November 12, 2026
When I was in college, I had dozens of goals: get involved with campus clubs, earn good grades, make new friends, learn new things, plan for my future, and many, many others. However, one of the loftier goals that I struggled to accomplish was to experience what the world had to offer through travel.
As a Political Science student focusing on International Relations, I loved incorporating a global focus into my studies. I enjoyed reading about other country’s governmental structures or foreign policy positions, while also finding myself fascinated with different cultural norms and complex histories. Although studying abroad would be a perfect way to experience my passions first-hand, I never found a way to implement it into my college plan. I didn’t know where to start – who to talk to, where to go, or what steps I needed to take.
As I began the process of registering for my final year of undergraduate classes, I learned about a program at my university called the Franke Global Leadership Initiative (GLI). The GLI, my advisor informed me, was a certificate program that focused on emphasizing global perspectives in academics, offered opportunities for leadership development, and could even provide funding for any experiential learning project of my choosing. Immediately, I was hooked, and asked to sign up. Unfortunately, given my status as an incoming senior, joining the program wasn’t feasible; as a 12-credit certificate, it’s designed to be completed over the course of three or four years.
I was disappointed to hear that it was too late for me to join the GLI. I couldn’t help but to think, “I wish I would’ve known about this sooner!” and consider all the hypothetical doors the program could have opened for me.
After graduation, I came across a position as an AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer with the GLI in my search for post-grad opportunities. The position described responsibilities that primarily focused on analyzing and improving the program’s recruitment and retention efforts, all falling under the umbrella of AmeriCorps’ mission: help break cycles of poverty and increase access to resources for the underserved. As a student whose dream of studying abroad was never fulfilled, I knew I wanted to help other students achieve the goals that I couldn’t quite reach.
I am three months into my year-long service term as the Program & Academic Systems Analyst VISTA at the GLI. Over the course of these three short months, I’ve learned so much about all the incredible opportunities that lie within this program. In the GLI, it’s true that many students opt for studying abroad. In fact, the program has sent students to over 65 countries, putting Montana students on nearly every continent (the exception being Antarctica – maybe that one is next?). However, GLI students do so much more than study abroad. GLI students, also known as Franke Fellows, conduct research in world-class laboratories on subjects ranging from infectious tropical diseases to ecological conservation; they complete internships in cities across the globe in a variety of disciplines, from public health to investment banking; they serve as volunteers at community organizations in Missoula and nonprofits around the world, helping support vulnerable populations by increasing access to education, nutrition, housing, and other
fundamental needs; they pursue their unique passions without sacrificing academics, which can be anything from photography to fishing.
Since beginning my VISTA position with the GLI, I spend much of my time reading about previous student experiences, ultimately using that information to guide current and prospective students in discovering their own paths. The GLI is an extremely unique program because it gives students the freedom to forge their own journeys based on their interests, and it gives them the means to do it through funding and course credit. Franke Fellows utilize the GLI to make unforgettable memories, meet lifelong friends, and gain the experience they need to jumpstart their careers. Each time I give my elevator pitch about the GLI to students at recruiting events, I see their eyes light up as they start to picture infinite possibilities the program can provide. Each time I attend an advising appointment with current students, I am able to help them make their dreams a reality by supporting them through logistical challenges and helping them realize that their goals are attainable.
Although I was never able to be a Franke Fellow myself, I am so grateful to have the opportunity to serve students in the program now. I leave my job feeling more inspired every day because of the incredible things these students achieve, and I feel proud to support them in the process. Serving as a VISTA for the GLI has solidified my passions for serving my community, becoming more connected with all corners of the globe, and learning something new each day.
In hindsight, it’s okay that I never got to study abroad in college. I didn’t know where to start in pursuit of achieving my goals, but this position has allowed me to help students find the direction that’s right for them. As a VISTA, I get to work towards something bigger than myself: making a tangible impact through my service and helping others thrive.
