A Community of Support Helps One Student Go Global

For immediate release — Aug. 13, 2026

When Dallas College student Emmanuella Iwuji decided to participate in the Tech for Good Future Leaders program in France, she was looking for more than a stamp in her passport. She wanted an experience that would stretch her thinking and help her understand how her education could make a difference in the world around her.

Iwuji traveled to France July 12-25 to participate in the program, which explores topics such as innovation, climate change, technology and the economics of a changing world. For Iwuji, who recently completed her associate degree in finance at Dallas College and is transferring to Southern Methodist University this fall, the experience opened up new possibilities for her future career.

“I really fell in love with the program idea because it's about challenging you to not just learn things, but to imagine yourself as the leader that you are,” she said. “To think of ways you can contribute to your community and give you the information you need to start innovating in that way.”

That idea of contributing to community stayed with her throughout the program. As a finance student, Iwuji was especially interested in learning about climate finance, a field she had not previously considered. Through the program, she learned how financial professionals assess the risks that climate change can create for companies, communities and investments.

Imagining a Future With Purpose

It also changed the way she thought about her future.

“It left me with this thought of how I love my job and I want to do something great, but how can I do that in a sustainable way for the environment? How can I do that in a sustainable way to promote community?” she said. “I’ve always wanted to be a person who is useful to my community and is growing my community.”

The program helped her see that a career in finance could be more than numbers and investments. It could also be a way to support stronger, more sustainable communities.

One of the most impactful parts of the experience was a session focused on future thinking.  Iwuji said one idea has stayed with her: the future does not exist yet. What exists is the present moment and the choices people make in it.

“For me, that's honestly very life changing,” she said. “It really changes the things that you believe you can do if you understand that you have the capability to do more.”

A New View From France

Being in France also gave Iwuji a new perspective on culture, history and balance. She appreciated the way French culture values art, history and time for rest. Meals were slower, conversations were longer and work was viewed with a different rhythm.

“Meals take three hours,” she said. “It’s more of a relaxed event. You know, you have your dessert, you talk to people. It's more open. It's a different way of thinking.”

Those moments outside the classroom are part of what makes study abroad so powerful. Students are placed in new environments where learning happens through conversations, cultural differences, shared meals and unfamiliar experiences. For Iwuji, those moments helped her grow in confidence and expand her understanding of the world.

She credits Dallas College for helping make the experience possible. Through Dallas College’s study abroad team, she found the program and received support before and during her trip.

“The team was really amazing,” she said. “They made sure I was feeling safe and secure. And it's something I really appreciated because I'm going to this program by myself for two weeks in a whole different country.”

A Community Built for Growth

That support reflects the broader community Iwuji found at Dallas College. She said the college created an environment where students who want to grow can find people, resources and opportunities to help them move forward.

“There is this support system of championing for people that do want to learn,” she said. “So, if you are ambitious, if you want to grow, if you want to find something new, Dallas College will definitely help you along in that journey.”

As Iwuji prepares to continue her education at SMU, she carries with her more than credits and classroom knowledge. She carries a stronger sense of purpose, a broader view of finance and a deeper belief that her work can serve others.

“It’s changed how I think about work,” she said. “It’s not just about the job that you're doing, it's the impact that you're making.”

For students wondering whether study abroad is worth it, Iwuji’s story offers a clear answer. Sometimes, stepping outside the classroom and into the world is exactly what helps you discover who you are, what you care about and how you can use your education to make a difference.

Be on the lookout for more Dallas College study abroad opportunities!

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