When Bridget Flaherty was a college student and an early-career professional, impactful international experiences shaped her worldview, leading her to her current role as The Chicago School’s director of Global Engagement.
Says Flaherty, “In college, I spent a year studying in Austria, and after college, I spent a year teaching in Japan. These experiences showed me the value of pushing yourself outside your comfort zone by living in a new place rather than just traveling there on vacation. My time in Austria and Japan showed me how much I could grow by broadening my horizons internationally, and now I’m passionate about giving our students these same life-changing experiences through our Office of Global Engagement.”
Through The Chicago School’s Office of Global Engagement, about 150 students participate in 15 study abroad programs annually. These students have a chance to experience meaningful programs in such places as South Africa, Peru, and France.
These study abroad experiences are especially unique at the graduate level. The Chicago School has designed shorter, end-of-semester travel to meet the needs of graduate students who must balance academic, professional, and personal priorities.
According to Flaherty, “Our students may not be able to spend a whole semester someplace new like many traditional undergraduate study abroad programs, but with our flexible approach, we give grad students meaningful study abroad experiences in ways that meet their unique context as working professionals with families.”
Beyond supporting domestic students with international learning experiences, the Office of Global Engagement also supports international students arriving in the United States to study at The Chicago School. Flaherty leans on her own international experience to provide thoughtful support to these students.
Flaherty says, “When I was abroad, things as foundational as the language barrier made it tricky for me to navigate everyday life in my new home. I’m always thinking about this experience when working with our international students and designing resources to make their new life as Chicago School students as stress free as possible. I’m so impressed by the adaptability and tenacity that our international students demonstrate in pursuing their educational and professional goals with our university.”
Looking ahead, Flaherty is committed to making the Office of Global Engagement’s international experiences as accessible as possible. “I want all students, no matter their financial status, disability status, or academic discipline, to be able to experience the life-changing power of study abroad and global learning.”