Morgan McCullough

International Coordinator
Partnership & Exchange Programs

Prior to joining the Global Education Office, Morgan earned her undergraduate degree at Western Michigan University in Global Studies, Spanish, and Arabic while working as a Study Abroad Peer Advisor. Morgan completed her M.A. in Spanish at University of Tennessee-Knoxville and started teaching Spanish Language courses there. Morgan is working towards a PhD in Spanish Literature & Culture from ASU and was a Graduate Teaching Associate for the Spanish & Portuguese Department for 4 years. In her free time, she is likely traveling, hanging out in museums and bookstores, or researching Medieval & Early Modern Spanish literature for her dissertation.

Education

• B.A. Global & International Studies, Spanish, and Arabic, Western Michigan University  
• M.A. Spanish, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
• Ph.D. Spanish Literature and Culture, Arizona State University

International Experience

• Studied Abroad in Santander, Spain (Faculty-Led Western Michigan University), International Development in Urubamba, Peru (Faculty-Led Western Michigan University), and a semester in Rabat, Morocco (IES), O Porriño, Spain during Junior year of High School with YFU (Youth for Understanding)
• Hosted an exchange student from Finland during Senior year of High School
• Additional travel experience in Portugal, Mexico, Italy, France, Belgium, and England
• Volunteer with NGO (Aspiras) in the Dominican Republic
• Volunteer with NGO (Voces Emergentes) in Bogotá, Colombia
• Graduate Assistant for Study Abroad in Santander, Spain (Faculty-Led University of Tennessee-Knoxville)

Why Morgan works in global education: I feel passionately about working with students to develop cultural sensitivity. Pursuing education opportunities abroad yields unique perspectives, challenges, and networks that can lead to unexpected and enriching options for career paths, and I am honored to be part of the journey.

Advice for students preparing to go abroad: Keep an open mind! Careful preparation in advance is key to having a smooth experience, but life is all about learning how to be flexible and face unanticipated challenges with grace. Be open to different locations you never imagined traveling to and take as many opportunities as you can to (safely) leave your comfort zone.

One of the most important lessons Morgan learned while studying abroad or traveling: The best thing in life that you can learn to do is build on what you have in common with other people of all ages, races, ethnicities, belief systems, and upbringings, rather than focusing on the differences you may have. The world is so big.