Stories

IDS students take what they learned in the multidisciplinary minor or certificate program to the real world. Some participated in international and domestic internships and others joined the Peace Corps while some alumni are working overseas. The field experiences initiated by the IDS program are special and unique to each graduate. All have rich and inspiring stories to share. Here are some samples of these amazing stories.

Recent Posts

Rachael Schmoker's Internship in South Africa

Stepping outside of my comfort zone and traveling alone to Africa allowed me to know myself better by challenging me in ways I never knew I would...

Lee Adler's Experience in Poland

Throughout my experience at UM, my goals shifted. Instead of returning to the Army, I plan on pursuing graduate studies in global human security....

Asia Chhon's experience in Morocco and Thailand

I am interested in International Development Studies because I believe one of the greatest things to do is to travel throughout the world to engage...

Lily Piecora Dances with Turtles in the Yucatan

I took off for the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico for a Sea Turtle conservation internship with the Cozumel Sea Turtle Salvation Project. The...

Kelsey Mccall on her Peace Corps Adventure in Gambia

IDS was the biggest educational influence on my Peace Corps service as it led me to courses and professors that continually sparked my desire to...

Dr. Phyllis Ngai and Dr. Peter Koehn experience Ethiopia

Partnering with Addis Ababa University-Thirteen Months of Hospitality: The Ethiopian calendar boasts one more month than ours and the tourism...

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...

Michaela Niva's Experience in Italy

I was living in Rome during the height of the refugee crisis in 2016; the struggles were visible. I had always been interested in learning about...

Jessica Ponce's Passion for International Development Work

As I look to the future in my academic career, specifically in the IDS minor, I’m excited as I have found an area that I am deeply passionate...