Strategic Communication student reflects on study abroad experience in Singapore
Faith Quist explains the ways in which her study abroad experience impacted her post-graduation plans
Faith Quist, a senior from Minnesota, is working toward a dual major in journalism and international studies while earning minors in geography and Chinese.
This year, Quist had the opportunity to participate in the Journalism Study Abroad Program, where she was able to spend this past semester in Singapore as an exchange student at Nanyang Technological University (NTU).
“I am bilingual in Mandarin Chinese, so I wanted to be in an environment where I could use my language skills,” said Quist.
Quist explained that she has always wanted to study abroad for an entire semester in order to best immerse herself into the local community, providing ample time for new experiences and opportunities.
She was the only student from the University of Missouri studying abroad in Singapore, but she is fortunate to have had an easy transition thanks to her assigned roommate. Her roommate, an exchange student from Japan, studied at their university for a full semester prior, so she was able to show Quist around.
“Since I was there alone, the experience definitely built up my confidence in making sure I did everything I wanted to do, safely.”
Quist was able to fully immerse herself in the culture of Singapore, exploring the hidden gems and participating in ample sightseeing.
Ultimately, you are a representative of your country and whenever you go abroad, you are not only a representative of Mizzou, but of the United States as well. When the United States comes up in the news and local people have questions, they are going to ask you.
Faith Quist
Drew Dumas, Study Abroad Coordinator for the School of Journalism, emphasizes the fact that this program is equally an exchange program, as it is a full cultural immersion.
“There is no planned work component to it, though it is an excellent academic experience since NTU is a fantastic school with a rigorous curriculum,” Dumas said. “As an exchange program, it is probably more flexible, slower-paced and gives more freedom to travel and explore and dive deep into the culture.”
The highlight of her time abroad was making lifelong friends from all over the world: Australia, Belgium, China, England, Mexico, Scotland and Taiwan.
“The J-School courses are very rigorous, so that alone prepared me for my exchange classes, as their (NTU) program was very difficult,” Quist said.
Being abroad solidified Quist’s lifelong dream of living in East or Southeast Asia after graduation, as well as boosting her confidence and confirming the fact that she is capable of doing so. “I hopped in on a last-minute trip to Vietnam, I absolutely loved it and now it is pretty high up on my list of places I’d be open to moving to.”
Quist is currently applying for post-graduation jobs in China, South Korea and Vietnam.
“Eventually, I would like to pursue a career in international relations and diplomacy, but that is a long-term plan,” said Quist.
The University of Missouri Office of Global and National Fellowship urged her to apply for the U.S. Fulbright Program, a competitive national fellowship sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, where she would teach English in South Korea.
“Ultimately, you are a representative of your country and whenever you go abroad, you are not only a representative of Mizzou, but of the United States as well,” said Quist. “When the United States comes up in the news and local people have questions, they are going to ask you.” It’s this aspect of foreign service that connects with her desired career in global communications.
Additionally, Quist’s background in strategic communication will be consistently put to use, as she will be communicating with people in a way that facilitates two-way conversations and understanding.
She explained that with any job she takes, she will have to be a strong writer, speaker and listener. “These are skills that are not easily attainable,” said Quist. “The J-School definitely prepares you well in being able to convey your thoughts concisely and clearly.”
Updated: December 18, 2023