As I enter my senior year at Michigan State University as a hospitality business student, this opportunity allowed me to grow far beyond the classrooms. I had the privilege to involve myself in Australian culture, gain a larger understanding of the global hospitality industry, as well as exploring four other countries including parts of Asia, each offering new cultural perspectives and unforgettable memories.
Travel is truly at the heart of hospitality. Having the opportunity to explore other cultures, continents, and cities was an eye-opening experience, one that I hope everyone gets to explore at some point in their lives. There is so much out there we don’t know, and seeing the world in front of you truly opens our eyes, deepens our appreciation for travel, and reinforces the importance of connection in hospitality.
One of the most meaningful parts of this journey was the people I met throughout my experience, the students, professors, locals, all with their own unique stories, backgrounds, and cultures. Making these connections with people from all over the world reminded me why I chose hospitality in the first place, it’s about creating meaningful experiences and understanding others while sharing unique memories!
Growing up in a small town, I never imagined one day I’d have the chance to see so much of the world. This experience changed the way I see myself and what I’m capable of. It has inspired me to step out of my comfort zone, push my boundaries, and embrace the unknown. I now know that the world is so much larger than we often imagine and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to explore a part of it.
Name: Mackenzie Radcliffe
Status: Senior
Major: Hospitality Business
Hometown: Upstate, New York
Program: International College of Management Sydney in Australia
African Futures:
Fifth cohort of scholars announced
Partnerships for Innovative Research in Africa:
8 research teams awarded
AAP Bridge:
Connect and
collaborate online
Doctoral Dissertation
Support Fund
now available
