Jacob Babb – New Student Coordinator, International Admissions
509-335-3867
jacob.babb@wsu.edu
Originally hailing from the suburbs of Philadelphia, Jacob earned a BS in Biology and Chemistry Teacher Education at West Chester University of Pennsylvania before going on to complete 4 terms of service in AmeriCorps with the Arizona Conservation Corps. After conquering the wilderness of Arizona, Jacob went to Michigan Technological University to earn his MS in Applied Science Education, working as a research assistant for the Michigan Science Teaching and Assessment Reform along the way. Before coming to WSU, he was serving in the United States Peace Corps (RPCV Ghana 16’-19’). While in Ghana, he taught high school science, facilitated community development projects, and worked as a researcher and strategic partnerships liaison for a local science education NGO. Jacob loves (in no particular order), coffee, traveling (duh), tasty food, trail running, music (listening and playing), the company of family and friends, the list goes on…
What advice would you give students preparing to go abroad?
Listen more, speak less. Say “Yes” more than “No”, except when it’s dangerous. Pack enough underwear.
What advice would you give students returning from abroad?
Know that no matter how well you explain your experiences, show pictures, etc., no one will ever truly understand what your time abroad was like except for you. And that is perfectly okay – it’s for you!
What advice would you give students engaging globally from home?
Personally, my scope of the world grew so much before I physically traveled abroad, through the media and online resources I consumed. Once abroad, I felt like I already had some of the basic tools to navigate my experiences. I truly believe engaging from home through some of our programs like the Digital Badges can prepare you for whatever global experiences come your way.
What is one of the most important lessons you learned abroad?
The single thing that will save humanity is humility, in all its forms.
What is your favorite part about working in international education?
I just love everything about it, it’s my world! Coming from a K-12 education background, I love seeing what our educational system can produce and facilitating that knowledge and energy near the end of one’s academic career. Coming from a science education background, I also love being able to advise for mostly STEM students, and I have much love for the communications students I advise, as well! And, of course, I just love learning about the world, so I believe my title, Global Learning Advisor, pretty much sums it up.