Elizabeth Bence Schandorff

Missions Management

Mission Aviation Fellowship

MBA from Eastern University in International Economic Development, with concentration in MicroEnterprise Development.

Intercultural Studies '03 Concentration: Missions / Minors: Sociology, French

What have you done after college and what are you doing now (especially related to intercultural connections)?

After college, I went on to grad school at Eastern University, where I got an MBA in International Economic Development, with a concentration in MicroEnterprise Development. I spent the last four months of my program in Central America, doing fieldwork. During and after grad school I worked for one year for Geneva Global, a research/financial intermediary between large donors and foundations and small relief and devopment projects around the world. Currently I work for Mission Aviation Fellowship at their national headquarters in Nampa, Idaho. My husband and I have put in our applications to go overseas as career missionaries with MAF, where we hope to assist in management - helping deal with flight and hangar operations, logistics, staff management, and office administration.

What factors and influences have guided your path to this point in your career?

While there have been many 'road signs', if you will, along the path that led me to where I am today, the single most important factor in guiding my path has been direct exposure to international issues that I encountered during international semesters and Mayterms, short term missions trips, an internship with World Hope International during a summer during college. Seeing the vast array of needs overseas and developing relationships with people around the world brought me to the point in my Christian walk where I could not just be a bystander anymore – I had to get involved. The Lord spoke through these experiences, guiding me and confirming that I was headed in the direction he wanted me to be.

How did your studies and Houghton experience prepare you?

Houghton's Intercultural Studies major provided an ideal venue for me to learn about the many complex issues that exist in developing nations. I was able to combine the theory and language skills I gained in the classroom with real life experiences in Central America, Europe, and East Africa. This holistic style of education not only informed my mind, but touched my heart and fueled my passion to spend my career working towards poverty alleviation and spiritual transformation in developing nations.

What advice can you give others interested in Intercultural Studies?

Take advantage of the variety of service and learning opportunites that Houghton offers. Expose yourself to as many different cultures as much as you can, whether it be through a semester abroad, a Mayterm, or even an inner-city spring break trip to somewhere in the United States. Take advantage of internships, service days, or summer jobs that relate to things that you are passionate about. When put together, all of these little puzzle pieces form an amazing picture of the world around you, and how you can be part of transforming it.