Elisabeth Hinshaw-Osgood
Educator
Retired
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
First, I lived in Italy for 3 years as a kid. I went to Italian schools and learned to speak Italian fluently which helped broaden my foreign languages later.
Then, I attended California State University, Fullerton majoring in French because my friend went there as well. I loved the experience of getting to experience living in "real" apartments.
Then, during my attendance at Cal State University, Fullerton, I worked at the campus library. There I managed to gain friendships with my coworkers and boss and still remain in touch with them.
Then, after graduating, I went on to travel to Europe for 9 months. Initially I wanted to stay longer, but knew I couldn't. When I came back home, I applied to become a Peace Corp Volunteer.
Then, I got my first job as a librarian at Pomona Library. It was pretty simple for me to get this job as I already had 18 months of experience of working at CSUF.
Then, after working as a Peace Corps Volunteer, I went on to return back home to Claremont and work at Honnold Library. I continued to work at Honnold Library until I went on to graduate school.
While studying at School for International Training I became an International Student Advisor. The job helped me connect with students and learn more about different cultures.
Then, while working at The Claremont Graduate School, I met my husband there. After graduate school, we got married and had two kids together. My family is a milestone I am proud of.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Claremont High School
Claremont High School
Graduate
International Administration
School for International Training, World Learning
International Administration
School for International Training, World Learning
Graduate
Library and Information Science
Indiana University, School of Library and Information Science
Library and Information Science
Indiana University, School of Library and Information Science
Career
Educator
I was a Peace Corps Volunteer, an International Student Advisor, English Teacher, and Director of Study Abroad.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Education
Travel
Helping People
Day to Day
As an international student advisor, I did a variety of things on a daily basis. My tasks included: reviewing admission applications, organizing orientations, preparing a newsletter, helping students through issues they may be facing with their student visa, etc. However, as a Student Advisor Director, I worked with the faculty to plan programs, oversaw the budget, etc. As a Peace Corp Volunteer, I planned lessons and taught English as a foreign language.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
I recommend that a first step to break into a career working with international students is learning a foreign language and connecting with different people on campus. I suggest that by meeting and getting involved on campus helps you learn more about different cultures and lifestyles. I also suggest that learning a foreign language is important because it enables you to read about other cultures. I suggest that when learning a language to watch movies with subtitles to understand more.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Myself:
"I faced discouragement when planning lessons while I was an English teacher as a Peace Corps Volunteer. I am very detail-oriented so I struggle with making sure that everything I want to include in my lesson plans are there."
Challenges I Overcame
First-Generation Immigrant
Q&A
In what ways did your studies at CSUF help prepare you for your career?
Asked by Maria at CSUFMy major, being French, helped me greatly when working at Central African Republic because the national language there is French. When working as a Peace Corp Volunteer, it made it easier for me to adapt to live there.
What interests you the most about the work you do?
Asked by Maria at CSUFI have always loved meeting and talking with people about their cultures. I have loved working with students. I always knew I would stay involved in International Student groups through interviewing students wanting to study abroad or hosting family.
What advice would you give to a college student during this pandemic?
Asked by Maria at CSUFMy advice would be that your professors are struggling to give you the material online. Your professors had to learn to adjust to a different format in order to teach. Another thing to remember that a bad day is as long as a good day. Bad days pass.
What are some obstacles you faced in your career/education?
Asked by Maria at CSUFWhile studying at California State University, Fullerton, there was a student who killed themselves. I was on my way to work at the library, I can't recall if it was a school shooter or suicide, but there was police tape and the ambulance present.
What advice would you give to students who want to pursue a similar career path?
Asked by Maria at CSUFI would strongly suggest learning a different language. I also suggest traveling and living in another country for as long as you can even if it is just for a couple months or a year! I also suggest making an effort to meet new people on campus.
Interviewed By
Maria
at CSUF
