SiS Newsletter - March 2010 - SiS Student Ambassadors:

John Watson, Student Ambassador at Georgia Institute of Technology

John Watson is SIS Student Ambassador at Georgia Institute of Technology. Here is his experience in his own words:

In high school, I was fortunate to spend three months in Valencia, Spain, as part of an international study program. I lived with a family and attended a public high school. Ever since, I have been in love with Spanish language and culture. Entering college, I knew that I wanted to return to Spain. I have completed several terms abroad in Mexico and Spain, studying language, culture, business and electrical engineering. These experiences have led me to become involved in several globally-oriented activities: an employee of the Office of International Education, an assistant instructor of English for Spanish-speakers, and a teaching assistant for a summer study program in Madrid, Spain. My nomination as the Study in Spain Student Ambassador to Georgia Tech has furthered my desire to share Spain with fellow students and has provided me with the structure and resources necessary to do so. Through the SiS program, I have been able to integrate many of my activities into a coherent mission: sharing my passion for Spain with others.

Georgia Tech has an extremely diverse, international campus atmosphere, due in part to the large number of foreign students and visiting faculty. Thanks to the resources provided by the Work Abroad office, Office of International Education, and School of Modern Languages, students are aware of the importance of a global education. Each of these departments sponsors a variety of events: information sessions, film festivals, and other assorted gatherings. As an Ambassador, I work to ensure that Spain is well represented at these events and that students are aware of the resources available through the Study in Spain program. Thus far, I co-hosted a dinner/discussion for students interested in GT’s summer study program in Madrid, have spoken to freshmen and prospective students at various engagements, and I am in the process of organizing a film screening, “Tapas y Cine.”

I am honored to serve the Spanish Government and Georgia Tech in my capacity as Student Ambassador.