Students visit World Bank and other Washington D.C. institutions

A group of 18 students at Eastern Connecticut State University representing various majors visited the World Bank in Washington, D.C., this October as part of a two-day educational trip exploring the nation’s capital. The students were accompanied by economics and finance Professor Li Liang, Director of Diversity and Inclusion Affairs Clifford Marrett, and Eastern President Karim Ismaili.

During the visit, students got an up-close tour of the World Bank, deepening their understanding of the bank’s dual mission to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity around the world. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the World Bank Group is a family of five international organizations that provides leveraged loans for developing countries.

“The most important thing is that our students had a wonderful opportunity to engage with and learn about important institutions in our nation’s capital,” said Ismaili. “That is what this was all about.”

According to Marrett, the trip was coordinated in collaboration with Harold Tavares, executive director at the World Bank. Marrett and Tavares were classmates at Eastern and stayed in touch via LinkedIn.

“Harry and I decided to work together to give Eastern students an opportunity to visit and learn directly from the World Bank in Washington, D.C.,” said Marrett. “It was a meaningful experience for everyone involved.”

To attend the trip, students submitted an application that included a 250-word essay outlining their motivations for traveling with the group. According to Marrett, the students’ responses were “thoughtful and inspiring.”

Senior business administration major Cecilia Melendez had previously learned about the World Bank in class, which later piqued her interest in the opportunity to travel there. 

“This experience was incredibly valuable because it helped me gain a clearer vision of my future career path,” she said. Melendez aspires for a career in international business with hopes to “contribute to global economic development and create meaningful change through cross-cultural collaboration and innovation.”

Attractions

During the educational trip, the students toured the World Bank’s boardroom, a privilege “rarely extended even to many World Bank employees,” according to Liang.

The group then attended a finance seminar on financial technology (fintech) at The George Washington University (GW). Students had the opportunity to speak with Gergana Jostova, chair of the finance department at the GW School of Business, as well as Michael Rand, assistant dean at the GW Law School.

Both GW representatives shared valuable insights about current trends in the finance and law professions and offered guidance to students with prospects of attending graduate school.

“The group also visited the White House and (participated in) a group dinner at the waterfront, where students enjoyed a beautiful view of the Potomac River,” wrote Liang.

The group also visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture. This experience “offered students a profound cultural and historical learning experience,” said Liang.

Senior finance and economics major Nathan Tomlinson was inspired to take the trip in part because of the museum. “I was excited to learn more about the global projects that support communities in need and to deepen my understanding of the history and contributions of Black people in the United States,” he said.

Tomlinson hopes to apply the lessons he learned on the trip to careers in public service and real estate. “This trip brought me new friendships and knowledge that I didn’t have prior to going,” he said. “I strive to build communities around the world for people and families in need.”

Melendez also spoke highly of this experience: “It was a powerful and emotional experience filled with creativity, resilience, and history.”

On their last day, students explored landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial, the U.S. Capitol, and other nearby Smithsonian Museums.

“Overall, this trip was both educational and enjoyable,” wrote Liang. “Students gained valuable exposure to global finance, history, and culture, while building stronger bonds with one another.”