Higher Education Grad Student Studies Abroad Through New Summer Internship Program

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Luis Negrete Becerra

Luis Negrete Becerra, a graduate student in the Higher Education program at the U of A, spent a month this summer getting hands-on experience in a university setting through a new internship with the Italian study abroad provider CIMBA.

Negrete spent four weeks in the Veneto region of northern Italy, where he assisted CIMBA staff in the operations of an undergraduate study abroad program that included students from the U of A and other universities across the United States. That work included overseeing undergraduate campus assistants, supervising field and class trips and helping resolve or report any emergencies or problems students faced.

The opportunity helped him apply his learnings in his graduate degree program, specifically from his classes around student development and diversity.

"Because of the material in my classes, I was able to have a better understanding of how important diversity is in higher education," he said. "Understanding student development and how each student has a different process and develops differently helped me to make the connection while doing this internship abroad. I was able to learn theoretically and practically while doing this internship, which in the long run, will help me in my future career goals."

Negrete graduated with an undergraduate degree from a nearby university and worked there for several years before deciding to apply for the master's program at the U of A. With aspirations to become a university administrator, Negrete gained valuable experience toward continuing his career in higher education.

"My long-term goal is to become a chancellor of a university and at the end of the day help students in their school and career path, but also faculty and staff to achieve their personal and professional goals," he said. "I have been lucky enough to be able to have such an awesome experience while studying in the U.S. that I want the same for future generations and to be able to offer access and opportunities for all types of students."

His favorite memories abroad included learning Italian, connecting with faculty members teaching on the CIMBA campus and visiting different locales across Italy including Venice, Rome, Pisa, Florence, Milan and a plethora of small towns.

He added the internship was "one of the best experiences I've ever had."

"The internship is so rewarding in many ways, from making personal and professional connections to expanding my cultural knowledge to understanding how education and professional work are in a different country," he said. "I recommend this to anyone just curious about studying abroad but also that has a passion for helping students and helping them realize that pursuing dreams and goals can be possible if they work hard and have honest intentions."

The internship program was established this year exclusively for a U of A student in the Higher Education master's program and was facilitated in part through the university's Office of Study Abroad and International Exchange in the Graduate School and International Education.

"I was excited that Luis was selected for this internship," said Dr. Michael Hevel, associate dean for research, strategy and outreach in the College of Education and Health Professions and associate professor of higher education. "It has been great to hear how he applied his learning from higher education courses to contribute to the success of a large study abroad program."

The Office of Study Abroad and International Exchange is seeking applications for the summer 2024 CIMBA internship, with an application deadline of Oct. 31. Those interested in applying can send their resume and cover letter to CIMBA assistant director Joelle Peterson at joelle-petersen@uiowa.edu. Candidates will be invited to interview with the CIMBA staff and U of A professor Dr. Molly Rapert, and the selected candidate will be notified in early December. For questions, contact Madison Barnes, study abroad coordinator, at mwbarnes@uark.edu.

CIMBA offers a premier global business education experience abroad. The organization has provided study abroad opportunities for students for more than two decades, educating students from 50-plus countries and boasting more than 10,000 alumni. More information can be found on their website.