Two-time WMU Study Abroad traveler says global experiences change lives and careers

KALAMAZOO, Mich. — For Presley Koepp, a senior at Western Michigan University majoring in sales and business marketing with a minor in international business, studying abroad wasn’t just a goal; it was a promise to herself and her family.  

As a first-generation college student from Ann Arbor, Mich., Koepp entered college knowing she wanted to experience life in another country. With the help of WMU Study Abroad, she ended up visiting two. 

“My mom always encouraged me to go, especially because she never had the opportunity herself,” she says. “I’ve always wanted to travel the world, and studying abroad was the first step.” 

Koepp took that step in the summer of 2024 with WMU Study Abroad’s Business & Culture in Thailand program, a four-week experience run by the Haworth College of Business that blends academics with adventure. The program gave Koepp her first chance to travel overseas, and it left her with countless memories she’ll carry for a lifetime. 

“One of my favorite days was when half of our group went scuba diving in the morning and the other half in the evening. I went in the morning, and it was unreal because it was my first time ever scuba diving.  

“Afterward, I had time to myself to explore the island, chat with locals, lay out on the beach and even play with a stray pug that decided to hang out with me for a while. Later, I met up with some peers and we swam in an infinity pool overlooking the ocean.” 

While the sites and experiences were breathtaking, Koepp says the experience was more than just sightseeing.  The program shifted Koepp’s academic and professional goals.  

Before going to Thailand, Koepp didn’t have a clear career path in mind. After returning, she added her international business minor and started envisioning a future working overseas or with a company engaged in international trade.  

“I improved my negotiation abilities, gained confidence and even learned some of the Thai language on the spot,” she says. “It was challenging but so rewarding.” 

“If you can navigate, translate and explore in a country where English isn’t the first language and still complete coursework, coming back to a regular semester feels like a breeze.” 

Koepp credits much of her positive experience to her faculty director, Dr. Duke Leingpibul, who was born and raised in Thailand.  “Going abroad can be scary, especially for someone like me who had never flown before or didn’t know what food to avoid,” Koep admits. “I needed a faculty director to basically hold my hand through the process." 

Leingpibul, professor of marketing at the Haworth College of Business, has led students on a 25-day study abroad trip to Thailand every summer since 2009. Born and raised in the Southeast Asian country, Leingpibul views his work there as both scholar and host, combining academic research conducted in Asia with the opportunity to introduce students to his homeland. “Students tell me the experience is beyond their imagination,” Leingpibul says. “Some mention that firsthand exposure changes their worldview and makes them more resilient to one-sided information from the internet or media.”  

Years later, alumni who are now business executives and industry leaders return and still want to talk about the trip, showing its lasting impact, Leingpibul says. 

“Faculty led study abroad programs are a great option for students who are inexperienced travelers because you have a WMU Professor or Instructor leading students through the experience abroad,” says Joe Milostan,  director of study abroad  and faculty enrichment at WMU's Haenicke Institute for Global Education.  

“While semester-long study abroad programs are great for more experienced travelers, or students looking for an independent experience, participating in a program with a group of WMU students and professors can be a great first step for first time international travelers. Additionally, faculty led programs allow you to approach education in a new way: experiential learning. WMU Professors do a great job of putting together study abroad courses which have a lot of hands-on, practical learning built into the course.” 

Encouraged by her life-changing experience in Thailand, Koepp has since taken her global education even further. In May of 2025, she participated in the Business and Culture in Germany program. Taught by Dr. Jim Eckert, associate professor of marketing in the Haworth College of Business, the trip includes tours of German business and cultural sites, as well as engaging interactions with German university students and an intensive negotiation course.  

“Year after year I witness students becoming more confident, more competent and more aware of what a wonderfully big and diverse world is out there to enjoy and to learn from,” says Eckert. “Study abroad is a truly transformative experience.”  

Looking back, Koepp says studying abroad was one of the best decisions of her life. “It pushed me out of my comfort zone in every way and gave me a global perspective I couldn’t have gotten otherwise,” she says. “I could go on and on about how important it is, but really, the best thing you can do is go experience it yourself.” 

“It’s crucial for personal development and for our country as a whole,” she explains. “People who stay in one place their whole life can become close-minded. Exploring another country for the food, the culture and the way their society works creates well-rounded human beings who can bring fresh perspectives back home, which is valuable to any society.” 

About The Haenicke Institute for Global Education   

The Diether H. Haenicke Institute for Global Education, established in 1998, fosters an environment that supports the global engagement of the Western Michigan University community. Its offices assist nearly 2,500 international students and alumni at home and abroad with immigration, student success and post-graduation job training.  

The Institute also facilitates short- and long-term study abroad programs for students, faculty and staff. It hosts a variety of global learning activities, such as designing and promoting scholarship and academic opportunities on campus; providing K-12 outreach; hosting lectures, panels and events; and showcasing arts, entertainment and culture from around the world. More at www.wmich.edu/global.