Global Studies major finds home here and abroad

When Maxine Ocampo ’25 was deciding where to attend college, she knew that being able to study abroad in South Korea was important to her. 

“I was looking at the list of majors on the website and found global studies,” said Maxine, who commutes to North Central from Elburn, Ill. “It talked about having a global perspective on business and political science, two things I was interested in. Then, I saw it was a requirement to study abroad for a semester, and that sealed her decision.
 
It didn’t take long for Maxine to jump on every opportunity to make her college experience all that she hoped it would be. 
 
“I had a meeting with the Center for Global Education (CGE) early on, even though I was a first-year student,” Maxine said. “I was like, ‘I need to go to South Korea.’”
 
In that meeting, she learned about an open student-worker position in the CGE. She applied and has worked in the position for almost four years. 
 
Fall semester of her junior year is when she set off for Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea. While there, Maxine — who is minoring in film and screen studies — took courses in mass communications as well as Korean film.
 
“I couldn't believe I was able to accomplish this dream of mine,” she said. “The days following my return, I felt very thankful for the opportunity — and a bit melancholy leaving that short time of my life behind. What has stayed constant is a feeling of gratitude for being able to study abroad in the first place.” 

Back at North Central, Maxine has become a leader in creating community. She currently serves as president of Asian Student Connection; treasurer of International Club; and main operations manager of Pinoy Club, a student organization that celebrates Filipino culture. She is also the president of Film Club and co-production director at WONC, North Central’s student-run radio station. 


“I will forever be grateful for the opportunities and experiences I have had at North Central,” Maxine said. “Through them, I've been able to break out of my shell and really grow as a student, as a leader, and as a person over the years.”

Learn more about majoring in global studies at North Central College.

Meet more of our students who have studied abroad.