Episode Notes | Episode Transcript | AskTheGuest
Clare Overmann is a graduate of Georgetown University with a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish Language and Culture.
Clare was very clear what she wanted to do in College. Her focus on Languages early on enabled her to leverage the Study Abroad as a means to strengthen her scholarship of Languages and Cultures.
Clare benefitted immensely from her 2 Study Abroad tours - one in Korea which was in part self-discovery, and the other in Chile to burnish her Spanish credentials.
Hi-Fives from the Podcast are:
Episode Title: Clare Overmann on Georgetown: Languages, International Experience, and Talks by World Leaders.
Episode summary introduction: Clare discovered that languages came easily to her starting in Middle School. She learnt Spanish and wanted to pursue it in College. It would turn out to be a great choice.
Clare Overmann is a graduate of Georgetown University with a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish Language and Culture.
In particular, we discuss the following with her:
Topics discussed in this episode:
Our Guest: Clare Overmann is a graduate of Georgetown University with a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish Language and Culture. After gaining international experience in Europe, Clare went on to get her Master’s in International Education at New York University.
Memorable Quote: Clare on stereotypes about Georgetown Students: “It is a fairly wealthy population, it is kind of preppy, that many people want to be Politicians..some of it is actually true.”
Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.
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Transcript of the episode’s audio.
Georgetown, really set me on a path to where I am now, which is in the field of international education for sure. I mean, just by being in a world class University, in kind of a major city in the United States, with such a global student body and faculty, it really sent me on a path to explore the world.
In kind of this push-pull kind of way. I would say it really pushed me kind of out into the world.
Clare Overmann is a graduate of Georgetown University with a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish Language and Culture.
Clare discovered that languages came easily to her starting in Middle School. She learnt Spanish and wanted to pursue it in College.
Georgetown, with its International dimension, would turn out to be a great choice for Clare, given her Language interests.
We caught up with Clare to talk about her years at Georgetown University.
Before we jump into the podcast, here are the High-Fives, Five Highlights from the podcast:
[Georgetown was “Educational”]
I would have to say overall, my experience at Georgetown was very educational. And I mean that in a number of senses of the word.
[Why Georgetown?]
I kind of narrowed it down to just the general education quality and size for sure. And then kind of just that X factor of that general feeling.
[Finding your niche]
In somewhat large university setting, I quickly honed in on my kind of my my area, which was this, you know, Languages, Linguistics kind of area, and, you know, it had its own building.
[Study Abroad]
I was a Spanish major, and then I also did some sort of concentration in Korean language. And so I made the case to go for the whole year abroad, but split that year, up into one semester in Korea, and one semester in Chile and South America.
[Advice to Aspirants]
Georgetown has a unique affiliation with with the Jesuit community. And, you know, just thinking about their values of, of inquiry, of being a person for others of social justice, thinking about some of those those qualities and what that means to you how you how that's been reflected in your life.
Venkat Raman 3:12
Now, I'm sure you want to hear the entire podcast with Clare. So without further ado, over to Clare Overmann !
Venkat 3:22
Hi, Clare.
Clare 3:23
Hi.
Venkat Raman 3:25
Welcome to our Podcast. College Matters. Alma Matters.
Clare 3:29
Thank you so much. Great to be here.
Venkat Raman 3:31
Yeah, I'm really excited to talk to you about, obviously, what you did in your college years. But maybe a little bit about where you ended up after that.
So, looking forward to this conversation. And as I mentioned, we are, you know, targeting an audience of international aspiring students. And I think, what you have to share today should be extremely beneficial and useful for these kids.
So look forward to it.
Clare 4:01
Great, great.
Venkat Raman 4:04
Very well. So maybe the best place to start is at the top.
You know, it's been a few years, but just looking back at your overall experience at Georgetown and undergraduate experience, what you feel about it looking back now?
Sure. I was reflecting on this question a little bit. And I, I would have to say overall, my experience at Georgetown was very educational. And I mean that in a number of senses of the word. I mean, for sure, the education itself was excellent.
You know, there's no denying there's some of the top professors and researchers in the world there. But I think it was also, as many college students will attest to it, was also just an extremely educational time in terms of personal growth.
Well, you know, just understanding of life in general. Yeah, yeah. No, in many senses of the word.
Venkat Raman 5:09
Maybe we can sort of start with why you chose Georgetown how that came about. Yep. And sort of give us a little color there.
Yeah, sure. Well, I think there were a couple of different factors. I mean, you know, in the United States, we, we, often in high school were laboring over this decision and looking at so many different types of institutions.
I kind of narrowed it down to just a general education quality, and size for sure, and then kind of just that X factor of that general feeling.
So I grew up in a household where just understanding that Jesuit education was of very high quality. And so I had a lot of respect for just Jesuit schools in general. I didn't go out seeking only Jesuit schools, but I knew of course, Georgetown's name, just it's a great brand name. I really, I really, you know, I really liked their their morals, their values.
I also really enjoyed the fact that, that Georgia had this perfect combination of both being in Washington DC, you know, Metropolis. Well, you know, having a traditional campus experience.
Another thing was just size I mean, I knew that I didn't want either of the extremes of, you know, the super large state institution, big university. I also didn't want too small of a college either. So Georgetown was actually a perfect middle size at the time that I was an undergraduate, I think my class had about 2000 students. So that was kind of a perfect size for me.
And then I would just say, finally, I mean, going on that campus tour was really important. And that's where I got that X Factor, feeling of, like, just seeing all of the buildings and the hallways, in the classrooms and the facilities and just understanding that this was a place not only of learning, but of growing the whole person.
Venkat Raman 7:22
In High School and, you know, growing up, what were your interests? What, what kind of things were you into?
Well, you know, I had a very busy high school time I, you know, I went to a public high school in the northeast, and you know, we're very rigorous there.
But I remember it being a very fun time and a time that I was involved with a lot of things. So I was into all sorts of extracurricular activities, like volleyball, and orchestra, I played the flute, I did musical theater, I did some volunteering. I mean, I, I joined the anime club, you know, lots of different [things], I was very involved.
And actually I was, I was remembering that in my, you know, senior class yearbook, I was voted the quote, unquote, most versatile for doing all all these different things. So I was just all over the place.
Venkat Raman 8:23
So based, you know, based on your choice, you end up at Georgetown, what was that transition, like from high school to college, especially in your first year? How did all that go?
Well like I said, I was fortunate to have gone to a fairly rigorous public high school. So the transition was enormous in all the ways that going to a college would be on your own for the first time having to, you know, determine your own schedule, make all your own choices.
But in terms of academics, it actually was, wasn't too much of a stretch. You know, Georgetown is the epitome of a liberal arts college. And I was able to kind of take that variety that I had of my interests in high school, and translate them in a lot of ways to my Georgetown education to, you know, I, my first and second years, you have a lot of flexibility with the courses you take.
So I took everything from quantum physics to world religions and ethics and philosophy and just so many interesting things that really helped satiate that that part of me that was interested in lots of different things.
I think also just a couple other things that were helpful in the transition from high school to college was just some of the skills that I think I had been able to master in high school which, which only, you know, got more honed in in college of like, just kind of how to get through School, how to manage your time, how to how to read things in a smart way, in things, but you're, you're you're retaining information, you know how to write a good essay, good study habits, things like that I think we're really key in that transition.
Venkat Raman 10:23
How did you find the peers and your classmates? And what were your impressions of folks around you?
Well, there, you know, there are a few stereotypes about Georgetown students. Some of those stereotypes are that it's a fairly wealthy population, that it's kind of preppy. And that many people want to be politicians. And, you know, all of that somewhat true.
To a certain extent, you can't deny that.
But that it was actually one of the most diverse places that I had ever been to, and a huge part of my experience, there was meeting people from all over the world, all different walks of life, all sorts of perspectives and political views. And that diversity was just just the best.
Venkat Raman 11:14
Did you find them collaborative or competitive? How was that?
Clare 11:18
Yeah I think a little bit of both. I mean, at when, at a school at Georgetown, of course, everybody is striving to achieve as much as they can. But I really felt like there was a culture of, of so called need to work hard, play hard.
So you really, you're really focused on academics, you're trying to excel there, but you're also trying to be social, you know, have a life you make friends, join clubs, etc.
Venkat Raman 11:55
So maybe we can talk about the classes then. How was the teaching, the professors?
Yeah, I mean, the Like I said before, I mean, it's a world class learning environment. And I joined, I came into Georgetown already knowing my major, which was Spanish. And I was particularly attracted to Georgetown also, because they had this Faculty of languages and linguistics, that was actually part of the, the college, Georgetown college, but just kind of had this reputation preceding it of having some of the best researchers and professors in the world. And I really found that to be true.
So I thought I kind of within a very, somewhat large university setting, I quickly honed in on my kind of my, my area, which was this, you know, Languages, Linguistics, kind of area, and, you know, it had its own building, and a lot of my classes were there. So I quickly found, like, a niche community.
Venkat Raman 13:08
Let's talk a little bit about where this interest in Spanish language and culture came from. I mean, how did that happen?
Well, I mean, I was very interested in Spanish in particular, from, from a very young age, I think, you know, I think we started taking foreign language classes in middle school, perhaps. And it was just one of those things that clicked for me.
There are certain things like math and physics and chemistry that never quite clicked for me, and Spanish, or just learning other languages, was just one of those things.
And I thought to myself, well, just I enjoy doing this if I find it to be fun and interesting, and I think, I don't exactly know where this is going to go. But I know that I like it, and I'm going to try to pursue it.
Venkat Raman 14:00
So maybe this is a good time to sort of talk about outside the class a little bit about maybe the campus life, maybe start with the dorms and so the food and whatnot.
Yeah, absolutely. I mean it's a pretty typical us college setup, where you're, you know, freshman year for instance, is very campus-based. I remember having assigned housing in the freshman dorms, and at the time you know, nearly everyone is on a meal plan so you go to the dining halls on campus and, and then you know, afterwards it's fairly flexible in terms of where you live. There's often these housing lotteries where you can go in with your friends on different places that are either camp, you know, on campus or off campus.
You know, I really, I really sometimes still crave you know, the, the dining halls at Georgetown. Yeah, yeah. Not that it was like particularly great food, but just the that feeling of like going into a place and being able to get whatever you want. And it being very social and Trent, you know, thinking about seeing your friends and all these different people in one place that was always really fun.
I think in terms of, you know, dorms It was also, you know, we had at least at Georgetown, we had kind of single sex floors, although they were co-ed buildings. So I was on or in my freshman year with a bunch of other young women. And that was just that was a really nice entryway into college, where we got, you know, we made a lot of great friendships and kept those throughout the four years.
Venkat Raman 15:50
Sure. So were you in dorms all four years, or did you guys typically move off campus? So would that work?
Clare 15:58
Yeah, I did. I mean, I did get a first year of dorms. And then I remember the second year, we, my friends and I, we got lucky in this in this housing lottery. And we were able to live in a house that was, I think, owned by the college, but technically right off of campus, right in the front of the gates of the university. And so it was just a great location. But at the same time, and at the same time, felt very adult to be living kind of off campus already a second year.
And then my third year, you know, I went, I studied abroad, which was a huge part of my experience at Georgetown. And when I came back, my friends were kind enough to have included me in their housing situation, which was a house off of campus about, you know, six or seven blocks, where we had, you know, seven girls living.
Venkat Raman 16:57
So how about the cultural, social and clubs and organizations on campus?
Well I remember when I went for freshmen orientation, which usually happens, you know, in the late, late August, before the semester begins, yeah, these coordinators, you know, upperclassmen just get involved, get involved.
And, and indeed, I mean, Georgetown is one of those places where everybody is involved in so many different activities. And just any club you can imagine, or I believe you can even just make your own sports theater, you could get a campus job volunteering.
I joined the, you know, for me, college was a really important time of self-discovery and identity. And I joined the Korean Student Association, which was very important to me at the time. And I explored the Asian American student association. I did. I did a little bit of tutoring and volunteering, and got involved because of the language studies in some language buddy programs.
Venkat Raman 18:13
You know, you mentioned study abroad. Maybe we can talk a little bit about that experience. Before we talk about your summers.
Yeah. I went into college, I went to Georgetown, one of the things that I thought about was that I for sure wanted to go study abroad.
I knew that was going to be a part of my college experience. And I knew that Georgetown had a very robust study abroad program, just a lot of different offerings.
I was a Spanish major, and then I also did some sort of concentration in Korean language. And so I made the case to go for the whole year abroad, but split that year, up into one semester in Korea, and one semester in Chile and South America.
Venkat Raman 19:04
Oh, wow,
Clare 19:05
I was able to justify that. But you know, by saying, you know, I'm studying both of these languages, I need to immerse myself in both of those cultures. That it was a, it was a very whirlwind year of, you know, getting very intensely integrated into Korean like a Korean society situation and then going back to the United States for you know, a few weeks maybe and then heading out to Chile, a completely different experience.
But, you know, I'm in the field of international education now. So of course, I'm a proponent of study abroad in it and it was indeed probably one of the most transformative experiences.
Venkat Raman 19:47
So how other experiences I mean, what, what was similar, what was different for you?
Clare 19:53
It was a really interesting I, they were almost polar opposites in many ways. So when I you know, my programming Korea was part of an international, I was part of kind of an international section of this university in Seoul, Yonsei University. And we're kind of adorned all together with international, the international students. Most of our classes were conducted in English, and had some Korean students in it, but it was mostly the international students who were there.
We took intensive Korean language classes as well. But I would say just because Korean, for many of us there, and especially for me was not a like my first language is a little bit harder to truly integrate into, into the the campus. You know, we didn't we didn't spend a lot of time with fellow Korean classmates. But I made so many friendships from all of with all these international students from all over the world from France, Netherlands, from Germany, from Russia, you know, all different places coming to learn Korean and be immersed in Korean culture.
So that was interesting. And I came out knowing learnt you know, having learned a lot of Korean but not I would say not still not quite fluent.
Whereas with Spanish when I, you know, went over to, down to Chile, the it was a completely different experience. We were immersed. We were not in dorms, we were in homestays, like staying away and family in the city. Now, speaking Spanish 100% all day, directly matriculated into the Chilean universities.
So having to take all of our classes in Spanish, participate just like a normal student there. And that was a whole different experience. And it you know, obviously, in many ways, much more immersive, and really, you know, skyrocketed my Spanish capabilities during that time.
But it was also a lot, you know, a lot more effort, a lot more tiring. I think it was a challenging experience to be thrown into something like that, albeit, you know, one of the most transformative ones.
Venkat Raman 22:19
Oh, yeah, it sounds both fascinating and exciting. Yeah. And challenging! Yes. Yeah.
Venkat Raman 22:30
Let's sort of hop back to Georgetown, and what did you sort of do during the different summers? How did you spend those valuable months?
Yeah, I know I was reflecting on this. And I, I wish I had known more. You know, nobody told me like, you have to get it, you should get an internship, you should get a leg out, you should go do all these different professional related experiences, I spent the summers doing various things, most of most of which was making trying to make some money.
So I, you know, I had a student job all through part of college, working at the Gap in retail. And so I would go home for summers, I at least one of those summers, I remember taking that job back home and and working there and trying to save up some money.
One year I did, I was lucky enough to go on another kind of study abroad summer experience to Korea to the same university and do another kind of intensive language program.
So a variety of things. I would say, though, the common theme would be that I did not have a grand plan. And it was kind of, I can imagine I was just trying to figure out summer plans, as you know, as when the semester was ending.
Venkat Raman 23:57
Sure. Now, do you think, do you think looking back, obviously, you would have liked to have done more, but did you feel like it hurt you in any way, hampered you in any way? Or it was ok.
Clare 24:10
You know, I think it's a, I don't know, I really can't say for sure, sure. But I think that there are certain things that Georgetown like help in terms of resume builders. You know, having a Georgetown name on there is a great thing. I think the fact that I didn't have I that I have never had too many, like internships or associate ships on there. I wouldn't know but I don't think it's hurt me much.
But well, I'll never know.
Venkat Raman 24:48
Obviously, your study abroads were pretty definitive, and probably, maybe not game changing, but definitely defining experiences. And how do you think about Georgetown has shaped what you've done subsequently?
It, immensely! I mean, I think it, Georgetown really set me on a path to where I am now, which is in the field of international education for sure.
I mean, just by being a world class University in kind of a major city in the United States with such a global student body and faculty, it really set me on a path to explore the world. In kind of this push-pull kind of way, I would say it really pushed me kind of out into the world by exposing me to many different types of people and experiences.
And actually, especially after the study abroad experience coming back to Georgetown actually felt kind of small. So I, by the time I graduated, I felt like I was really ready, I was really ready to take on the world, I had kind of outgrown this place that had nurtured me for, for four years. And I knew I needed more.
So I kind of immediately, I immediately left the United States actually, and I moved to Europe for five years. And I really well, that that was, that was part part of the kind of the fallout from, from Georgetown was, or the motivation that Georgetown gave me was like, I can do this I can go be part of the world.
I think also, I mean, just in terms of being a kind of global citizen, I it, Georgetown has absolutely prepared me for all the things that that life throws at you, you know, intercultural skills, adaptability, you know, just a sense more self-esteem and a sense of identity.
And then, of course, like I said before, I mean, it has been a great credential to have on my resume, and just in my back pocket. Throughout all of my professional experiences, I think it's not, it's not the only thing that people are looking at, but I think it certainly has helped me get in, get in the door, you know, get that first interview, just to show who I am.
Yeah, so I think it's really helped me so much I and I would say just in terms of my major, it took a long time for that to materialize in terms of how did Spanish How did my Spanish degree in Spanish help me down the line.
And, you know, you're going to Europe, I didn't use it almost at all there. Right. But, you know, later in my life, you know, good, you know, halfway into my career where I am now, You know, I, I took one of, you know, a huge group of, of faculty down to Cuba, and was one of the only people in, in a room of ministry, colleagues who could speak Spanish and was able to really communicate effectively in, in the language at this really critical time for my career. And I felt really proud about that. And I remember writing to my parents at the time, and just saying, like, you know, now 10 years after graduation, I've finally used that degree!
Venkat Raman 28:32
Now, how did you hone in on international education, I mean, languages and culture. And from there to sort of international education...
Clare 28:41
For me, it was very, it was kind of circuitous as like I said, I moved to Europe and actually didn't have a working permit or anything like that. So was working at a, an international Chemical Company, and in their finance department, actually, this is the the job that I could get. And I loved it. I thought it was a really great experience.
Although I'm, you know, I'm not a finance person. So it wasn't, it wasn't really my path. And I, after a number of years, I realized what that I kind of my roots of intercultural communication and education kind of were calling me.
And at the time, I didn't really know about the field of international education. I had, like, heard about things like comparative education or Intercultural Studies, international affairs, of course, but I just I googled at the time just like international plus education, plus, like nonprofit in the kind of things that I knew I liked, and I got a master's degree in international education and ended up pursuing that at New York University part-time with my current job.
If you were to kind of go back to Georgetown to spend another four years or four years all over again, what would you do differently? What do you think Knowing what you know now?
Clare 30:19
Oh, if I could go back now, I would just, I would take advantage of so much more than I did. I wouldn't even take advantage of the people, the resources, all of the professors, I would have, I would try out new clubs.
Just been even more adventure. I think I thought I was being adventurous or involved at the time. But I think looking back, I could have been even more adventurous, tried so many other new things. I just, I think I didn't realize nobody realizes, how, how short the time is when you're in college.
Venkat Raman 31:01
Yeah, there's also a risk averse sort of element to all this to when you're actually there. So yeah.
Venkat Raman 31:09
If you were to give some advice and counsel to students of today, you know, looking to apply to college, or maybe specifically to Georgetown, what would your advice be?
Sure, I mean, I think Georgetown is a, an excellent school, an excellent choice for anybody who is, is really interested in opening their minds.
And, you know, being a part of a very prestigious, high functioning kind of high ambition. institution.
I think if I were to give some advice, I think, in general, it's important to think about the full breadth of who you are, and try to demonstrate that in the things that you do and that you convey on paper or in interviews related to getting into college.
And then specifically, kind of how like, how Georgetown fits into that story, you know, how is how is going to Georgetown specifically going to advance this, this narrative that you want to achieve for yourself.
I would also just another piece of advice would be, maybe to think about, because I said, You know, I mentioned at the beginning, Georgetown has a unique affiliation with, with the Jesuit community. And, you know, just thinking about their values of, of inquiry, of being a person for others, of social justice, thinking about some of those, those qualities and what that means to you, how you how that's been reflected in your life, I think really helps, will help to fit kind of help put you in Georgetown and fit that picture.
Venkat Raman 33:03
So we're kind of nearing the end of our podcast. And before we sign off here, I thought I'd let you kind of share anything that you feel we haven't talked about or want to talk a little bit more about, are some fond memories of your Georgetown years, whatever you'd like to talk about.
Sure. I mean, when I think back on my time there, I think it was very, like I said before, just very short and fleeting and but but and yet so impactful.
My fondest memories, I think were you know, I think in in my discussion of the academics, I failed to mention just all of the other opportunities that Georgetown has because of its proximity to the nation's capital.
So I mean, my some of my best memories are going to some of the events that they would hold in this you know, old Healy Hall, which is their big event space, and it's this like, beautiful, old Gothic, you know, wood space and you know, I saw like the president of Colombia speak or you know, Bill Clinton, Madeleine Albright, Vaclav Havel like these, these huge figures and they, they all stopped by and and often give, give a speech or something, which is, it's just an incredible opportunity. And I really felt like I had access to just some of the the greatest minds and leaders in the world. So that was always very exciting.
Georgetown also, I mean, like many other higher ed institutions just has a lot of fun rituals and traditions that as a student, you really kind of get involved in like the, the fight song and either there are retreats you can go on, other little traditions like that, that really help give you a sense of belonging while you're there, and then, you know, help tie you to the university in the future, too. So those are all really great memories. And yeah, I think anyone would have the same if they do go.
Venkat Raman 35:22
Fantastic.
Okay, so Clare, I want to thank you again for taking the time and sharing in great detail your years at Georgetown. And it looks like it turned out really well. So I congratulate you on your achievements. And thank you again for sharing your thoughts. I'm sure the students will find it very beneficial.
So thank you. Take care, be safe, and I'm sure I'll talk to you more. Okay, thank
Clare 35:52
Okay thank you so much.
Venkat Raman 35:53
Take care Clare. Bye, bye.
Venkat Raman 35:55
Hi again!
Hope you enjoyed our podcast with Clare Overmann about Georgetown University.
Clare was very clear what she wanted to do in College. Her focus on Languages early on enabled her to leverage the Study Abroad as a means to strengthen her scholarship of Languages and Cultures.
Clare benefitted immensely from her 2 Study Abroad tours - one in Korea which was in part self-discovery, and the other in Chile to burnish her Spanish credentials.
I hope Clare’s story nudges you to explore Georgetown for your own college journey.
For your questions or comments on this podcast, please email podcast at almamatters.io [podcast@almamatters.io].
Thank you all so much for listening to our podcast today.
Many thanks to the Counseling firm Admissionado for introducing me to today’s guest, Clare Overmann.
Transcripts for this podcast and previous podcasts are on almamatters.io forward slash podcasts [almamatters.io/podcasts].
To stay connected with us, Subscribe to Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify or visit anchor.fm forward slash almamatters [anchor.fm/almamatters] to check us out.
Till we meet again, take care and be safe.
Thank you!
Summary Keywords
US Colleges, College Admissions, Georgetown University, Study Abroad, Extracurricular, International Students, Spanish, Korea, Chile, Dorms, Linguistics, Languages, Jesuit, International Education, NYU, New York University.