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Dr. Corinne Brion is an Assistant Professor in Educational Administration and shares how her life journey has shaped her passion for international education.  Originally from France, Dr. Brion has a love for travel and more specifically West Africa, where she has created a number of personal and professional ties.

What has influence or shaped your passion for international education/exchange?

Travel. It came early on in my life when I traveled a lot with my parents.  They pushed me to travel abroad by myself so by the age of fifteen I was traveling through Europe with friends or alone.  This developed my sense of curiosity.  Also, in general, I think as French people, we are curious by nature.  Perhaps because our country is so small or because we are surrounded by so many countries.  But, I think we are inquisitive and curious people so I have always had that desire to see what is outside my country and home.

Can you share an intercultural experience or moment that inspired you?

There are many but there is one that I will share.  A few years ago I took a group of graduates students to Sri Lanka to study different models of leadership.  It was also a service trip so we helped people in the village to build a community center and then discussed a community model to leadership.  It inspired me because I saw my students transform during that time.

When we arrived they were laughing, joking and gossiping about the locals because they did not understand the dialect.  Soon they became frustrated because of the language barrier and they were feeling jet-lagged and eating new food.  By the end of the trip they became grateful, compassionate and reflective.  We all cried when we left the village.  That was a big moment because I felt the same when I went to Africa for the first time and I was happy to give the students an experience that was far more enriching than being in the classroom.  It was transformative for them and for me as a Professor.

As a faculty member, how do you promote international education/exchange or expanded intercultural experiences whether through campus, community, or around the world?

I was fortunate to do my doctoral research in West Africa.  I think that my international lens as someone from France and having done work internationally are my contribution to UD and my department.  As a result of this, everything I do is framed by the sustainable development goals which aim to eradicate all forms of poverty by 2030 both locally and around the world.  I always carry a lens outside of Ohio, outside of the States, outside of Europe when I teach.  I attempt to bring in a global lens through articles, stories, and experts.  My belief is that no matter what we teach, we are not in isolation and our history drives who we are.  

Where is a place you have always wanted to explore, and why?

Africa.  I have been to several countries but my goal is to travel to each of the 54 countries and I still have 48 left.  So, I have a long ways to go.  Why? The first reason I can’t explain because it is a feeling of a calling.  The second reason is being French and having been part of the history of colonization in this region, I really feel I want to give back.  That is the purpose of my life.

What is one aspect or memory of home that you still embrace today?

This is a loaded question because home is here since I have spent most of my adult life in the United States but I feel more French than American since I was in France until the age of twenty-five.  I do miss cheese and chocolate.  Also, Africa is home and I miss so many things from there.

Who is someone that has inspired you or you believe to be a role model for global leadership? Why?

My husband, Daniel, from Ghana.  He makes me better by being simple, content and happy to be alive each day.  He simply appreciates being surrounded by his loved ones.  That is a different lens for me and something I am learning from him each day.

If you had to pick a life motto or quote, what would it be? Why?

Be curious, be courageous, be a learner and find your purpose.  Even if it is uncomfortable, it is worth pursuing.