Emma Green: Guiding global students
This summer, Emma Green was at the heart of the University of Kansas’ International Short Programs (ISP) office, guiding groups of visiting students through campus life. More than a program assistant, she became a bridge between cultures—helping students navigate the dining hall, leading tours, and sharing stories from her own study abroad experiences.
Green, a May 2025 graduate, worked with visiting students from Japan and China, organizing orientation activities and introducing them to KU traditions. “The students were so excited to learn things like our chant and our song,” Green recalled. As someone who had studied abroad herself, she immediately connected with their enthusiasm. “I could see myself in their excitement, remembering what it was like to be in a new place, soaking up every detail.”
She found joy in the small, unexpected moments that stood out for the students: marveling at the dining hall, laughing as they walked through a summer rainstorm, or lighting up when they mastered a new English phrase. “Things that we don’t expect end up being the best part of their experience,” she said. Green also made it a point to be a confidante, knowing how important it was to answer questions students might be hesitant to ask.
Her own background prepared her well for this role. She had studied abroad in both Japan and Argentina, experiences that helped her understand what her students were feeling. “I definitely related to their excitement and their nerves,” she said. “I remember what it was like to be in their shoes, trying to figure everything out.”
Working with ISP also gave Green the chance to grow as a leader. She thrived in the small-team environment, where her contributions were visible and her ideas carried weight. “I really love working on a small team because I feel like my opinions and the specific work that I’m doing are being seen by people,” she explained. “The other people on the team gave me opportunities to push myself and to try new things, and to develop myself academically and career-wise.” She credits mentors like Natalie Friend, ISP’s education program manager, with offering feedback and encouragement that built her confidence.
Green can trace her interest in international education back to middle school. Blame it on Pentatonix. The vocal band sang a medley from the Japanese pop group Perfume. Sparked by her newfound taste for J-Pop, she taught herself Japanese, starting with the alphabet and moving on to YouTube videos and flashcards. As a summer exchange student between her sophomore and junior years of high school, she immersed herself in Japanese culture. Back home, she continued honing her language skills by reading a Japanese edition of The Wizard of Oz.
At KU, she double majored in East Asian Languages and Cultures and Global and International Studies, while expanding her global experiences through two study abroad programs. In 2023 she studied in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and in 2024 she spent nearly four months in Japan on a semester-long program. Each experience deepened her love for language and culture, while challenges like navigating Tokyo’s train stations or living with a host family strengthened her resilience and empathy.
This summer, she saw her own journey reflected in the visiting students she supported. “It has helped me find my purpose while helping other students find their purpose,” she said. “I got so much from my experience doing short programs and study abroad, so I know that the students who visited will have their lives changed. It was special to be a part of that.”