Going Global: Program in London expands perspectives of Elon employees

During a week in January, a group of 20 Elon employees toured both the famous and lesser-traveled locations of London. With the help of a friendly tour guide, they visited structures erected by ancient Romans, walked inside homes and buildings built well before the U. S. Constitution was signed and enjoyed the local culinary scene. And perhaps the best part? The program was made possible by the university they work for and provided them with experiences they will now integrate into their work back on campus.

Global experiences have long been a part of Elon education for its students. Through initiatives like the recent program in London, the university can expand the global perspectives of faculty and staff. The one-week program is offered to Elon employees for a nominal fee and includes passport, airfare, lodging, certain ground transportation, admission to various places and excursions, a theater production and occasional joint meals.

“This was the best benefit I have ever received as a staff member,” says Tal Fish, counselor/referral coordinator in Counseling Services at Elon. “Elon did a great job making a seamless experience where I could deepen relationships, reconnect with old relationships and share an experience students have had.”

Fish finds his clinical work rewarding, and said it was incredible to take a break from that work on campus without using personal time off or vacation leave. When Fish was an undergraduate at Elon, he missed out on opportunities to study abroad. For him, this felt like coming full circle. “Given that Elon has such a rich culture of study abroad and having this opportunity to embark on a new adventure in London, I feel like I’m better informed and better prepared to support students in their experience of travel and expanding their horizons,” Fish said.

Similar to Fish, fellow traveler Callie Kelly had wanted to partake in international experiences in college. Now the assistant director for student wellness, Kelly had previously considered joining the Peace Corps but had never found the opportunity or time to participate in a global program.

“This was a transformative experience,” says Kelly. “Elon is a small campus, and this trip makes it smaller,” she adds, remarking on the relationships she was able to forge with campus members she has not previously had opportunities to connect with. Kelly is a 2022 Bloomberg Fellow through the Bloomberg American Health Initiative, and as a public health graduate student, she was excited to visit the Broad Street water pump in the Soho area of London where John Snow identified the source of a cholera outbreak that plagued the city in 1854. Snow is often recognized as the father of epidemiology for this effort.

Another participant, Lea Phelps, assistant director of academic advising, studied in London as an undergraduate at Elon but has not had much international experience since. The program was a great way to build relationships with fellow members of the Elon Community, she said, and now she has an updated sense of knowledge and understanding of what students are looking for.

“I have 16 really good contacts now,” says Phelps. “I have more people to refer my students to at Elon.”

Global Experiences is a Point of Pride and a Way to Forge Employee Relations

Elon has consistently been recognized as a national leader in study abroad, with top rankings from U.S. News & World Report and the Institute of International Education.

Vice President for Enrollment Greg Zaiser, who led the program with Vice President for Finance and Administration Janet Williams, says the London experience demonstrates Elon’s commitment to global engagement and helps faculty and staff understand the Elon student experience while also creating opportunities abroad for faculty and staff to foster cultural understanding, appreciation and respect.

“It’s another way Elon invests in people and provides an opportunity for learning, enrichment and relationship building,” says Zaiser. “Very few of us knew one another before the trip but life is about shared experiences and we had a significant one together.” Participants fostered a strong connection with one another and can now appreciate what students experience from their study abroad opportunities, Zaiser said.

In its annual Open Doors Report, the Institute of International Education ranked Elon number one among doctoral universities for the percentage of undergraduate students who participate in study abroad (87.8 percent).

To Kelly, it’s no wonder Elon is number one in providing the opportunity for global experiences to its students. The Isabella Cannon Global Education Center plays a key role in helping hundreds of Elon students head out for study away experiences each year, and was critical in the planning for this London program for employees. “I am just amazed at the level of work and planning that goes into putting together a global experience like this for our students, faculty and staff,” Kelly said.

About the Travelers

The 2024 participants work in areas across campus including academic affairs, finance and administration, student life, admissions and athletics. The group included librarians, an engineer, custodians, advisers and more.

“Elon University values and recognizes the diversity of backgrounds, cultures, experiences, and perspectives of our community members,” says Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer, Janet Williams. “The London program provides a unique opportunity for participants to gain insight into the diverse culture of London, which boasts over 300 spoken languages, more than any other city in the world.”

Fish reflected that it was rewarding to step away from his typical day-to-day work and bring back to campus a renewed energy and enthusiasm for his work. “I think that’s what’s so beautiful about experiences like travel, is it gives us a chance to pause and to reflect and to step away from the typical hustle and bustle,” he said.