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Four former study and intern abroad students, each with a distinct academic path and lived experience, returned to the international education space not as attendees but as contributors. At this year’s NAFSA Conference in San Diego, CEA CAPA alumni stepped forward to present their stories, curiosity, growth, and challenge, and to remind the field of the individuals behind every program.
Their presentations, held at the CEA CAPA booth, covered a wide range of topics: sustainability, first-year experiences, internships, and interdisciplinary learning. But more than themes, what stood out was their ability to reflect honestly on how international education changed the way they move through the world.
Centering Student Voice
Louis Aquino, now pursuing a master’s degree in agroecology, spoke about his time in Sydney through a custom trimester program. He used poetry to explore the connection between place, identity, and environmental consciousness. In Parks & Recreation, he described a self-directed practice of visiting a park every day and writing about what he saw and felt. His creative work became a record of both personal transformation and academic discovery. “Customized mentorship and support can empower a student’s lifelong passions and creativity,” he shared.
Rosa Marshall offered a window into what it means to begin college abroad. Through My First Year Experience in London, she reflected on navigating a new city, adjusting to college-level coursework, and finding confidence in a small, supportive cohort. Her experience shaped not just her early college trajectory but her academic identity, eventually inspiring her to build a personalized major that grew out of that first semester overseas.
Veronica Broskovetz, a double major in political science and Spanish, presented on the value of interning while studying in Barcelona. She spoke about building professional skills through her placement in social policy, learning to communicate in a second language, and the deeper cultural understanding that came from living with a host family. Her story emphasized that for many students, professional development is inseparable from cultural immersion.
For Natasha Machera, a biochemistry major from Zimbabwe, interning abroad meant challenging expectations. In From Chemistry to Culture, she described working at a winery in Florence, merging her science background with a creative, locally rooted industry. She shared stories about navigating public transportation, cultural differences, and even an unexpected dental emergency, all with humor and insight. Her experience helped her earn a fully funded graduate program in Biomedical and Health Sciences.
Preparing for the Moment
The opportunity to present at NAFSA was not incidental. CEA CAPA launched this alumni presentation initiative as part of a broader commitment to support students and alumni through professional development and career-readiness. These four presenters were selected from a competitive pool of 141 applicants. In the lead-up to the conference, they engaged in a structured preparation process guided by Student Engagement Coordinator Katie Claggett and a network of CEA CAPA staff. Through personalized mentorship, professional presentation coaching, and Q&A sessions about navigating the field’s largest conference, each alum received tailored support. They also worked with staff to build custom conference schedules that aligned with their individual academic and professional interests, ensuring that their time at NAFSA would be meaningful.
Beyond the Presentations
While their sessions drew attention, the alumni made an impact in quieter ways too. Throughout the week, they connected with educators, explored areas of professional interest, and reflected on their own journeys. Each was paired with a CEA CAPA staff mentor to support them during the conference, but it was clear they were stepping into these spaces as emerging professionals themselves.
The alumni were also recognized during a reception, where they were presented with certificates of appreciation signed by CEA CAPA CEO Beth Stiller and Director of Student Engagement Heather Gregg Reed. That moment of acknowledgment highlighted their leadership within the global education space and how far they had come since their first time abroad.
Keeping the Conversation Going
Their involvement isn’t over. The four alumni will participate in an internal panel, offering feedback and sharing more of their experiences with CEA CAPA staff. It’s a continuation of their relationship with the organization, but more importantly, it’s a chance for their stories to help inform how other students are supported in the future.
For all four, studying abroad was never just about a destination. It was about the questions they asked, the challenges they faced, and the growth that continues long after the plane ride home.
