Bianca Benner

Bianca Benner

The things that stood out to me have been the unity, care and dedication that the International Services Office expresses in making all the exchange students comfortable.

Image of Bianca Benner

FGCU senior Bianca Benner became a part of the Eagle I Ambassador program in a random way. “I got involved due to passing a sign in a window on my way to FGCU’s library. The flier in the window intrigued me, because I am a foreigner myself. I am a German citizen with American roots, and I remember when I came to this beautiful country how difficult adjusting was at first, so I wanted to take the opportunity to make a difference for exchange students coming to the U.S.”

Bianca has lived in the United States for 12 years. Her mother is a German citizen, and her father was stationed in Germany while serving in the U.S. Army. She spent 23 years in her native country.

Bianca said there are several experiences in the Eagle I Ambassador program that have especially impressed her.

“The things that stood out to me have been the unity, care and dedication that the International Services Office expresses in making all the exchange students comfortable. There is an amazing dynamic among Eagle Ambassadors, the International Services Office and the foreign exchange students,” she said.

Special events help tie together the diversity, multicultural exposure and cohesiveness of all involved, she added.

As the mother of two young children and as a nontraditional student in her 30s, Bianca said she has not had the chance to study abroad, although she thinks it would be a rewarding experience.

Bianca is majoring in marketing with a minor in supply chain management and entrepreneurship. She hopes to be accepted for an internship this summer and graduate by December.

“My career goal is to work in the supply chain field in Southwest Florida. My family and I love this area and see some great potential here. In the future I would love to own a business of my own,” she said.

Experience FGCU