Alex Preis' Post Graduation Experiences
Minoring in IDS was a logical choice as a Political Science International Relations major passionate about building an international career. I initially chose IDS because I wanted to go into the Peace Corps, and UM offers a Peace Corps Prep certificate through the IDS minor. IDS was about a lot more than just a certificate though, as my most useful and applicable classes for my future were through this program. I learned critical skills in the class Intercultural Communication, such as being able to communicate across cultural boundaries, that I practically apply in my everyday life as I have been living and working in Hong Kong the past two years. The class Communication for Social and Behavioral Change prepared me for the more bureaucratic working environment present in Hong Kong, and made me approach this challenge with a more open mind. People often overlook these soft skills the IDS program strives to build, but in the end they are what will make you the most effective in the work you choose to pursue overseas. The photo was taken when I was working part-time as an English-language instructor at the Open University of Hong Kong. I learned to write Chinese with the students. The Chinese characters “Fai Chung” mean good luck/fortune. Hong Kong people often hang these red banners with lucky words on their doors around Chinese New Year.
Minoring in IDS was a logical choice as a Political Science International Relations major passionate about building an international career. I initially chose IDS because I wanted to go into the Peace Corps, and UM offers a Peace Corps Prep certificate through the IDS minor. IDS was about a lot more than just a certificate though, as my most useful and applicable classes for my future were through this program. I learned critical skills in the class Intercultural Communication, such as being able to communicate across cultural boundaries, that I practically apply in my everyday life as I have been living and working in Hong Kong for the past two years. The class Communication for Social and Behavioral Change prepared me for the more bureaucratic working environment present in Hong Kong and made me approach this challenge with a more open mind. People often overlook these soft skills the IDS program strives to build, but in the end they are what will make you the most effective in the work you choose to pursue overseas. The photo was taken when I was working part-time as an English-language instructor at the Open University of Hong Kong. I learned to write Chinese with the students. The Chinese characters “Fai Chung” mean good luck/fortune. Hong Kong people often hang these red banners with lucky words on their doors around Chinese New Year.
The photo was taken when I was working part-time as an English-language instructor at the Open University of Hong Kong. I learned to write Chinese with the students. The Chinese characters “Fai Chung” mean good luck/fortune. Hong Kong people often hang these red banners with lucky words on their doors around Chinese New Year.