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Office of Global Engagement

Global Ambassador Spotlight: Joshua Wasserman

July 20, 2023
Cuban beach at sunset

NC State Senior Joshua Wasserman, studying International Studies and Spanish, is a returning Global Ambassador for the 2023/24 school year. Global Ambassadors support the Office of Global Engagement by helping plan and facilitate campus programs dedicated to cross-cultural sharing and campus internationalization. His motivation to become a Global Ambassador stems from his passion of facilitating cultural interaction. “I love learning about people and their different cultures and how we can create that cross-cultural contact.” states Wasserman. This role provides opportunities to bridge gaps between international students and the NC State community.

A Summer of Exploration and Impact: From Cuba to Research and Internships

Wasserman’s summer was brimming with enriching experiences as he embarked on a journey of studying abroad, interning, and conducting research. The season kicked off with his participation in a course conducted in Cuba focusing on Cuba’s sociopolitical and environmental history.

Joshua Wasserman posing amongst the Cuban foliage.
Joshua Wasserman posing amongst the Cuban foliage.

During his Cuban trip, Wasserman captured his favorite moments on camera. Among these photos, he is showcased posing in vintage cars, enjoying the beach, and nestled between he mountains of Viñales. These peaks left a lasting impression, and intertwined with tobacco farms, offered a glimpse into Cuba’s economic landscape and cultural heritage.

NC State Student Joshua Wasserman in a pink vintage car
Joshua Wasserman posing in a vintage car.

One of the highlights of Wasserman’s experience abroad was exploring the streets of Old Havana. Over the course of two weeks, he familiarized himself with the nooks and crannies of this historic city, uncovering hidden gems and culinary delights. The restaurants quickly embraced him as a regular, and he found himself engaged in conversations with the locals while indulging in the robust Cuban coffee. These encounters created lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for Old Havana and its people.

National Capitol Building in Old Havana
National Capitol Building in Old Havana. Photo by Joshua Wasserman.

Following his time in Cuba, he assumed positions as a research assistant at NC State under Associate Dean Dr. Hawkins and as an intern with SafeAbroad, a security consulting firm. In his research position, Wasserman focuses on economic, health, and political issues of a town in the Phillipines called Del Carmen. After investigating different issues, he creates proposals that will eventually be shared with the mayor of Del Carmen. As a security analyst for SafeAbroad, he forecasts and monitors ongoing incidents, providing real time updates that can ensure study abroad traveler safety. 

Global Ambassador Leadership and Beyond

In addition to his role as a Global Ambassador, Wasserman participates in various extracurricular activities, such as Voluntarios Ahora en Raleigh (VOLAR) and United Nations Association of the United States of America club at North Carolina State University (UNA-USA). As the president of VOLAR, Wasserman works to address the needs of the local Hispanic community through a combined 790 hours of the group’s volunteer service per year. With UNA-USA, Wasserman strives to connect volunteerism with the sustainable development goals (SDG). 

Wasserman’s experience as a Global Ambassador has enhanced his organizational and leadership skills and event planning abilities. He emphasizes how being organized, delegating tasks, and working on a timeline have helped him academically and professionally, particularly in his VOLAR and UNA-USA leadership roles.

VOLAR members posing with a butterfly sculpture.
VOLAR members posing with a butterfly sculpture.

Post-Graduation Aspirations

With aspirations to travel, Wasserman has plans to work abroad post-graduation. With an open mind, he envisions going abroad through Fulbright, teaching abroad, or joining an organization, such as the Peace Corps. Equipped with the skills acquired through his involvement in the Global Ambassadors and other NC State activities, it is evident that Wasserman is dedicated to fostering cross-cultural understanding and global engagement.

If you’re interested in becoming a Global Ambassador for the 2024/2025 school year, keep an eye out for open applications in January 2024.

If you are interested in applying for awards, scholarships and fellowships like the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, the University Fellowships Office can help! Learn more on the University Fellowships Office website.