September 2025 - Elise Vocke
BA International Studies (Comparative Culture and Identity); Sweetland Minor in Writing; Certification in Sales and Marketing in the Cappo Sales Track at the Ross School of Business ‘19
Hometown: Wilton, CT
University of Michigan Affiliations: College Magazine, Autism Speaks, Wolverine Support Network, Women's Glee Club, University Musical Society
“Pursuing a degree in International Studies at U-M sparked my passion for global engagement, travel, and working in multicultural environments. One of the most impactful elements of the major was the opportunity to study abroad, as many international courses counted toward my degree. That experience was pivotal in shaping my future. I knew I needed to spend more time abroad, which ultimately led me to move to Spain.
Now in my fourth year living in Spain, I’m proud to call it home. Adjusting to life in a new country hasn’t always been seamless (navigating immigration processes, cultural differences, and everyday challenges) but my International Studies major equipped me with the resilience, adaptability, and global mindset to embrace each step of the journey.
I work at a boutique consultancy now that supports European startups in securing public and private funding across the EU. We help advance cutting-edge innovations in deeptech, medtech, and climate tech. I regularly collaborate with startups across Europe, and my international education continues to shape the way I approach my work and multi-cultural relationships.
Moving abroad has been the most transformative decision of my life, and I’m deeply grateful to the PICS program for laying the foundation that made it all possible.”
