Student Experience: Preparing for a Career in the Media

Kagumu’s study abroad programs give students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse themselves in Latin American cultures and become global citizens, but they also give their resumes a huge boost.

Nazareth University student Courtney Calkins describes how her recent study abroad program with Kagumu Adventures helped prepare her for a career in media and public relations.

Courtney, who joined a group of 16 students in Colombia in January 2025, believes the experience sharpened her ability to separate truth from misinformation about foreign nations – a skill that should give her an invaluable edge in her future career.

Courtney and her classmates heading off into the mangroves in Cartagena, Colombia, to learn about conservation.

What made this program different from previous study abroad programs?

One reason why this program was different was the location. I had never been to Colombia or South America before, so getting to experience this through a study abroad program was amazing as it allowed me to learn and see things I wouldn’t have if I was just on vacation.

A second reason this was different was because I was with a group of students and faculty members, many of whom I didn’t know. I think this allowed me to get to know more about these people and grow a connection with them throughout the trip.

The third reason is that we were with guides who stayed with us throughout the entire program. Having them with us allowed me to create a connection with them, including Ana, whom many of us still talk to now. 

How did this alternative break impact you as a person?

This alternative break allowed me to see a more adventurous side of myself that doesn’t often appear when I’m in New York. Because of this, I was pushed outside of my comfort zone to new levels.

I was able to try new things like zipline and rafting. I was also impacted as a person by getting the chance to meet people from different cultures. I always love these experiences because they allow me to see the world from a different lens.

I have seen many things in the news about Colombia since we arrived back home. Some of them paint a negative view of Colombia, its people, and its culture. When I think about all the amazing people I got to meet while in the country, I can immediately see that these narratives are wrong.

How do you think this will benefit your future career?

I think that the program in Colombia will benefit my career a lot. As someone who wants to work in media and public relations, it is good for me to have connections and know the truth about different locations around the world.

Knowing that we have a media system that often paints a false picture of Colombia, I am glad to have been able to learn the truth. It’s beneficial to my career because it will help me gain skills to decipher truth from fiction about Colombia and other locations as well. 

What was your favorite moment while you were in Colombia?

I can’t pinpoint a favorite moment, but there are a few that come to mind. Two of them were Rio Claro when we went rafting and ziplining. These are both memorable because they were new experiences in a beautiful country. Another was being able to visit Don Carlos’s farm.

I enjoyed getting to learn about the organic farming practices that he uses to ensure food safety and protect his environment. Don Carlos was also incredibly welcoming to our entire group, which I greatly appreciated.

Courtney, along with fellow student Willow, joined the group as a student leader, helping the local guides run the 2-week trip that included Medellin, Rio Claro, Santa Marta, and Cartagena.

What was your role as student leader before, during, and after the program?

Before the program, I was tasked with planning pre-trip meetings to ensure that our participants were in the loop about the information we received from Kagumu and other logistics such as time and travel schedules. We took some time to plan out what we would do each night, but throughout would adjust as well.

During the program, Willow and I ensured that there was smooth communication between our guides and the participants. We also ran a nightly reflection.

After the program, we were in charge of planning our reorientation activity. The purpose of these activities is to bring our team back together and apply the lessons that we learned to our local Rochester community. 

What advice do you have for those wanting to become student leaders for alternative breaks?

For me, it was a step that I was nervous to take. Throughout my first year as an alternative breaks student leader, I have developed or furthered skills such as communication, leadership, time management, and teamwork.

I also have learned how to work with various organizations, domestically and internationally. I think that these are skills that anyone can benefit from. Because of this, I again state that I think it is beneficial for any student to become a student leader if they want!

The group of 16 students started their 14-day program in Colombia’s City of Eternal Spring, Medellin.

What’s next for you? 

I am currently in my third to last semester at Nazareth. Next year I will be a senior and preparing to graduate, get a job, and develop a career.

Right now, I am going to continue furthering my education with classes based on communications and media. I also plan to continue being a student government leader at Nazareth as well as an alternative breaks leader. 

If you want to follow in Courtney’s footsteps and become a student leader for an alternative break in Latin America, get in touch with Kagumu Adventures today.