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Give Back

Give Back Projects

Continue the Journey
Time spent studying abroad is only the beginning of the process. Phillips Ambassadors are expected to share their experience and extend its impact through our unique Give Back component.

Returning ambassadors engage with the Carolina community or their hometowns through a self-designed Give Back project designed to share their experience in Asia with others. Although individual Give Backs are more common, collective projects are encouraged. Once projects are proposed by returning ambassadors, they are approved and supported by program administration. Ambassadors are also encouraged to volunteer at a Phillips Ambassadors table at Study Abroad Fairs, Global Whistle-stop Tours, or Kenan-Flagler Global Program Expos to discuss the program with potential future applicants.

Ambassador Max Conley lectures on the floods in Japan in the context of meteorology, a topic based on his personal experience and academic interest.

Exchange students from Asia enjoy Chinese lanterns during an evening of fellowship organized by a small group of ambassadors.

Ambassadors have found a variety of unique ways to full the Give Back requirement since 2007. A few examples:

  • leading a tour and discussion of Asian art at the Ackland Art Museum
  • hosting a radio show on UNC’s campus station focusing on Asian music interspersed with stories from time abroad as an ambassador
  • organizing an outreach presentation about study abroad experience at alma mater or campus club/organization
  • coordinating a photo exhibit with images from Asia
  • writing an article for hometown newspaper or a campus publication
  • demonstrating Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques learned abroad
  • interviewing fellow ambassadors for a video or podcast series
  • creating and sharing an artistic piece to represent time abroad (i.e. paintings, woodworking, musical presentations, etc.)
  • teaching a C-START class with Asia content
  • creating an engaging video to share Asia experience with community
  • inviting a guest speaker to discuss a topic of interest and relevance
  • group presentation on studying/interning in Asia given to Kenan-Flagler Business School students

Lydia Field shares her immersive Chinese language experience with students at her alma mater, Cary Academy.

Ambassadors prepare a meal for an evening of food and fellowship with exchange students from Asia.