Bethany Abebe

Political Science & International Studies Undergraduate Student at University of Kentucky | Honors

Lexington, Kentucky, United States

About

I am an undergraduate at the University of Kentucky pursuing a double degree in International Studies and Political Science on the pre-law track. Passionate about global affairs and cross-cultural communication, I thrive in collaborative environments where I can connect with people and contribute to shared goals. My experiences have equipped me with strong soft skills, including customer service, attention to detail, and creative problem-solving. As a multilingual communicator proficient in Amharic, English, Tigrinya, Spanish, and currently learning Arabic, I excel at engaging with diverse communities and navigating multicultural contexts. Beyond academics, I serve as the President of the Society of International Studies and Secretary of the A&S International Hub Club. Previously, I held leadership roles as Multicultural Committee Chair for the Student Activities Board (SAB), participated in Model UN, and interned with the STEP UP program, tutoring K-12 students. I am eager to apply my skills through internships, job shadowing, and research opportunities that align with my interests in law, diplomacy, and global policy. In my free time, I enjoy painting, drawing, and reading classic literature.

Experience

  • Student Leaders of International Programs for the Arts and Sciences (SLIPAS) at University of Kentucky, College of Arts and Sciences
    Jul 2024 - Feb 2025 · 8 mos

    - Collaborated with students in ESL in Speaking class to improve fluency in the English language through guided listening activities and conversational practice. - Co-started the A&S International Hub Club which was aimed at bridging the gap between international and domestic students. - Co-recruited members through class visits, presentations and tabling events. -Hosted events to broaden culture awareness through events such as "Halloween Around the World", "International Cultural Potluck" and addtional events to foster international diversity.

  • Undergraduate Representative for Language in TA Screenings at University of Kentucky
    Dec 2024 - Dec 2024 · 1 mo

    - Represented undergraduate students in language screening for international Teaching Assistants among a board of interviewers - Inquired thought provoking questions, and scored TA's based on their language proficiency to better serve the needs of undergraduate students.

  • Multicultural Affairs Committee Chair at University of Kentucky Student Activities Board
    Oct 2023 - Sep 2024 · 1 yr

    -Dedicated weekly office hours to support and encourage student activities across campus through multiple mechanisms such as voting and event coordination

  • STEP UP - Migrant Education Program at Fayette County Public Schools (KY)
    Jun 2024 - Jun 2024 · 1 mo

    - Worked as a second instructor to 2nd and 3rd grade students in a classroom setting to educate and ensure literacy in reading and mathematics to migrant students at Ashland Elementary School - Led class field trip to Food Chain and assisted in other multiple field trips to enrich students outside of the classroom

  • Meridian- Cox Foreign Service Fellowship for Emerging Leaders at Meridian International Center
    Jun 2024 - Jun 2024 · 1 mo

    - Learned firsthand about the responsibilities of representing the United States on a global stage and developed an understanding of the critical skills required, such as cross-cultural communication, negotiation, and strategic diplomacy. -Selected from a competitive pool of 450 candidates as one of 20 students to represent the University of Kentucky and the state of Kentucky, showcasing leadership and academic excellence. - Attended multiple workshops through strategic networking with professionals from the World Bank, U.S. State Department, USAID, and Peace Corps, along with European fellows from the SUSI fellowship program.