Global citizen

Wright State senior Miley Stotts, a first-generation college student, turned her passion for French into three study abroad experiences that broadened her language skills, confidence and worldview thanks to the support of Wright State’s study abroad programs.

For Wright State University senior Miley Stotts, studying abroad has become more than a single adventure — it’s a defining part of her college journey.

During a trip to France last spring, the Zanesville native deepened her love for the language and culture while traveling across eight regions, from Paris to Normandy, gaining experiences that will stay with her long after graduation.

It was her third study abroad trip through Wright State’s Student Ambassador Program, and it nearly didn’t happen. With just three months to prepare, Stotts scrambled to meet application deadlines, securing support from Wright State’s University Center for International Education, the University Studies Abroad Consortium and other funding sources to make the journey possible.

For Stotts, the experience was transformative. She lived with a host family, took immersive French classes, joined excursions and built lifelong friendships. Beyond language skills, she gained confidence, adaptability and intercultural awareness.

“I was able to learn French in a depth that I was never able to before,” she said. “I learned so many intercultural and interpersonal skills while abroad, as well as how to adapt to different situations. I believe that this trip has opened my mind and taught me to be more outgoing.”

The study abroad program impressed her from the start, with staff and host families easing the transition. From airport pickups and city tours to placement testing and engaging classes, every detail helped her succeed. Stotts said she constantly wanted to know more and left each class feeling inspired.

Stotts described Wright State’s Study Abroad Program as first-rate. From meeting her host family at the airport to campus orientation to city tours, every detail helped her succeed. Stotts said she constantly wanted to know more and left each class feeling inspired.

“I felt so engaged in class and constantly wanted to know more,” she said.

Raised by a single mother in a small apartment in rural Ohio, the first-generation college student chose to enroll in Wright State because of its proximity to home and its small, lively university community.

Initially a nursing major, Stotts changed to French but plans to return for a nursing degree after graduating in 2026, with a goal of becoming a neonatal nurse.

She is also a Take Flight scholar, a program for high-achieving students with financial need and serves as a study abroad peer mentor in the University Center for International Education.

Stotts credits Wright State with making study abroad possible.

“Thanks to the scholarships and people that I have made connections with, I have had so many doors open that I never thought I would have been able to walk through,” she said. “I have not just participated in one program but three now, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunities.”

Wright State faculty also recognized her dedication. Pascale Abadie, Ph.D., associate professor of French, said Stotts stood out in the Ambassador Program as a thoughtful, engaged participant who embraced every challenge. Whether navigating the streets of Nice, conversing fluently in French or reflecting on historical sites like Sainte-Chapelle and Versailles, Stotts displayed maturity, openness and leadership.

“As both a student and a future global citizen, she demonstrated cultural sensitivity, adaptability and leadership — qualities that are increasingly vital in today’s interconnected world,” Abadie said.

The Ambassador Program’s impact on students extends well beyond the opportunities to travel, Abadie said. Many students are so inspired by their experiences that they return to France independently, she said, which is a testament not only to this program’s success but also to the personal growth and sense of global citizenship it fosters.

Now back at Wright State, Stotts encourages other students to study abroad. While it may seem daunting, she said, Wright State’s advisors and peer mentors ensure students aren’t alone in the process.

“I want every student to know that there’s a great big world of cultures and people out there,” she said. “Now may be the best time to see it.”