五月天视频

Alumni Spotlight: Ariana McAuley

Meet Ariana McAuley, a trailblazing alumna of 五月天视频鈥檚听Paris Campus. With a Master's in International Relations and Diplomacy, Ariana鈥檚 time at Schiller (2017鈥�2018) laid the foundation for a remarkable career spanning communications, project management, and global advocacy. Today, she鈥檚 the proud founder of Ariventures Abroad, a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to empowering minority Americans to explore opportunities abroad while breaking stereotypes and fostering inclusivity.听

From her transformative Parisian experience to her current roles as Operations Lead at Deloitte and visionary entrepreneur, Ariana has made it her mission to break barriers and promote diversity abroad. Inspired by her experiences as a minority American living internationally, she founded Ariventures Abroad, a nonprofit focused on increasing representation and supporting future leaders. She credits Schiller for shaping her resilience, global mindset, and entrepreneurial spirit, laying the foundation for a rewarding career.听

You have so much experience in such a wide variety of companies and positions. Could you tell us about your career path?

My career started at a French professional services firm, where I worked in communications and project management. I saw those skills as essential for any career path I might choose, so I was happy to build a solid foundation there. Living in Paris also made it clear to me that I wanted to work in a global environment and contribute to international organizations. That's why I鈥檓 where I am today 鈥� working with amazing colleagues from all over the world and continuing to learn from the diverse cultures around me. It鈥檚 been a rewarding journey, and I鈥檓 excited about continuing to grow both personally and professionally.听

As the proud founder of Ariventures Abroad, we would love to know more about this initiative. How did Schiller influence this entrepreneurial spirit?听

Schiller had a huge impact on the entrepreneurial spirit behind Ariventures Abroad. While living in Paris, I noticed a bias against Americans, especially minority Americans, and felt that if you were a minority, there was a perception you couldn't truly be American. This experience drove me to start Ariventures Abroad, a 501(c)3 focused on increasing American minority representation abroad. Through scholarships for Black Americans, study abroad workshops, and sustainability-focused travel services, my goal is to dismantle negative stereotypes and promote more diverse representation on the global stage.听

As a young Black American woman studying abroad, I faced many challenges, and I thought about what resources would have helped me during that time. That鈥檚 why Ariventures Abroad is dedicated to helping the next generation of leaders by providing them with the tools and support they need to thrive abroad. It鈥檚 about giving back, breaking barriers, and making sure every student has the chance to study and live abroad without feeling limited.听

Throughout your professional career, at which moments did your education at Schiller help you with the challenges you faced?

My time at Schiller was invaluable in shaping how I approach challenges in my career. As student body president, I had to represent a diverse group of students from over 40 countries, which required adaptability and a deep understanding of different perspectives. Schiller expanded my worldview and gave me the opportunity to connect with people from every continent, learning about their cultures and ways of thinking. Living and studying abroad taught me a lot about my own resilience and abilities. It instilled in me a tenacity to keep pushing forward and the belief that, if there鈥檚 a will, there鈥檚 always a way. That mindset has been crucial in facing professional challenges and seizing opportunities.听

How has your education at Schiller played a role in your life since graduation?听

My education at Schiller has played a significant role in my life since graduation, especially in helping me work in a global environment. The experience of living in Paris gave me a unique perspective on life and opened doors to meaningful conversations and connections. It鈥檚 been a great foundation for networking, allowing me to build relationships across cultures and gain insights that have shaped both my career and personal growth. The global exposure I had at Schiller continues to influence the way I approach opportunities and challenges in my professional life.听

What do you consider to be the most valuable aspect of your Schiller experience?听

The most valuable aspect of my Schiller experience has been the lifelong friendships I made. Studying abroad isn鈥檛 always as glamorous as it seems, and having a support system is crucial. The friends I met in Paris share a bond that鈥檚 hard to explain unless you鈥檝e been through it. We鈥檝e supported each other in countless ways, and I鈥檓 incredibly grateful for those connections. Now, I can travel to almost any country and have a friend there to catch up with, which is something I truly treasure.听

Can you share some of your fondest memories from your time at 五月天视频?

Some of my fondest memories from my time at Schiller come from living in Paris, which remains one of my favorite cities. I really appreciated the access to international environments through the partnerships Schiller had with local embassies, UNESCO, and the OECD. Attending events at these organizations gave me valuable insight into how international organizations operate and sparked my interest in pursuing a global career. The experiences I had there, both academically and socially, continue to shape my professional path today.听

What advice would you give to current students to help them make the most of their Schiller experience?

My advice to current students is to take every opportunity that comes your way, no matter how big or small. Focus on your studies but also pursue internships to learn what you do and don鈥檛 want to do in your career. You don鈥檛 want to get stuck in a job you鈥檙e not passionate about. Step out of your comfort zone, talk to people you wouldn鈥檛 normally approach鈥攜ou鈥檒l be surprised by how much you have in common with someone who seems different. And most importantly, enjoy the experience while you can. It really will be one of the best times of your life!听