My name is Grace Hoggarth and I am the Exchange Intern with Towson’s Study Abroad Office. I am a senior and a double major in Mass Communications and Foreign Languages with tracks in Public Relations and French. I am passionate about fashion, writing, language, makeup artistry, and photography. After graduation I hope to apply my knowledge and experience to a career in sustainable fashion and work with international companies and organizations across the world.
As the Exchange Intern, a few of my key focuses are on raising awareness about the National Student Exchange Program by creating a comprehensive marketing plan and creating promotional content. I am also serving as a student liaison for incoming international exchange students to introduce them to TU’s campus and its resources.
As a French speaker of 14 years and a former French immersion student, I have grown up surrounded by different cultures from a very young age; which jumpstarted and has continued to reinforce my desire to learn more about the world through travel. Among my closest friends to this day are people I met in my elementary and middle school immersion programs.
Although my academic career has consisted primarily of learning French and about various French cultures, Japanese culture has a special place in my heart. Both of my parents have a connection to Japan. As a little girl my dad traveled back and forth to Tokyo and would bring me and my siblings back toys and other items like Hello Kitty, Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh! cards and manga. My mom has a connection to Japan as well. As a child she lived and attended school in Tokyo for three years. We also have cousins who are half Japanese.
Hearing stories from my parents and seeing their photos as well as learning about Japanese culture on my own over the years has made me hopeful of traveling there someday and maybe even working with a Japanese fashion designer.
A few fun facts about me are that I have had professional makeup opportunities in New York City, I have a very close bond with my dog, I skateboard, and I love to analyze films and TV shows.
I am so excited to work with the Study Abroad Office this semester!