Trinity International Studies Graduate Hones Global Perspective

Elizabeth Valenzuela graduated from Trinity College last spring with a double major in international studies and political science, and a double minor in urban studies and hispanic studies.

Named as a President’s Fellow in International Studies at Trinity, Elizabeth has a passion for connecting different communities.

In her junior year, Elizabeth studied in four cities during a semester abroad as part of the School for International Training’s International Honors Program. She and a fellow student travelled to New York City; Ahmedabad, India; Sao Paulo, Brazil; and Cape Town, South Africa. In each city, they explored how geography, politics, economics and culture shape social relations and impact individuals.

“Participating in an experiential learning program across four cities placed me in contact with human experiences I have read and talked about in and outside of the classroom, but have never witnessed,” says Elizabeth. “I feel that I became a more informed global citizen.”

“I became a more informed global citizen.”

Elizabeth’s international studies concentrations in African and Latin American studies took her to Trinidad her senior year to study interfaith cooperation on the island. Trinity’s new Center for Caribbean Studies awarded Elizabeth their first student research grant to conduct research related to the minority religion of Hinduism. The grant enabled Elizabeth to combine her fields of study and extracurricular interests into an independent research project that culminated in her senior thesis.

“During my time at Trinity, I feel blessed to have benefitted from the support of its amazing staff and resources,” says Elizabeth. “I would encourage all students to dream big as they pursue their academic interests.”

Elizabeth was also a member of the executive board of Trinity’s Charleston House of Interfaith Cooperation, a mentor to incoming freshman and she spearheaded community service projects in the Hartford area.

After interning for two summers at Bank of America, Elizabeth has accepted a position with the bank as a global compliance analyst.

Of her new professional path, Elizabeth says, “I am thrilled that this role will connect directly with my studies in international relations.”