Last summer, accountancy student Jacob Belle traveled to six European countries in 23 days through our Global Learning Opportunities (GLO) program.
Originally planning to pursue law, Belle discovered his passion for accounting after taking ACCY 206 and realizing how much he enjoyed the challenge. Now, he’s combining his business foundation with global experiences that broaden his perspective on international business.
“The biggest thing I learned from these trips is the difference in cultures,” he said. “Being able to go inside different businesses and talk with the leaders was an eye-opening experience.”
While Belle didn’t have the extra money of his own necessary to attend these trips, he benefitted from the program’s scholarships and fundraising to make the most of these opportunities.
Belle received three scholarships, including a travel grant from the university, the College of Business Study Abroad Scholarship and an Accounting Department Study Abroad Scholarship. These scholarships helped reduce his program costs by half and made this once-in-a-lifetime journey possible.
When asked about his advice for students like him who may be afraid of the financial strain of traveling abroad, he said: “Just do it. The cost can be daunting, but the experience is worth it every bit. You’ll be glad you did it when you get back — especially if you’ve never traveled before.”
At our NIU College of Business, we are dedicated to creating opportunities for students to learn, lead and explore the world. Belle’s journey shows how global experiences and scholarship support empower Huskies to expand their perspectives and bring real-world insight back to the classroom.
Learn more about the GLO program and how scholarships may work for you.
