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Global Security and Intelligence Studies major Alix Craft gains international experience in security by studying abroad in Taiwan. Expanding Your Horizons Through Study Abroad Students at Embry‑Riddle receive a world class education in any program they pursue. No matter the subject, a degree from Embry‑Riddle can prepare you for a career anywhere around the globe. Our students are world class, and so are our programs — where students can take advantage of remarkable opportunities to study their area of interest while experiencing other countries, cultures, languages and more. As a student of the Prescott Campus’s Global Security and Intelligence Studies (GSIS) program, Alix Craft (’26) had the opportunity to travel overseas to Taiwan and advance her academic studies alongside her peers and professors. Alix has previously given her advice about how incoming freshman can make the most out of their first year at Embry‑Riddle, but what recommendations does she have for students considering study abroad? “Do it!” Six Weeks in Taiwan For six weeks this past summer, I was a part of the Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University study abroad program for Intermediate Mandarin Chinese in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. To give a little bit of background, I am a part of the GSIS program’s Chinese track, and this study abroad program is something that the students on this track eventually complete. To be completely honest, I came into my freshman year completely unaware that a study abroad program was in my future. I loved the idea of going to new places, but I’d only traveled outside of the country once with my family. I never thought I would be brave enough to take part in an entire six-week program. However, now that I am back, I realize this was the best decision I could have ever made, not just for my career and improving my language skills, but for myself as a person. Before heading to Taiwan, I knew that this experience could be one that I would cherish my whole life. I had heard stories from other students who shared their experiences abroad, so I knew how great this trip would be. But it wasn’t until I was in Taiwan, amid my program, that I understood how incredible of an experience this program is. Now, weeks after returning to the United States, I understand how much that trip changed my life and will be something I will always remember. Studies at National Kaohsiung Normal University For the intermediate students, we completed six weeks of classes (nine total credits) at National Kaohsiung Normal University (NKNU). During our trip, we stayed in a hotel that was about a fifteen-minute walk from the campus where our classes were held. Each weekday, we completed four hours of classwork beginning at 8 a.m., which was then followed by half an hour of tutoring with one of the students from NKNU. Tutoring was my favorite part of the day because I loved every second that I got to talk with my tutor. Each day, we would end up talking about different topics and I got to ask questions about Taiwanese culture as she asked me about American culture. The fact that two college students from across the world, who had just met, already shared such a bond and learned constantly from each other was so incredible to me and was just one of the reasons this trip was so special. Learning in Another Country The best part about studying abroad with Embry‑Riddle is that I was able to take classes at NKNU which contributed credits toward my degree program. We took three classes: Cross-cultural Communication, Speech and Geography. Each class was filled with great information that we were able to use when we ventured around the city after our classes ended. The curriculum had the perfect balance of being challenging yet so interesting and helpful to building our language skills that I wanted to be in class each day. Simply attending class in an environment where I was fully immersed in both the language and the culture made me more grateful for my program and motivated me to learn. By talking with my teachers and the Taiwanese people around me each day, I was able to learn more about the weaknesses in my speaking and listening skills that I can improve upon in my Chinese Track courses this year. Being able to communicate with people whose native language is Chinese provided me with so much insight that will be extremely helpful to me when I start to use Chinese in my career. Not to mention, I stand out to employers even more now that I have completed a study abroad program. The experiences and conversations I had in Taiwan with the people around me had a huge impact on my confidence and my learning in a way that I never would’ve gotten had I not studied abroad. For all students, but especially those of us majoring in Global Security and Intelligence Studies, learning a second language is so beneficial and can be so important. No matter what you’re interested in pursuing as your career, many different agencies and businesses are interested in hiring employees who have foreign language skills. Plus, being able to say you not only learned a language but studied abroad can put you ahead of the competition. Exploring the Cities of Taiwan During the weekends, the students in our program got to explore different cities in Taiwan. As a group, we visited Tainan, Taipei and Pingtung. On the final weekend, three other students and I visited the beach town of Kenting. My favorite places that I visited were Taipei 101, the mountain town of Jiufen and the nearby island of Cijin. Everywhere we went the people around us were so kind and patient with us. One encounter I will always remember is one that occurred between myself and a shop owner at one of the Kaohsiung metro stops. As I was browsing some of the souvenirs he created, we had a conversation in Chinese about what I was doing in Taiwan and my studies. Whenever I was struggling to find the words I wanted, he was so patient and helpful. We even talked about the Phoenix Suns as I explained how I went to school in Arizona! As I left his shop, he wished me good luck and told me he hopes I get to revisit Taiwan in the future. It was this interaction and others like it that reminded me how important connections are in our lives and the ways that language and communication can allow you to connect with people all over the world. It makes you realize how kind people can be. Making Connections I would also like to say how grateful I am to have been on this trip with such amazing people. With a few exceptions, I met nearly all of my fellow Embry‑Riddle students in my program for the first time while in Taiwan. Sharing this once-in-a-lifetime experience with them allowed us all to quickly become friends. We shared so many laughs and made incredible memories together. I can confidently say that I wouldn’t have wanted to share my study abroad experience with anyone else. Traveling and staying in Taiwan pushed me so far out of my comfort zone in the greatest way and instilled so much confidence in myself. After returning from that trip, I not only have more trust in myself to do difficult things and to push myself, but I have so much more appreciation for the world’s people and different cultures. I will never forget the countless memories I made and the lifelong friendships I created. Considering Study Abroad? Do It! I want to end this article by telling students that if you’re considering studying abroad, do it! If you’re on the fence about it, think not only about the credits you will get, but the memories you’ll make and the experiences you’ll have that you wouldn’t get anywhere else. You never know— your program could change your life and the only way to find out is to take part in it. For the students who are confident that they will study abroad in the future, don’t forget to go into your program with an open mind and excitement. There will be challenges, as is the case with any new adventure, but try to make the most out of your time abroad. Try new foods, talk to the strangers around you, and make all the best memories. The time goes by faster than you think, so make the most of every moment. Are you interested in learning more about study abroad opportunities? Discover what makes international education so special with Study Abroad & Global Engagement at Embry‑Riddle!

Sophomore student Alix Craft has some advice for incoming students to help you make the most out of your freshman year. Hello everyone! I’m Alix Craft, a Global Security and Intelligence Studies student at Embry‑Riddle's Prescott Campus. I just finished up my freshman year, and I wanted to provide some advice to help any students that will soon be coming to college. Leaving Home for College This can be very scary for most people, especially if they have never been on their own or if they are moving from a town far away. I want to emphasize that it is okay to be scared or nervous, but the most important thing to remember is that you have the power to make this a change that benefits you. It may be tough at the start, but I promise you will get adjusted to everything. Make sure that when you come to school, you make time to talk to any friends or family. This will make your change easier knowing that they’re there for you. My next tip is to make sure to learn how to do necessary tasks before you come to school, like cooking, laundry and dishes. You will need these skills at some point in your life and learning them before you get to college will help so much! New Relationships Whether you’re shy or super social, you should prioritize finding at least a few good friends early in the year. You don’t have to stress yourself out trying to be friends with everyone; just try to start some conversations here and there with any people you enjoy being around. Creating strong friendships early on will make your college experience so much better—trust me! Don’t forget that you don’t have to be friends with everyone, but make sure to stay respectful to everyone! You never know when you could see someone again, whether in college or in your career, so it never hurts to be nice. As far as romantic relationships go, do not force anything. If you do find someone, make sure to prioritize focusing on schoolwork and keeping some independent time for yourself Money and Working So many students worry about spending and saving money in college. What worked best for me was to work in high school and the summer before college to make money so that I didn’t have to stress during the school year. I’d also recommend making a budget that includes money for any groceries, meals at restaurants or weekend activities. My last recommendation is to not buy things you don’t need. You’ll thank yourself in the long run if you can spend money on necessities instead of something impulsive. But overall, don’t stress if your money starts to go quickly. Reevaluate how you're spending, decide if you need to make any changes, then continue with your life. Academics Now for some advice on the most important part of college. The best advice I received my freshman year came from Dr. Tyrone Groh, who emphasized focusing on genuinely learning instead of only focusing on your grade. So many students have learned their whole life to do whatever they can to get an A, and when the course is over, they retain very little information. It took me a while to unlearn this idea of good grades over everything, but once I started focusing on truly understanding and learning the material, my college experience felt so much more worth it. Besides, your future employer will care more about the skills you have retained compared to whether you got an A in a freshman college course. Next, go to office hours! Especially at Embry‑Riddle, professors are there to help you and they care about your learning. While academics come first, do remember it’s just as important to have a balance between your school and social life as to not get burnt out too quickly. Career Opportunities My first piece of advice is to attend career fairs and any company information sessions. You might feel like these events aren’t important, especially as a freshman, but it’s never a bad idea to put yourself out there so companies can start to recognize and get to know you. Don’t be afraid to reach out to industry professionals as well! You can start by simply asking for student and career advice, or you can ask about opportunities you can take advantage of, such as internships or mentorships. Embry‑Riddle is Here for You Going to college is a big change that can be stressful for anyone. But if you take things one step at a time, focus on yourself, keep a positive mindset and keep in touch with family and friends, you will be adapted to college life in no time. If you ever have any questions, the faculty and staff at ERAU are always there to help. If you’re looking for more information about becoming an Eagle, you can always reach out to enrollment staff to learn more about becoming a student at Embry‑Riddle today!

Emma Rash is wrapping up her undergraduate career at Embry‑Riddle. On top of being a student, much of her time is spent working in the field she is most passionate about: housing. When Emma Rash (’23) was a first-year student at Embry‑Riddle, she knew she wanted to be heavily involved on campus. She majored in Global Security and Intelligence Studies, worked a two-year-long stint as a Student Ambassador, is involved in the Women’s Ambassador Association and has worked her sophomore, junior and senior years in campus housing, first as a resident assistant (RA) and now as a housing supervisor. As a Student Ambassador, Rash was one of the first faces to greet prospective students on campus when they came to attend events like Preview Day or to take a tour. In the Woman’s Ambassador Association, Rash is an outreach coordinator who takes part in the organization of events. Recently, the program went to a local middle school to promote the involvement of women in STEM fields. They also recently held a “Pups and Pasta” event on the Prescott Campus, where students got a free meal and were able to sit back and relax in the company of many adorable dogs. Experiences in Housing When she became an RA, something clicked for Rash. She phased out of being a Student Ambassador and moved onto the housing team, where she excelled. “I was an RA for two years, one year in a first-year experience area, which is predominantly our freshman, and then a second year in upper-division area,” Rash shared, continuing, “Now I lead a team of RAs, and I’m a supervisor in one of our upper-classman village complexes, which is super fun and always provides an opportunity to help others.” Rash currently oversees ten RAs, who, in turn, oversee about 250 students who live on campus. When talking about her favorite part of the job, Rash shared that she loves to offer mentorship to the RAs she supervises and watch them grow both personally and professionally. “But we’re also still learning together!” Rash said. “It’s a fun adventure.” On top of those she supervises, Rash gave credit to the “phenomenal” support system she’s found within the housing team: the other student Supervisors, full-time staff and Housing Director Justin Munz. When asked about her favorite places on campus, the first spot to come to mind for Rash was the Housing Office, where she works. Few people can say they love their job that much, but in Rash’s own words, “I found my passion in housing.” Advice for Students Attending Embry‑Riddle Rash shared the advice she offers to her residents in the dormitory hallways of Embry‑Riddle. “Say yes to every opportunity you can because the amount of learning and experience you will get is phenomenal. You can always dial back, but it’s harder to join things late in your academic career. I encourage them to get out of the dorms, to go and meet new people because you never know who you’re going to meet. Get out there, experience meeting new people... and listen to your RA!”