Cassie Folkerth

International Coordinator

Partnership and Exchange Programs

Before becoming an International Coordinator within the Global Education Office, Cassie worked within several different departments of ASU. Everything from billing insurance in the Health Services Clinic, to providing support services to students seeking academic advising while at College of Health Solutions and even assisting with admissions processes for prospective students at Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions. When she is not working she can be found at one the many local restaurants, bars, or coffee shops in Downtown Phoenix, enjoying local arts & theater, or simply taking her dog out to a dog park.

Education

• B.A., French, California State University Northridge
• M.Ed., Higher and Postsecondary Education, Arizona State University

International Experience

• Hosted Exchange Students through Rotary in Highschool
• Yearlong study abroad program during undergraduate degree to Aix-en-Provence, France.
• Yearlong teaching assistantship (TAPIF) in Pau, France.
• Traveled abroad to England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Spain, Morocco, Canary Islands, Hungary, Portugal, Mexico, and the Netherlands

Why Cassie works in global education: I believe the experiences we encounter while abroad shapes the rest of our future. The ability to go and embrace a new culture different from your own allows one to grow and embrace the world for what it is. We are all human, we all experience the full range of human emotions. To give oneself space to feel and to allow others the space to do so as well is an important part of the human experience.

Advice for students preparing to go abroad: My advice is to view all experiences as an opportunity, especially when things don't necessarily go the way you plan. Adaptability is imperative when travelling but also a life skill that will carry you beyond studying abroad.

One of the most important lessons Cassie learned while studying abroad or traveling: The world is not black and white. There is no set way to experience it. Allowing myself the grace to see all the colors has made all the difference.