Elena Mulder

Overall Experience

I had an amazing time on the Global Leadership Study Abroad program in Sweden this summer! I was able to travel for the very first time outside of the country with 18 other Iowa State students and built so many lasting relationships.

Learning experience

I learned a lot about how being in a new country can make many people uncomfortable. There were times when people in our class were frustrated, confused, or simply sleep deprived. But I think we chose to grow throughout these circumstances, and this confusion led to team bonding and development as we gathered our bearings in Stockholm.

Memorable experience

The most memorable experience was when a couple of us students were able to immerse ourselves in culture and attend a Swedish mass service in a cathedral built in the 1500s. The artwork was so intricate, and being around people who are engaging in their culture and religion (even though it was in a different language) was such a beautiful experience for my peers and myself.

What did you not expect?

Western culture is so prominent in many countries, I always thought it was only in the U.S., but Sweden was still filled with the English language in marketing and ads. It was almost as if we had to go to the more historical parts of the city or outside Stockholm to experience a culture outside of the city itself that was Swedish. As I conduct myself, I want to make sure and listen more than I speak when it comes to cultures that are different than mine.

What advice would you give?

Just put yourself out there! This is the time in your life when traveling can be exhilarating and life changing. It can help shape your professional life as well! I think that I became a more mature and well-rounded person after traveling on my own.

How has this experience impacted your life?

I learned so much about myself in this leadership class. I learned a lot about how I want to conduct myself from a cultural perspective and create spaces in my own life that cultivate conversations around diversity and leadership within the workforce! In my own life, I plan on bringing my skills back to campus where I work in admissions. I will be able to share stories and grow as a leader to prospective students and their families.

How did you learn about this experience?

I learned about this opportunity on the ISU Abroad website, where I was searching for study abroad programs that were open to all majors. I really wanted to make new connections and have once in a lifetime experiences, and I am glad that I was able to meet new people that I never would have had on Iowa State's large campus.

International Connections