Before coming to the University of South Carolina, senior English and psychology major Rowan Coutsos rarely traveled outside of the Palmetto state. Joining Global Fellows — a community for students interested in learning about other cultures and languages — changed that, giving Coutsos the opportunity to study abroad and engage with other cultures.
Coutsos, who is from Irmo, South Carolina, says it was a welcome culture-shock living in South Quad and being surround by diverse perspectives.
USC’s intellectually stimulating living and learning communities help students turn their interests and passions into fulfilling careers. We talked to Coutsos about the experience living in the Global Fellows community, one of USC’s seven faculty-led living and learning communities.
What are some highlights of your experience as a student in the Global Fellows program?
The most incredible experiences I had were because of the travel grant Global Fellows offers, which pays for some of the program costs of study abroad trips. I had to pay for stuff like airfare, but it was affordable enough to do two Maymester programs in the UK. I have also enjoyed opportunities to try international foods. The first were during cuisine demos where a chef comes in to teach students how to prepare foods like ramen, sushi, dumplings, etc. The second is called Global Supper Club where once a month food from a certain nationality is chosen, and we get to learn about its culture and origin as we try it.
How has your experience with the Global Fellows program impacted your overall student experience at USC?
From the moment I got to my dorm, the leaders of Global Fellows were out among the move-in crew, welcomaing students as if we were coming home. I was reserved and hesitant to put myself out there and attend events or meet new people. However, with every event I went to, I was further inspired by the passion the staff showed for helping students thrive. Over time, I have found myself unrecognizable in the most wonderful way — still me, but with a feeling of capability I never had before. Today, I am an RA and an intern in the community. I am also involved on campus and in advocating for student issues.
What do you hope to do after graduation, and how has being a student in the Global Fellows program help set you on that path?
I plan to move to Arizona and make a life for myself there. There is a lot of pressure to figure out everything young, but to be honest, I don’t know what career I will find myself in. Despite that uncertainty, my time in Global Fellows has taught me it is OK to feel uncertain. If we do the right thing day by day, pulling up others as we go, fear loses its hold.