​With the flurry of undergraduate students promoting their time studying abroad, sometimes we forget that international programs are equally open to graduate students. Lisa Gaddy, a graduate student in the M.S. in Apparel Merchandising and Product Development program, participated in the China study abroad tour this summer. Gaddy shared how her experience abroad helped her apply what she learned in class to the real world as well as develop her professional network.
My international experience improved my learning and helped me put the ideas from the classroom into real experiences. By being able to study abroad, I learned about another culture and its diversity. The experience was invaluable to me to understand the world of mass manufacturing in China. While on the study abroad tour, I was able to make several contacts with professionals in the apparel industry that were willing to take the opportunity to speak with me about my career path and goals. I made valuable contacts if I decide to further my career and live abroad and work in the apparel industry.
It is essential to take what you have learned in the classroom and experience it first-hand.
