Student Profiles

Maggie Tienhaara

Margaret Tienhaara was in Cologne, Germany interning in Cologne, Germany with WINHaus, an organization that worked with refugees. Maggie writes: “at WINHaus I was given the opportunity to host some of my own programs. I taught beginner and advanced English classes and this is how I met I met Bodou. Bodou was from Guinea, and was one of my biggest inspirations during my time in Germany. He would come to my class every Monday amd always be the first volunteer to read out loud. He would make everyone around him laugh and when they played music after dinner on Wednesday nights, he was the first to start dancing. But his story is one of the most difficult. His entire family was murdered during a military coup d’état, and he was the only one to survive. This young man found his way to Germany, but after a few years was almost sent back to Guinea, luckily WINHaus was able to work together with Bodou and get documentation for him to stay in the country. Without the efforts from the people at Windaus’s, Bodou’s future might not have been filled with friends, laughter and hope.”

Marly Beck

Marly Beck was in Colombia for her semester abroad! She is now living in Barranquilla, a city in the Caribbean Coast and attending Universidad del Norte. Marly was on two fellowships: a Stamps Scholarship and a SAIL Scholarship from Purdue University. Marly is having a brilliant time learning about the diversity of cultures and identities in Colombia, taking dance courses, a course on Race and Identity, a course on Conflict and Peace, and a course on Latin American History.
You can follow Marly’s adventures through her blog here!

Anna Marie Adamsson

Anna Marie Adamsson spent the summer learning about the ins and outs of a congressional campaign as an intern. Anna says: “I was able to better see the importance of a Global Studies degree within the United States as I engaged with individuals from all backgrounds and professions".

Hannah Davis

Hannah Davis is an undergraduate at the The School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. “I chose the global studies minor because I have always loved learning about different cultures. I love how diverse Purdue is and this minor gives me the opportunity to learn even more about the world. I hope this minor can give me the advantage and open international work or travel opportunities for me in the future.”

Kathyana A. Queeman

My interest in Global Studies started in high school when I took a cultural trip to Spain. I was very interested in globalization and how post-colonialism affected culture, even then. After coming to Purdue, I decided to major in Creative and Professional Writing, which are heavily influenced by experiences and world views. During my studies my advisor learned of my love to travel and suggested that I take the Global Studies minor as a way to learn more about other cultures and globalization. It was the best choice ever! The Global Studies program was a great way to further my studies and a good reason to study abroad even more. Through another global studies student, I learned about the Global Studies in London and Paris program, which was a great extension of what I had learned in other courses. Getting to go to England and France was an amazing experience and the best way to see my studies play out in real life. The global studies program is one of the highlights of my time at Purdue and it has improved my knowledge of the world and made me a better person!