Stephanie's Story
Stephanie Mueller, German and International Studies major, is a Peer Advisor for Study Abroad.
"My name is Stephanie Mueller, and I am a senior studying German Studies and International Studies at SIU.
In spring 2015 of my sophomore year, I studied abroad to Germany. My life was forever changed by that experience, and I came back a different person who was ready to take on any challenge that came my way.
One of the things I did to challenge myself was becoming a Global Ambassador for the Center for International Education. This meant that I helped advise students who were interested in going abroad, but was not sure where to start or how to even begin the process. I would sit down and talk to them about my experience, and suggest different programs and locations to them. It became something I looked forward to every week, as I enjoyed spreading the news and excitement about studying abroad to others.
After two semesters of experience, the Center for International Education offered me a part time position as a peer advisor, taking my role as an Ambassador to the next level. Being a peer advisor is essentially what I did before in the office, except that I have more hours and most of the advisement appointments are directed towards me.
Looking back, I realize that it was my choice of degree that really made all these opportunities exist. If I had not chosen German and International Studies as my majors, I would have never studied abroad. I would have never been a Global Ambassador or a peer advisor. I don’t know where I would have been, but I can honestly say I am so glad where I am now, and studying abroad helped make it possible by giving me the skills I needed to become a leader and guide to those also wishing to take the greatest step in their lives."