Poole Student, Sydney Felton’s Transformative Study Abroad Experience

For Sydney Felton, a senior at the Poole College of Management, stepping out of her comfort zone wasn’t just an aspiration–it became a defining chapter of her academic journey. Her high-impact experience of studying abroad in Australia was not only an academic adventure but also a personal and professional journey. 

During the summer, Felton joined a dynamic study abroad program that allowed NC State students and professors to travel across the globe, taking classes tailored to the unique strengths of each location. After exploring her options, Felton chose Australia, drawn by her interest in entrepreneurship and her lifelong dream of visiting the country.

The program’s experiential learning model stood out to Felton. Instead of traditional exams, the curriculum emphasized hands-on projects and cultural immersion. Her first project involved developing an app, Campus Connect, aimed at tackling social isolation among college students. Working with her group, Felton conducted surveys with local students at Adelaide University, gaining invaluable insights into the challenges students faced. The app concept focused on fostering connections and community among peers.

The second project was collaboration with a local Adelaide company, where Felton and her classmates worked directly with a company representative to devise growth strategies. Presenting their recommendations to both their classes and the company provided Felton with real-world entrepreneurial experience she’ll never forget.

Each day of the program was unique. Mornings often began in the classroom, where lectures set the stage for group projects or excursions. Visits to local businesses, like Treasury Wine Estates and Glenelg Football Club, offered deep dives into Australian industries and culture. Weekends were filled with opportunities to explore iconic destinations such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Kangaroo Island.

“This program combined academic learning with cultural immersion in a way I’d never experienced before,” Felton shared. “I’ve never learned better or retained more information than I did during this program.”

“This experience reinforced my passion for international business and gave me the confidence to navigate cultural nuances and adapt to new ways of thinking.”

Through her time in Australia, Felton developed both hard and soft skills. Presenting project ideas and approaching strangers for surveys helped her build confidence in public speaking and international communication. “I learned that rejection is just part of the process,” she reflected. “You have to move on and look for the next opportunity.”

Her time abroad also sparked a deeper interest in global business and leadership, prompting her to pursue the Global Leadership Minor program. “This experience reinforced my passion for international business and gave me the confidence to navigate cultural nuances and adapt to new ways of thinking.”

Felton credits much of her positive experience to Tyler Wiersma, director of high-impact experiences, a mentor who guided her group during the program’s early days. “Tyler’s energy and commitment helped us bond as a group and dive into the cultural and academic aspects of the program,” she said. Back at NC State, Tyler continued to support Felton, offering advice on internships and career planning.

Felton encourages other students to embrace the opportunity to study abroad. “Find a balance between studying and exploring,” she advises. “Set aside dedicated study time so you can enjoy the experience without stress.” She also stresses the importance of stepping outside one’s comfort zone. “It’s natural to feel overwhelmed, but these shared experiences can lead to lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories.”

Felton’s study abroad experience has left an indelible mark on her academic and professional trajectory. Armed with new skills, insights, and a passion for global business, she is poised to make a meaningful impact in her future career.

“This program was everything I hoped for and more,” she reflected. “It allowed me to grow academically, personally and socially, all while having an incredible adventure.”