Clifford Pulley III

Learning to make a global impact

Through Western Michigan University, Clifford Pulley III has seen the world.

Taking full advantage of the University’s study-abroad opportunities, Pulley traveled to six countries, all before his junior year began.

In Singapore and Malaysia, his focus was on international business practices. In China, he immersed himself in language and culture. He studied Latin American economics in Uruguay, life and leisure in Rome and international business in Chile.

“It is life-changing—from the time you step off the plane to being fully immersed,” the 22-year-old senior says of overseas study. “I’m really gaining an appreciation for other cultures and seeing their perspective, from cultural aspects to political ones and even how U.S. policy can affect the rest of the world.”

Each of Pulley’s overseas courses was taught by a WMU faculty member. But for Pulley’s next experience, he’ll study for six months at one of the University’s partner institutions abroad, the Beijing Language and Culture University.

The global and international studies major and student of Chinese is preparing for a career in international business. But his ultimate dream is to be a U.S. ambassador.

“I would like to make a global impact in whatever I do,” he says. “Western, the Haenicke Institute for Global Education and my professors have made my dreams, which seemed impossible, possible.”