Read about this month’s International Studies Student Spotlight. Students were asked to share an influential experience they had that connected to their International Studies major or minor.
September 2020
William Overland
BA International Studies (International Security, Norms and Cooperation); BA Secondary Education in Comprehensive Social Studies ‘21
Hometown: Ypsilanti, Michigan
Affiliations: Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity, SAPAC Bystander Intervention & Community Engagement Unit, Office of Undergraduate Admissions Tour Guide, Michigan’s Men’s Lacrosse Team Student Manager, and Camp Kesem Counselor. I’m also a swim coach during the summer!
“My International Studies major has provided me with opportunities to learn about the history of the world and how global cultures have interacted and developed over time. I love giving tours to prospective families from other countries and hearing their stories about why they want to come so far to visit Michigan! Sometimes the families and I will chat about current events and compare experiences and it makes the whole tour more personal and engaging. Growing up in Ypsilanti, MI just outside of Ann Arbor I had no idea there was such a strong international community here at the University of Michigan, but now as an International Studies major I’ve come to appreciate the campus environment so much more.”
Future plans: “To become a high school social studies teacher working with kids and educating students with a broad understanding of international influences on the development of American and world history!”
