore said the program also helped her strengthen her cross-cultural communication skills — a valuable asset for her future career.
“I gained real-world experience communicating with people from different backgrounds,” she said. “That experience improved my cultural competency and will definitely benefit me professionally.”