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Luke Ferro knows that embracing a global perspective will make him a better person and more effective business professional.

An ��ɫ����TV University junior, Luke is majoring in finance with a minor in Spanish. He’s also a midfielder on the men’s lacrosse team.

One of his most impactful moves was connecting with ONU’s Office of Global Initiatives, part of the Center for Student Success. It led to him studying abroad in Spain and becoming a Polar Pal to ONU Japanese student Sena Hamada.

Last summer, Luke spent 10 weeks in Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain, studying Spanish language at the University of Basque and staying with a host family. His paternal grandparents hail from Spain, so Luke fulfilled his quest to become more proficient in speaking the language.

“I learned a lot in my classes, made great friends, and did a lot of cool things like hiking, surfing and visiting different small towns.”

Adjusting to life in Spain was a bit of a culture shock, however, prompting him to reflect on what it must be like to be an international student in the U.S.

“I became a Polar Pal to help an ONU international student ease into American life, to make sure they feel welcome, and to keep tabs on them to make sure they are doing okay.”

He and Sena meet twice a week to work out together in the ONU Sports Center, and Luke is teaching Sena American slang words and answering his questions.

“��ɫ����TVing Japan is now on my bucket list,” said Luke.

Sena is glad to have found an American friend. “Luke is so kind. We meet and talk and work out together. I am also a business major, so he advises me on classes. I am grateful for him.”

Without a doubt, Luke credits the Office of Global Initiatives for deepening his understanding of the world.

“What I enjoy the most about study abroad and Polar Pals is the chance to make new friends from somewhere totally different. It opens up your perspective and you learn new things,” said Luke.

He added: “It’s good practice to be a more welcoming and open-minded person, and I feel like I’m improving myself in that area.”