SFA students go abroad to participate in University Scholars Leadership Symposium in Thailand

NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– A three-student cohort represented Stephen F. Austin State University at the 12th University Scholars Leadership Symposium in August at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand. This marks the first time SFA students have participated in the symposium.

Facilitated through SFA’s Office of International Programs, Oscar Sanchez, Brianna Patterson and Mackenzie Damon joined fellow students from around the world in Thailand to gain tools and confidence to tackle some of the world’s most pressing issues.

The symposium, organized by Humanitarian Affairs Asia, is designed to empower young leaders who are passionate about addressing global humanitarian challenges. The symposium gathers university students and emerging leaders from around the world to engage in meaningful discussions, workshops and networking sessions focused on sustainable development, social justice and humanitarian efforts.

“This was a new opportunity for SFA to provide students a chance to connect with peers from around the world, learn about the United Nations development goals and participate in humanitarian projects abroad,” said Ines Maxit, study abroad coordinator in SFA’s Office of International Programs. “We hope every experience abroad is transformative in students’ lives and that they use it to enhance their education and open the door for future opportunities. We also hope that by sharing their experience, they will encourage fellow students to follow their steps.”

With this year’s theme “Be the Change,” attendees interacted with likeminded individuals and learned from experts with extensive experience in social change and humanitarian work. Sanchez, a student in SFA’s Rusche College of Business and participant in two study abroad opportunities prior to the symposium, considered this an opportunity of a lifetime.  

“Being at the United Nations Conference Centre really made you feel the weight of this event,” Sanchez said. “The speakers were experts in their fields and held a plethora of knowledge that they were willingly imparting to us future leaders in hopes that we would take that knowledge and do the same. Being amongst not just experts from across the world but students from all walks of life also allowed for unique interactions that I never would have experienced otherwise. Truly, it was a chance that I did not believe I ever would have had.”

Presenters ranged from tech visionaries, such as Jack Growden, to social activists, like Ifrah Admed and former MMA champion Bahir Ahmad, who all provided inspiring words for their respective causes and initiatives. According to Damon, the speakers were passionate, inspiring and thought-provoking.

“The speakers gave excellent methods on enhancing our leadership skills as global change makers,” Damon said. “Going to the Leadership Symposium was a life changing experience where I have met many new lifelong friends, and I will cherish those memories for as long as possible.”

For Patterson, the symposium offered a chance for self-evaluation and means to push herself out of her comfort zone.

“The symposium was an incredible way to connect with inspiringly motivated people from all over the world,” Patterson said. “Some of whom had taken steps to start working towards what they felt pulled to do after witnessing what they've identified their communities need. I was blown away by other people's drive, motivation and compassion. Being in this environment pushed me to take a hard look at myself and push myself out of my comfort zone.”

In 2024, OIP recorded a record high 183 students who participated in a study abroad opportunity. Aside from those who participated in the symposium, 176 students participated in a faculty-led program and four students studied abroad independently.

“International experiences such as the symposium bring personal and professional growth, challenge perspectives and help build a global network,” Maxit said. “In today’s global society, all these things help to gain a competitive edge in the job market. SFA offers many international opportunities either to study, intern, research or volunteer, and students looking for a global experience just need to contact OIP for information and guidance. Furthermore, students need to keep in mind that they have a tremendous network of support at SFA.”

For more information about OIP, visit sfasu.edu/oip.