Photo credit: Malachi Chukwu (2019)
Currently studying abroad in Thailand at Chiang Mai University in the Political and International Affairs Department, EWU McNair Scholar, Malachi Chukwu took some time out of his schedule to check in with us. Malachi is an International Affairs and Political Science major interested in understanding economic development and resource availability. Through this study abroad opportunity, which was funded in-part through a Gilman Scholarship, Malachi hopes to excite more interest for study abroad programs.
From his statement on international education: “My target audience [for study abroad education and outreach] are students in International Affairs, Political Science, and the McNair Scholars’ Program at Eastern Washington University. There are over fifty students majoring in International Affairs [alone]… a lot of them seem not have any interest of traveling out of the country or for an international education. It could be because they have not been fully convinced of benefit of participating in an study abroad programs. International education and cultural awareness are essential for these students because their college major centers on interactions at the international level.”
Malachi already speaks three languages and has been maximizing his opportunities to become familiar with Thai language and culture. When he returns, Malachi hopes to inspire more students to take advantage of international education opportunities while in university. We look forward to hearing more about his journey and having him back with us next quarter. Keep up the great work, Malachi!
