Global Initiatives Applications
By EVAN CHEN, ELLINA KIM, and URA SHI
Whether it be learning about climate change in Iceland, taking economics courses in Berlin, or interning with a senator in Washington, D.C., the Exeter Global Initiatives Program serves as a unique opportunity for all students. Global Initiatives are not only educational, but they also offer distinct perspectives that help broaden students’ world views, improve the bonds between classmates, and offer a taste of independence through living in a new environment.
Though there are many programs that can be applied to by all grades, current uppers are the primary applicants to the internships, term programs to foreign countries, and national service projects. Application processes can differ depending on the program, but most applications consist of interviews, teacher recommendations, and essays.
When asked about their choice to enroll in global initiatives, most Exonians included one word: growth, both personally and academically. Upper Kaylee Smith wanted to take her learning experience beyond the classroom: “I wanted to improve my Spanish speaking skills and also communicate with locals in a different country, while also being with people from Exeter.”
Alicia Medina, a lower, echoed this statement, “Since I am currently taking 320-level Mandarin Chinese, visiting Taiwan would really improve my speaking abilities, and I also get to immerse myself in the culture I have spent years studying.” Spending so much time discussing the ins and outs of languages, students look forward to putting their years of knowledge to use, all while having fun with fellow classmates.
Smith, who applied for both the initiative to Spain and Peru, explained the interview process. “We talked in English, and we just talked about Spain and some of the questions I had about [the trip]. It was really natural. It didn’t feel like I was being pressured into answering any of the questions.” Going to places like Spain and Peru had always been a dream of Smith’s. “I’ve always wanted to hike Machu Picchu and just spend time appreciating nature, but also doing things I love like speaking Spanish and getting to know locals and trying local dishes.”
New upper Robyn Davies, despite originally being intimidated by the application process, was recently accepted into the Washington Internship Program: “It was way simpler than I thought it was going to be. It was two essays, two interviews, and then they got back to us, and all within about a month.” With only a few conversations and a couple of words, many Exonians can comfortably find themselves in the experience of a lifetime.
Davies’ interest in government began when she was in elementary school, and it has only grown while at Exeter. “I think in some ways it’s my responsibility to use this outlet to give back and to ensure that I’m protecting people’s views, beliefs, and rights. I’m hoping that by going to Washington, I’ll get more of that insider look that I think you need to be a strong representative and to have a positive influence while working in government,” she commented.
Exeter Director of Global Initiatives Patricia Burke Hickey has always been an avid traveler and was enthusiastic about sharing her love of the globe with students. Burke Hickey shared, “We hope that the students who travel on our programs have shown maturity, a sense of responsibility, and a willingness for collaboration here at Exeter.”
Burke Hickey explained the application process for current participants. “Some of the term programs have interviews and some of the summer programs do, but what happens is every program and every internship has a selection committee. The selection committee is composed of the chaperones who take the students, and then usually other teachers. I do read all the applications.”
The immersion programs in foreign countries are incredible experiences for anyone interested in pursuing a language. Burke Hickey described, “The selection committees, especially for the term language immersion programs, are reading the teacher recommendation and the advisor recommendation. They’ve also had a lot of the students in class. They are also considering students’ sense of responsibility, curiosity, and independence as well as demonstrated commitment to the language.”
Burke Hickey shared what she hoped Exonian took from the initiatives. “I hope they gain self-confidence to navigate the world individually and with others, and I hope they understand all the resources [they] have as a traveler. I hope they nurture their sense of wonder and adventure.”
She concluded, bringing together aspects from everyday life at Exeter and traveling around the world. “I like to think about our programs as Harkness on the road. When you travel together, you’re processing your day and your experiences — the joyful ones and the difficult ones —and you’re utilizing the skills you have learned at the table, in clubs and affinity groups, dorms, and in other places on campus.”
Through Exeter’s Global Initiatives Program, Exonians are faced with novel experiences. Not only can they climb Machu Picchu or learn how to be an entrepreneur, but they also gain insight that will last a lifetime. Learning how to navigate a new environment, overcome language barriers, and understand a new culture are skills that will help students in their future endeavors. These opportunities can push students to reach past their comfort zones and gain skills that prepare them for life outside of Exeter. Upper Sophia Qiu, encourages students to apply and take risks, regardless of the outcome, “Just apply. It’s really fun.”
