Final Project & Reflection

Final Project Overview

The global activity that I have participated in during my time at OSU has been the English Conversation Program through the Office of International Affairs. The English Conversation Program (ECP) allows international and domestic students to have the opportunity to expand their worldviews, improve their intercultural communication skills and make friends from different cultural backgrounds. Students are put in groups of four or five based on their availability and diversity of backgrounds to meet throughout the semester to have great conversations and experiences. ECP also helps provide a great experience for students by hosting events and sponsoring field trips to cool events all around Columbus to help groups bond and get off campus. The goal of the program is to provide the environment and opportunities for all Ohio State students to develop interpersonal skills, have meaningful conversations and meet new people face-to-face.

Within the program, I was a group facilitator, which meant that I led the assembling of my group and had to facilitate group events throughout the semester to help bring everyone together. As an English Conversation Program (ECP) facilitator, my role was dynamic and fulfilling. I was genuinely passionate about leadership and committed to fostering a positive environment for my group members. At the beginning of each semester, I attended mandatory orientations, ensuring that I was well-prepared to guide my group effectively. Planning and organizing regular group meetings were central to my responsibilities, and I always made an effort to find convenient times and locations that suited the members. Encouraging active participation and engagement from all group members was a key focus, and I kept coordinators updated with timely reports, including pictures, after each meeting. Overall, my role as an ECP facilitator was not just about fulfilling responsibilities; it was an opportunity to contribute to a vibrant and supportive language learning community, making the experience enjoyable for everyone involved.

Final Project Reflection 

Being involved in the English Conversation Program during my junior and senior year, these past two years have presented me with the opportunity to make many friends through this program that I never thought I would meet before, which has been a transformational experience!

My experience as an English Conversation Program (ECP) facilitator has been incredibly enriching, offering valuable insights and fostering personal growth. One takeaway from this experience has been the importance of effective communication and responsiveness. Being prompt in responding to emails and messages, not only ensured smooth coordination within the group but also contributed to a sense of reliability and trust. This experience emphasized the significance of timely communication in any collaborative setting. In the future, I can apply this takeaway by incorporating it into various aspects of my personal and professional life, understanding that clear and prompt communication is fundamental to building and maintaining positive relationships. Along with this, practicing communicating with a very diverse group of individuals and making sure that everyone felt involved and was excited to meet up was a great learning opportunity to practice effective communication in a diverse workplace.

Another key takeaway revolved around leadership and group dynamics. Planning and organizing regular group meetings required me to consider the preferences and schedules of a diverse group individuals. Finding a convenient time and place for everyone highlighted the importance of adaptability and inclusivity in leadership.  This experience has equipped me with the skills to navigate and balance diverse perspectives within a group. I can apply this takeaway in future leadership roles by fostering an inclusive environment, valuing diverse opinions, and adapting my leadership style to suit the needs of the group.

Reflecting on how this activity has impacted me, I found that it has significantly enhanced my organizational and leadership skills. Planning and conducting regular group meetings demanded meticulous planning and adaptability, honing my organizational abilities. Leading a diverse group of individuals has also strengthened my leadership skills, teaching me to navigate various personalities and preferences effectively. Additionally, the responsibility of keeping coordinators informed about group activities has improved my reporting and documentation skills.

Beyond skill development, this experience has instilled in me a profound sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. Witnessing the progress and engagement of my group members, and contributing to their language learning journey has been immensely rewarding. The bonds formed within the group, coupled with the positive atmosphere cultivated during meetings, have left a lasting impression on me. This experience has not only deepened my appreciation for effective communication and inclusive leadership but has also instilled in me a sense of fulfillment derived from contributing to bringing together a community of individuals.

In conclusion, my role as an ECP facilitator has been transformative, offering valuable takeaways that extend beyond the realm of language learning. The experience has not only equipped me with practical skills that can be transferred to the workplace, but has also influenced my perspective on effective communication, leadership, and the impact of technology in collaborative settings. As I move forward, I am confident that these lessons will serve as a solid foundation for my future endeavors, shaping the way I approach leadership and collaboration in various aspects of my life.

Global Option Final Reflection/Accomplishments

As I approach the culmination of my academic journey and reflect on my Global Option experience, I am filled with a profound sense of accomplishment and gratitude for the transformative nature of this program. Revisiting my posts throughout my Global Option journey has been a wonderful trip down memory lane and brought back great times and memories throughout my college career. It has also allowed me to track the evolution of my goals, experiences, and insights throughout this enriching journey.

One of the primary goals I set for myself in embarking on the Global Option was to gain a comprehensive understanding of global issues and develop my skillsets with a global mindset. I can confidently say that I have not only achieved this goal but exceeded it. The diverse range of courses and experiences that I have participated in and took have provided me with a well-rounded knowledge base, allowing me to approach global challenges with a nuanced and informed perspective. Whether it was spending two months interning in London, leaving my comfort zone by taking advanced global culture classes, or understanding the economic intricacies of global markets, each course and experience have contributed to a holistic understanding of the interconnected world we live in.

Thinking back to the overall highlights and gains from the Global Option Program, it’s hard to pick just one. Firstly, the program facilitated the development of my cross-cultural communication skills. Engaging with classmates and instructors from diverse backgrounds fostered an environment where different perspectives were not just welcomed but celebrated. This skill is invaluable in today’s globalized professional landscape, where effective communication across cultural boundaries is a prerequisite for success.

Secondly, the program encouraged me to go abroad and getting work experience was definitely the favorite part of my college journey. Having the opportunity to travel to a completely different part of the world and immerse myself in that culture gave me the confidence in my abilities to be a global business professional and develop crucial skills that I will take with me to any city or country that I go to in the future.

Finally, the Global Option program instilled in me a sense of global citizenship and responsibility. The exposure to topics like global issues, cultural competence, and historical research in classes taken through this program has heightened my awareness of the impact individuals can have on a global scale. This heightened sense of responsibility aligns with the growing trend of organizations prioritizing social and environmental impact, and I believe it helped me become a more conscientious and ethically driven professional.

Looking ahead, I plan to apply the knowledge and experiences gained through the Global Option program in various ways. Firstly, in my chosen career path, I aim to leverage my cross-cultural communication skills to work effectively in international teams and navigate the complexities of a global marketplace. Understanding the economic, political, and cultural factors at play on a global scale will allow me to make informed decisions and contribute meaningfully to the organizations I work with. My ultimate goal in life is to work in a different country as well visit every country in the world at some point, so investing in myself with these cross-cultural skills through a program like this gives me a solid foundation to achieving my goal.

Additionally, I aspire to integrate my global perspective into community engagement and social impact initiatives. The program has underscored the interconnectedness of communities worldwide and the importance of addressing global challenges collectively. Whether through volunteering, advocacy, or collaboration with global NGOs, I am committed to applying my knowledge and skills to contribute positively to the broader global community.

To future students considering participation in the Global Option, I want to give some messages and words of advice. Firstly, embrace the diversity of experiences and perspectives the program offers. The richness of the program lies in its ability to expose you to a variety of disciplines and viewpoints. Take advantage of this diversity to broaden your understanding of the world.

Secondly, actively engage in discussions and collaborative projects. The Global Option is not just a collection of courses; it is a community of learners with diverse backgrounds and aspirations. Engaging with your peers will not only enhance your learning but also foster connections that can be invaluable in your future endeavors.

Lastly, approach the program with an open mind and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone. Embrace the challenges and uncertainties that come with exploring global issues and perspectives. It is through these challenges that you will grow, both academically and personally, and emerge as a more globally aware and competent professional.

In conclusion, my Global Option experience has been a pivotal and rewarding aspect of my academic journey. It has equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to navigate the complexities of a globalized world. As I transition to the next chapter of my life, I will bring with me the invaluable lessons and insights gained through this program, confident in my ability to contribute meaningfully to a globalized professional landscape. I would certainly recommend this experience to anyone who is eager to improve themselves and become a more well-rounded professional.