This past July, I had the incredible privilege to study international relations in Brussels, Belgium, through Michigan State University’s education abroad program. The experience not only significantly contributed to my academic and professional development but also deeply transformed me on a personal level. It was a summer filled with eye-opening moments, challenging academics, and a growing passion for international public service that I will carry with me throughout my career.

Brussels, often called the “capital of Europe,” is home to many of the continent’s most influential political institutions. During the program, my classmates and I visited several key sites, including the European Commission, the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union, and the headquarters of NATO. Each institution was fascinating in its own way, but what made the experience truly incredible was the opportunity to hear directly from representatives and staff members who work behind the scenes to shape international policies that affect millions of citizen lives. Their stories and insights helped me connect the theory I had learned in my courses at James Madison College to real-world diplomacy and decision-making.

My personal favorite highlight of the program was a field trip to The Hague, Netherlands, where we toured the International Criminal Court (ICC). As a lab leader at the Human Rights Data Science Lab at James Madison College, I have spent the past two years researching human rights violations and compiling data that we submit to the ICC. Visiting the institution that had been the focus of so much of my research was deeply meaningful to me. We toured the court’s chambers and facilities, but what impacted me most was attending a lecture given by one of the ICC’s investigators. He detailed how investigations are conducted, the challenges of prosecuting war crimes and human rights abuses, and the importance of international cooperation between individual nation states and the court in upholding justice. This visit gave me a concrete understanding of the legal processes I had only studied in my courses before. It contributed to my passion to pursue a career dedicated to protecting human rights through international law within public service.

Beyond the academic and professional insights that this program provided, the experience of living abroad for the first time profoundly changed me personally. Brussels is a vibrant, multicultural city filled with multiple languages, a rich sense of history, and a wide variety of exciting new experiences. Exploring this dynamic city daily pushed me out of my comfort zone, especially as I have never lived in a big sitting setting before. I found myself navigating new places, trying unfamiliar foods, and connecting with people from various diverse backgrounds which expanded my worldview and pushed me beyond my familiar boundaries.

One of the most valuable lessons I learned was the power of empathy and understanding. In international relations and public service, it is crucial to understand and respect different perspectives, especially when they diverge from your own. Connecting with my classmates, locals of Brussels, and professionals within the university and international institutions with varied experiences helped me appreciate the complexity of global issues and the importance of dialogue and cooperation. This helped me grow not only as a student of international relations but as a global citizen committed to building bridges across cultures.

I wholeheartedly encourage all Michigan State students to pursue study abroad opportunities if possible. Immersing yourself in a different culture teaches you invaluable lessons about the world and yourself. It challenges you to grow academically, professionally, and personally. Exploring a new environment and interacting with members of a community beyond your own not only helps you to understand the world around you, but it helps you to understand the person you want to be within it. I am profoundly grateful to Michigan State University and to donors like the Bushey’s for making this life-changing experience possible. Their generosity not only supports students financially but also fuels dreams and ambitions that extend beyond the classroom.

• Name: Ashlin Stover
• Status: Junior
• Major: International Relations
• Hometown: Northville, Michigan
• Program: International Relations in Brussels