CAPA Launches Student Ambassador Program

In Fall 2008 CAPA launched its Student Ambassador Program, encouraging students to return to campus and promote study abroad. Students interested in participating as Ambassadors must apply for the role, which includes essays and a recommendation from their overseas Resident Director or Program Coordinator. Successful applicants receive training from a CAPA staff member on everything from student advising to CAPA program opportunities.

Ambassadors work closely with their campus’ learning abroad office during the semester and have a number of required and optional tasks that they can complete. The required tasks include hosting information sessions, conducting classroom visits, and attending the school’s study abroad fair. The optional tasks include making a video about study abroad, volunteering in the learning abroad office, meeting with students groups, and participating in CAPA Chat sessions. As Ambassadors complete the tasks, they are compensated with study stipends. The Ambassador that completes the most tasks receives a trip to London.

The program has been well-received on a number of campuses, and CAPA plans to grow the program in the coming semesters. To give more insight into the program, CAPA asked Benna Cheung, an Ambassador at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, to talk about her experience in the program:

“Over a year has passed since the fall of my junior year when I participated in the London Internship Program and it has been so much fun speaking to students in the past couple semesters about my great experience interning and studying in England.

“I never thought that I would be so sad to see something end as I was when I said goodbye to my professors and flatmates in London in December 2007, but it is comforting to know that my fellow classmates and other students continue to go every semester to experience some of the same environment, the same people and the same fun that made my time with CAPA so amazing. Though I cannot participate in the internship program again, having the opportunity to work alongside April Stroud, the London Internship Program Advisor at UMass Amherst, and assisting students who are considering studying abroad or are ready to set off on their semester abroad has been very rewarding.

“As a CAPA Ambassador, I let students know that whether for a summer or a semester, studying and interning abroad not only enables them to learn more about their major and intended career, but also about themselves. Students who study abroad experience different cultures and different ways of thinking that cannot happen in the classroom at home. As a CAPA Ambassador, I have had the privilege to meet many students who tell me that after hearing me speak about my experience on the London Internship Program at either an information session or classroom visit, I inspired them to participate. There is no better feeling than knowing that someone took your words to heart.”

To learn more about the CAPA Ambassador Program, please contact Brian Waterson.

Photo is of CAPA Ambassador Benna Cheung with April Stroud from the University of Massachusetts Amherst International Programs Office.