Student: Gustavo Angel Candia Jaramillo
Major: International Studies - Internaiotnal Business
Minor: Real Estate and Development

During the summer of 2023 I had the privilege to represent UCSD in the APRU undergraduate leaders program hosted in the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). This year’s topic was “Leadership for Sustainable Cities Development”, we explored the different challenges and opportunities that the city of Hong Kong has relating to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

I had the opportunity to share and gain more knowledge with students from all over the Pacific Rim making up a total of 55 different backgrounds. We attended different lectures throughout these 12 days that helped us to better understand how Hong Kong is doing a good job as a leader towards sustainability. The lectures covered five different sub-themes relating to energy sustainability; environmental, social and governance; green transport; smart, green and resilient communities; and waste and resource management. Part of the program consisted on creating a product that could improve the efficiency in these areas. I had the honor to be the group leader of team 4 which focused on (ESG). Our goal was to encourage the consumption of sustainable food products among Hong Kong residents. We successfully created a model of the food stamps system to help citizens better choose their products. Furthermore, we received feedback from professors across different universities that helped our projects be at their best through a design thinking approach. Finally, each group presented their final projects during the closing day of the program. It was incredible to see how each of us have a different perspective about the issues and how the results became a set of unique solutions.

We also engaged in different field trips around Hong Kong. We visited Swire Coca-Cola in HK, Town-gas, T-Park, Viva Blue House, MTR Corporation Limited, and Heritage of Mei Ho House. All of these organizations are doing efforts towards sustainability, they showed us their practices which make them stand out from the rest. It was interesting to see how most of them focused on doing more with less. This concept resonated with me throughout the program because I believe this is how sustainability could be better performed in different cities. We noticed the intersection between many environmental issues and how citizen-government collaboration is key for solving them.

I am extremely thankful for having the opportunity to live this life changing experience. Words cannot do justice to describe all the emotions during those 12 days. You get to see a glimpse of different countries through the excitement and intelligence of like-minded individuals who care for a better future. I was able to expand my network and make new friendships around the globe which also served to develop better cultural competence skills. We had some free time to explore the beautiful city of Hong Kong that never ceased to amaze me because of its tall skyscrapers and rapid way of living. I was able to have a full taste of their culture by trying out their food, visiting historical landmarks, experiencing nightlife, and moving around the city through their smart public transportation system.

Lastly, I would like to give a huge thanks to the GPS and ISP department for giving me the opportunity to represent UCSD during the program. It was a remarkable experience that for sure will shape my professional and personal future to do better. I highly recommend any International Studies student to apply because the outcome of this program is not only about educating yourself but about connecting and making friendships for a brighter future.

Student: Damin Curtis
Major: International Studies – Political Science - BA/MIA

This summer, I had the opportunity to attend the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Undergraduate Leaders Program, thanks to the generous sponsorship of the School of Global Policy and Strategy. Going into the program, I knew that spending two weeks at the University of Oregon with other leaders, activists, and scholars from all over the Pacific Rim region would allow me to grow as a global citizen as well as a local leader. However, the program would prove to be much more than just an educational opportunity.  Over the course of the program, I developed friendships and memories which would make those two weeks one of the highlights of my undergraduate career.

The program’s schedule was composed of activities and lectures, designed to train the diverse group of 50 participants on topics such as ideation, project evaluation, and team facilitation, all with an overall focus on social and environmental justice impact. What made the program truly special, however, was the diversity of perspectives that were brought to the table and the friendships that formed during the cultural experiences arranged between workshops. While these “cultural experiences” were meant to introduce American culture to my new non-American friends, I found that experiencing the United States alongside first-time visitors put my home country in a new perspective. One of the most memorable moments for me was attending a baseball game on the 4th of July and explaining the game to students from Russia who had never watched a baseball game before. That night, I was delighted to learn that baseball is extremely popular in Japan when I found myself cheering for the home team next to an equally enthusiastic Japanese student who knew the game better than I did. Later that week, when the entire cohort attended a beginner’s salsa class and dance social, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Latin dance isn’t only popular in the Americas-- the star salsera of the night was a girl who had learned both salsa & bachata at social dances in her home country of Singapore. Such experiences allowed me to view my home culture from a fresh perspective, as well as to learn about the home cultures of students from around the Pacific Rim.

Of course, the program consisted of much more than dancing and watching baseball. The APRU Undergraduate Leadership Program taught me valuable skills and gave me insights into how I can make changes in my own community regarding the issues that matter most: protecting the environment, empowering the marginalized, and improving public health. I truly believe that the durable skills taught at the program will allow me-- and my newly connected international cohort-- to be more active and effective citizens in our home communities and abroad. The memories and friendships forged through the APRU program last far beyond the program itself, and I am extremely thankful to the School of Global Policy and Strategy, and its Dean, Peter Cowhey, for allowing me the opportunity to represent UCSD at the ULP, and for all of the experiences I have gained in doing so. For any students considering applying to future APRU programs, my advice is to DO IT! The skills and experience you will gain are invaluable, and the memories and friendships you will form have the potential to last a lifetime.

Student: Bailey Marsheck
Major: International Studies – Economics

Serving as UCSD’s delegate to the 2018 Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Undergraduate Leaders’ Program in Sydney, Australia was doubtlessly one of the most rewarding and enjoyable experiences of my time at UCSD. Now in its 11^th year, APRU’s 10-day program is designed to facilitate dialogue among passionate, change-oriented students who would otherwise likely never end up in the same room. It also serves to reflect the unique characteristics of its host city, set this year on the University of Sydney’s stunning campus. This year’s theme was “Leadership for Good,” placing an emphasis on incorporating strong social goals into developmental practices. The program included a specific focus on Australia’s  policies towards its large Aboriginal population.

The diverse group of 50 participants was invited to challenge its world views and innate cultural biases through a series of lectures, seminars, and activities. These latter reflected the vast range of disciplines of the participants, spanning from equitable design principles to entrepreneurship and planetary health. I was one of three Americans in this year’s program, and the only American male. While cultural views sometimes differed strongly, everyone was eager to share their  perspectives and develop deeper cultural competences. What struck me most wasn’t the diverse set of solutions to world problems presented by the participants, but rather the region-specific challenges of which I had no previous knowledge. Intertwined with our class schedule were educational trips to Taronga Zoo, Sydney’s Botanical Gardens, to learn about Aboriginal practices, and free time at night or on the weekend to explore Sydney (and watch the World Cup Final, of course).

The week culminated in a poster presentation contest. We were split into groups and tasked with proposing solutions to a problem within the Asia-Pacific in front of University of Sydney professors and our fellow participants. Working closely with my team members, representing schools in Mexico, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Australia, was a fascinating experience since their education and ideas differed from mine. The diversity inspired solutions I couldn’t envision on my own. Our work targeting obesity-related health problems in the Pacific Islands felt even more worthwhile when our poster was honored by our peers at the program’s close. 

I cannot begin to thank UCSD and GPS Dean Peter Cowhey enough for the opportunity to represent our university and meet like-minded individuals from all over the Asia-Pacific, where my career interests lie. The program also imparted to me a greater awareness of America’s own indigenous communities, some of which are based in San Diego County but don’t receive enough attention or support. I hope that other UCSD students will apply for future APRU programs or other similarly underutilized resources, as I can think of few negative aspects to my experience. The worst part was probably leaving with many more travel plans and friends to visit than when I first arrived in Sydney.

Student: Cassidy Shapiro
Major: International Studies – Political Science

Attending the 10^th annual APRU ULP this past July was an incredible opportunity that I am honored to have participated in. The program, which took place at the Far Eastern Federal University in the city of Vladivostok, Russia, was titled “Global Challenges for New Generations in the Asia-Pacific Region” with a core focus on the second generation of global sustainability goals. Through various seminars, lectures, and guided activities, we studied the concept of sustainability in the global context in depth.  The program brought together students from around the globe with varying backgrounds and areas of expertise, which allowed for the development of constructive, dynamic, and innovative methods to solve global challenges such as poverty, sustainable consumption, and climate change. We were also given the opportunity to experience Russian culture through a guided tour of Vladivostok, cultural activities such as matryoshka painting, and a cooking class where me made pelmeni (Russian dumplings) from scratch. Upon completion of the program, we presented cross-culturally viable sustainability projects in groups to FEFU students and faculty.

Without a doubt, the most valuable part of attending this program was the experience of working with other students with numerous cultural backgrounds, ethnicities, and languages. While the other students and I had many differences, they felt insignificant compared to what we had in common—a passion for collaboration, a desire to develop diplomatic skills, and an eagerness to challenge global problems despite their magnitude. Above all, I was struck by the kindness of the other students and the absence of barriers not only in program activities, but also in developing friendships. I have no doubt that I will remain friends with several of the people I met during this program.

The two weeks I spent in Russia have truly impacted me and shown me just how important a program like ISP is in today’s world. To tackle the most pressing challenges we face, global collaboration is a necessity and cannot be undervalued. The knowledge I gained and the various ways in which I have grown through participating in this program have validated all that ISP has taught me, supplemented my academic education with practical experience, and enlarged my understanding of internationally based work. I would like to thank ISP and GPS for sponsoring my participation in this program and for providing me the honor of representing our university. If you are a student in ISP, I highly encourage you to apply for future opportunities like APRU.

Check out photos from the 2017 Undergraduate Leaders' Program in Russia!

Student: Clara Bird
Major: International Studies - Political Science

This July I had the honor of representing UCSD at the 9th annual APRU Undergraduate Leadership Program, "INSPIRE: Next Generation of Innovators".  The program was hosted at Tecnológico de Monterrey in the beautiful city of Puebla, México. Sixty-three students participated from eleven Pacific-Rim nations including Australia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore and the United States. We attended lectures on business development, innovation/design thinking, and presentation methods as well as local art, culture, and history. We worked in teams to promote local welfare through the development of business, products, service, and experiential designs.  We also explored cultural landmarks in Puebla, nearby Cholula, and México City. Several highlights include the Teotihuacán pyramids, Museo de Anthropologyía, and Catedral Metropolitana.  We concluded the program by presenting our solutions for improving social welfare to the students and faculty of the APRU program as well as local business leaders, investors, and government officials.

This program is easily one of the most spectacular experiences of my entire academic education. I learned an enormous amount about innovation, business development, and Mexican culture and politics. I also learned a lot about the other nations that were represented in the program. The aspect that I cherish the most about this program, however, are the friendships that I gained. This program provided an opportunity to really get to know people from all over the world. I am already devising plans to visit several of them next summer. This was truly an unforgettable experience and it has inspired me to consider opportunities that, before the start of the program, I had not given serious attention to.

I want to thank the International Studies Program and the School of Global Policy and Strategy for sponsoring this experience.  I highly encourage all students majoring in International Studies to apply for the program!

Student: John Chisholm
Major: International Studies - Political Science

This August, I had the opportunity to represent UCSD at the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) 8^th Annual Undergraduate Summer Program (USP).  The theme of the program was: Developing Future Global Leaders of the Pacific Rim—The Different Facets of Leadership.  APRU is an organization comprised of leading universities from around the Pacific Rim, founded in order to advance cooperation and cultural exchanges between academic institutions along the Pacific Rim.  The conference was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and brought together over 50 participants from APRU universities.  My two weeks in Malaysia were a blend of workshops on leadership practices, lectures by leaders in global NGOs, businesses and development funds, and concluded with group leadership presentations by USP students.  Our program  incorporated classes in  traditional Malaysian dance and music, and, believe me, our group of delegates quickly became close friends as we stumbled through our dance steps. At the end of our program, we toured the rapidly modernizing and architecturally vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur, and had the opportunity to see how many Malaysians live in a two-day homestay in the historic city of Malacca.

The most important aspect of the APRU USP for me was the opportunity to build a global network among the inspiring and passionate students I met in my program.  A National University of Singapore student shared with me that his curriculum, South East Asian Studies, requires him to study at a different South East Asian university every semester, allowing him to constantly engage other cultures and perspectives in and outside of the classroom.  Another student runs a (very popular) “Humans of Thailand” Facebook page, curating the experiences and perspectives of Thai university students.  One of my group presentation members from the Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey has already begun development on a mobile app that connects blood donors to blood banks across Mexico.  Having the opportunity to connect with these types of future leaders from around the world, so early on as an undergraduate student, is an opportunity unique to the APRU USP.

My time in Malaysia underlined  for me the importance of a global perspective for our next generation of leaders.  The world will only become more global, and being able to navigate the variety of cultures, perspectives and points of view in this emerging world is essential to leading in any capacity after graduation.  For IS majors, having the opportunity to ground coursework in practical experiences, such as APRU USP, is especially vital for understanding how complex and interconnected the issues our world faces really are.  I am grateful for this opportunity and I would like to thank the International Studies Program and School of Global Policy and Strategy for sponsoring my APRU experience.  I highly encourage all ISP students to apply for the next APRU USP in Monterrey, Mexico. 

Student: Angela Luh
Major: International Studies - Political Science

This summer, I attended the 7th annual Undergraduate Summer Program hosted by the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), an organization that gathers academic institutions from the West Coast, like UCSD, and Asia to further educational, political, and economics cooperation. The conference was held at Nanjing University in China with about 40 participants.  Our daily schedule included lectures given by visiting faculty members of APRU, round-table discussions, and collaboration opportunities with other students. The last two days were dedicated to exploring the vibrant (and very hot) city of Nanjing and its rich history, preserved even in the face of increasing modernization.

Among the many things I gained from the program, the most significant was simply learning from the narratives of different students. A University of Tokyo senior shared that he expected 9 am-to-12 am work days post graduation.  My groupmate from National Taiwan University shared that Taiwan's declining economy impacted its educational system, causing an outflow of professors, and consequently students. Major Chinese universities are becoming more progressive with the inclusion of religious and LGBT student organizations, according to my Nanjing University roommate.

Gaining a broader perspective on social and cultural differences and developments in the world is an essential part of being an IS major. Knowledge of other countries' standards and how the United States could improve will benefit every IS-related career and life in general. I want to extend my appreciation to ISP and IR/PS for this great and memorable opportunity and would highly encourage students to apply to similar programs in the future.