Life takes flight after studying abroad

Wayne State grad becomes an intelligence officer, vice president, author and motivational speaker after finishing her degree in Germany

Betsy Sanders graduated with a bachelor’s degree in German from Wayne State University in 1967, yet she has never stepped foot on campus. What was this experience like? Let's take it back to the beginning.

While attending Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania and majoring in German language and literature, Sanders discovered Wayne State’s Junior Year in Munich (JYM). It's America's oldest study abroad program in Germany and offers students one complete year of study at Ludwig Maximilians Universität München.

Deciding to pursue the JYM program was a serious moment in Sanders’ life. She had a boyfriend in Pennsylvania, she knew everyone on campus, participated in a sorority and served as a class officer at the small college. “I was considered a leader in my class,” Sanders said.

But JYM was calling, and she answered. “There was no question where I was going to go,” she said. “It was considered the best program for many reasons.”

So, she left Pennsylvania and headed overseas. Sanders earned her final degree credits through JYM, and that is how she became a Wayne State alum.

“From the moment my feet landed in Munich, I had to grow up," Sanders said.

Sanders feels that her study abroad experience provided a glimpse of how people from different cultures connect far beyond the classroom. She wanted to fully experience life and learning in another country and it served her later in life.

She went on to become an intelligence officer, vice president and general manager for Nordstrom, an author and motivational speaker and a director for international organizations. Sanders has received many awards, including Author of the Year from Pfeiffer Publishing, Woman of the Year from YWCA North Orange County and Humanitarian of the Year from the National Conference of Christians and Jews.

“My life continues to unfold in ways that are unexpected,” she said. “I couldn’t have done it without JYM.”

Today, Sanders advises students to find what they love, to be curious and disciplined, and if possible, to “take a year and spend it differently.”