ATLANTA — Two Georgia State University Honors College students are growing personally and professionally while interning and studying abroad this summer. Sarah Darabadey, a rising senior who is double majoring in business management and hospitality administration, is in Ireland as a participant in the Douglass-O’Connell Global Internship Program. Film and media major Jordyn Harper, also a rising senior, is studying in Japan as a recipient of the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS).
Exploring Sustainability Abroad
Darabadey learned about the Douglass-O’Connell Global Internship when the Honors College sent out an email announcement last December. The program celebrates the work and lives of American social reformer Frederick Douglass and Irish abolitionist Daniel O’Connell.
The internship intends to help young professionals mirror the success of Douglass and O’Connell and apply the historical figures’ principles to the modern world. Participants spend eight weeks in Ireland working with local organizations to explore social change and Irish history while earning academic credit.
“I’m excited to be in Irish culture,” Darabadey said in an interview before traveling across the Atlantic. “I can’t wait to try the food.”
Darabadey said she’s fascinated by the importance of sustainability in the country’s culture. During her time abroad, she hopes to explore ideas for reducing unnecessary waste in the workplace. Among her career goals, Darabadey wants to make small, cumulative changes that increase sustainability practices.
“They’re sending us there so we can learn about Irish culture and bring part of that back to the United States and spread it here,” she said.
Darabadey advised other students to be persistent in their search for professional opportunities. Before applying, she called the Council for International Exchange, which operates the Douglass-O’Connell Internship, to get advice on how to create a successful application. She even directly messaged the organization’s Instagram profile. She encourages other students to put their doubt aside and apply to opportunities they think they’d be a good fit for.
“You not applying is already a ‘No,’” she said.
She also said students shouldn’t be discouraged by the price tag they may see on study abroad programs, because many scholarships are available. All Georgia State students can complete a general application through the Georgia State Scholarship Portal.
Studying Language in Japan
Harper began studying the Japanese language in middle school and, after beginning formal language tutoring last year, applied for the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS).
The CLS is a United States government-sponsored program designed to teach students a year’s worth of language instruction in eight weeks through intensive study and cultural immersion. Associate Director of the Office of National Scholarships and Fellowships Marc Reyes helped support Harper through the application process.
Harper hopes to become more fluent in Japanese through the program, though studying the language is only one of many professional interests. Harper is minoring both in entertainment and media management and in public policy. Along with studying the language and culture, Harper wants to observe and reflect on urban design in different Japanese cities.
“I really find Japan’s infrastructure and urban design very interesting, and I want to see how we can incorporate aspects of that here,” Harper said before leaving for Japan.
Harper hopes to make new connections with Japanese locals and with other members of the scholarship cohort.
“I hope I get to ride the train and visit Kyoto and Osaka,” Harper said. “I want to visit some of the places I’ve read about but never got to see or experience in person.”
Harper thinks more students should apply for study abroad programs.
“They make us more well-rounded people.” Harper said. “We get out of this idea that the way we live is ‘just how it is.’”
For both Harper and Darabadey, their study abroad experiences will add to their professional experience and broaden their perspectives, embodying the curiosity that defines the Honors College experience.
The Honors College at Georgia State University is a destination for high-achieving students who embody curiosity, take pride in their work and dream about how they can make an impact through their studies and careers. Its mission is to serve students in a welcoming space by engaging students’ curiosity, empowering them to achieve their highest potential and inspiring them to find their place in the world. Its students form life-long friendships, participate in community service, perform research, excel academically, explore their interests and chart their career paths.
Story By:
Heather Fields
Heather Fields is a third-year journalism student in the Honors College who serves as a reporter for Honors College Communications. She loves philosophy, foreign language studies and cats.