5 Questions with Ochmaa Escue

She helped launch the Gilman International Scholarship with the IU Office of Overseas Study in 2020, which increased monetary awards for eligible students by 40 percent.

Escue began working at IU in 2005, first at Hoosier Courts Nursery School before joining the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs in 2007. Escue is also a *multilingual* lifelong learner who is in the process of earning an IU Bloomington Master of Science in Cybersecurity Risk Management. She previously earned a Master of Information Science at IUB and a Bachelor of Arts in Japanese Studies from the National University of Mongolia. *English (fluent), Japanese (intermediate), Mongolian (native), Russian (literate)*

On Friday, Nov. 4, the office will co-host host the Study Abroad Fair from noon to 3 at the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center as part of IU's International Education Week. 

Q: How would you describe the work of your office, and why is it so important?

A: My office contributes to diversifying study abroad opportunities. It also combats barriers—lack of awareness, funding, or planning—that might hinder students from studying abroad. Most of the students I work with are from first-generation, economically disadvantaged and/or from minority backgrounds, and IU students have access to over 380 study abroad programs, which can be overwhelming. The core of what we do is:

• put study abroad opportunities onto students’ radars in their first year;
• educate students on study abroad scholarships (and provide funding when possible);
• help students navigate through various aspects and stages of the process; and
• create affordable, interdisciplinary study abroad programs.

We collaborate closely with IUB study abroad offices, academic schools, and administrative programs. When IU students study abroad, they not only broaden their own worldviews, but the people in their host communities broaden their views about the U.S., Indiana, and the students’ home communities.

Q: What do you love most about your work?

A: Study abroad opportunities allow students to gain transferable soft skills and confidence, which are essential to their personal growth and future success. The most rewarding part of my work is to witness this transformational experience year after year in student after student.

I love to hear students reflect on their time abroad, both positive and negative; share about their new friends; and offer travel tips to fellow students. It reminds me of my own study abroad journey. I came to the United States to learn English 21 years ago. I attended the Intensive English Program at IU for a year and half and met so many friends from different countries. Learning a new language, adapting to a new culture and community, and balancing anticipation and homesickness were transformational in influencing who I am today and how I work to support students.

Q: What do you want people to know about the OVPDEMA Overseas Studies & Scholarship Program?

A: We are one of many study abroad offices on the campus. Navigating the IUB study abroad structure, finding the right people to talk to, and selecting a program can be overwhelming. To better support our students, we launched the Embrace Diversity, Share Cultures Study Abroad Fair on campus in 2016 during International Education Week. We are excited to bring back the event Nov. 4, 2022, after skipping two years (during the pandemic).

Q: What is your favorite part of campus?

A: The Musical Arts Center is beautiful and welcoming. My older daughter was in the IU Ballet’s "The Nutcracker" performance for four years and I got to spend hours volunteering backstage. I love the professional experience that small children gain through this production! This year, my youngest will be in "The Nutcracker" for the first time, and she is excited to be on the big stage.

Q: Two-part question.

One: Any international travel tips?

1. Create a packing list on your phone in advance and cross check items as you pack.
2. Pack smart & light. Transiting and traveling with more than what you absolutely need is inconvenient!
3. Be respectful of other cultures and communities when you travel.
4. Always pack small snacks.
5. Take pictures of my important travel documents, boarding passes, and luggage tags in case you misplace them (and for easy access to information). Travel with a power bank in case your phone runs out of battery—smart phones are only useful if they have juice 😊!

Two: What do you tell students before they select a trip?

1. Search available programs and identify your top choices based on program host continent, country, city, academic content, term, eligibility, and cost. Compare them and weigh the advantages and the benefits from each program.
2. Talk to your academic advisor about your top selections to help narrow down your choices. Apply for more than one—always have a backup program in mind as a plan B.
3. Understand your existing financial aid (how much you receive and what you can apply to study abroad) and how much more is needed for the study abroad program. Identify and apply for scholarships for which you are qualified.
4. Research the identity- and access-related sources in your top-choice countries. Share any concerns with your study abroad program organizers.
5. Set a goal for your study abroad program to get the most out of your experience. Journaling while abroad is a great way to do post-program reflection for personal growth.