During her semester abroad in Cork, Ireland, Emily Gray ‘10 participated in a unique program which allowed her to share her experiences with a class of first grade students.

As a Cultural Correspondent, Emily used web conferences to present lessons about Ireland’s customs, climate, transportation system and historical figures.

Upon her return to the United States, Emily had the opportunity to visit her class from Carolina Forest Elementary School in Jacksonville, North Carolina and meet her students in person. “This opportunity showed me how to always consider how my experiences can benefit another, or society as a whole. Like the first graders, I am inspired to approach all new topics with an insatiable thirst for listening,” says Gray.

Cultural Correspondents is a partnership between NC State and the NC Center for International Understanding. The program uses innovative technologies such as web conferencing to connect K-8 students in North Carolina elementary schools with students abroad. The program reached over 900 students in seven North Carolina counties during the semester in which Emily was abroad.

After graduating with a degree in communications, Emily plans to work for a strategic communications agency as a public relations/marketing specialist.