How Study Abroad Shaped One Student’s Global Career

When Sydney Kuehner chose the Foster School of Business, she had two goals: to study in a city that exposed her to diverse perspectives and to take advantage of study abroad opportunities. Four years later, she has not only graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (BBA) in marketing and accounting for business professionals and a minor in acting but has also launched her career internationally. She landed a full-time role in London as a Business Development Representative at Braze.

Looking back, Kuehner credits the study abroad experiences she pursued through the University of Washington’s Global Business Center (GBC) as the foundation for her global career success.

Designing an education with the UW Global Business Center

Kuehner wasted no time once she arrived on campus. As a freshman, she went directly to the Global Business Center to figure out how to study abroad — multiple times — without delaying her graduation or disrupting her carefully planned major. With GBC’s guidance, she built an undergraduate journey that blended immersive international experiences with on-campus coursework.

“I knew I wanted to expand my bubble, grow, and learn from others,” Kuehner reflects. “But I also knew there was so much out there beyond the classroom, and I have a genuine curiosity to meet new people and make meaningful connections. I can’t get that by staying in the same place forever.”

The Global Business Center helps students like Kuehner explore business-focused study abroad opportunities at every stage of their undergraduate journey. From short, one-week programs to semester-long immersions, Foster students can earn University of Washington credit while broadening their global perspectives. Popular offerings include the Business Argentina Program, which mixes faculty-led courses with local cultural exploration, and Foster Exploration Seminars, which allow students to explore what it means to do business abroad through company and cultural visits.

Study abroad across Europe

Kuehner’s first international adventure came during the winter quarter of her sophomore year, when she joined Foster’s Business Core Abroad Program, which alternates between Rome, Italy, and Buenos Aires each winter quarter. In this faculty-led program, Sydney studied in Rome and took her first marketing class with Professor Martha Matthews. That course sparked her passion for marketing and led her to officially declare it as one of her majors.

“It was such an eye-opening experience,” Kuehner says. “I was studying something I was so passionate about, while seeing the international perspective in real time. Being able to compare U.S. and Italian marketing strategies added a whole new layer of depth to what we were learning.” 

In the spring, she headed to Barcelona for the ALBA Barcelona: Foster Partner Program, where she earned UW credit through a third-party provider. Sitting in classrooms with students from various universities and learning from local instructors deepened her cultural exposure. She fondly recalls practicing Spanish over churros and chocolate during café-based language lessons and living near the iconic Sagrada Familia. “I loved how integrated the experience was — we weren’t just learning inside a classroom. Everything, from the food to the city streets, became part of the education.”

Finally, Kuehner rounded out the year with a program in London through CIEE, another University of Washington partner, where she worked with the UW Study Abroad Office to align the program’s terms with the University of Washington’s quarter system. By this point, she felt like an expert at adjusting to new environments. “Every time I went abroad, I came back with more tools in my toolbox. I learned how to adjust faster, how to get comfortable with uncertainty, and how to find confidence in new settings.”

Growth beyond the classroom

These experiences gave Kuehner more than just academic credits. They transformed her, personally and professionally.

She honed non-verbal communication skills, navigating language barriers in Italy and Spain with hand gestures, facial expressions, and careful observation. “Even when you don’t speak the language fluently, you can communicate so much through your body language and attention to others. I became good at reading situations, which has been valuable in my work.”

She also gained confidence in her abilities, independence, and capacity to connect with people from all walks of life. “The newfound confidence I gained from studying abroad has helped me show up as my most authentic self everywhere. I’ve learned that I can take big leaps, try new things, and handle the challenges that come with them.”

Launching a career in London

Kuehner’s international experience directly helped her land her role in London after graduating in June 2024. As she navigated interviews, she confidently showcased her initiative, adaptability, and intercultural competence — all sharpened by her time abroad. “My experiences showed Braze that I’m curious, eager to learn, and capable of handling big transitions,” she explains.

Another unique outcome of Kuehner’s international journey was that she qualified for the U.K. High Potential Individual (HPI) visa, a work visa awarded by the U.K. government to graduates from select top global universities, including the University of Washington. This visa allows graduates to live and work in the U.K. for two years after graduation without employer sponsorship. The U.K.’s HPI route is specifically tied to an eligible university, making the Global Business Center a compelling launching point for graduates who aspire to work internationally. 

Now based in London, Kuehner works with clients from various cultures and countries daily, adjusting her pitches and proposals based on the cultural nuances she’s learned to read. “I’ve had to learn how to tailor my approach depending on who I’m speaking to. Every client is different, and having a global perspective helps me figure out how to connect with each one effectively.”

She’s also embracing life abroad, joining a local run club, attending University of Washington networking events in London, and reconnecting with classmates she met during her Barcelona program. “When I joined the Braze team, I was the only American. But rather than feeling intimidated, I felt excited. Even though I’m one of the youngest in the office, I know they brought me in for a reason. I bring a unique perspective, and I’m proud of that.”

Advice for future global Huskies

For current or prospective University of Washington students considering study abroad, Kuehner offers this advice: “Push past your fear. Do it even if you’re afraid. It can feel intimidating to leave behind everything that’s comfortable, but if you have that curiosity, lean into it and let it inspire action.”

Her journey underscores the extraordinary impact of global experiences, not just for personal growth but also for launching an international career. Thanks to the support of the Global Business Center, Kuehner turned her undergraduate dreams into a thriving international career.

Learn more about study abroad with the Global Business Center here.