Michelle Offik, a graduate of the University of Miami, is currently working as a Journalism Intern at Foreign Translations, Inc. Michelle graduated in 2010 with a B.A. in International Studies focusing on the Balkan region and European Union Studies, and minoring in Mandarin Chinese and German. Reflecting on her time at Foreign Translations, Inc., Michelle feels that developing stronger SEO skills and learning how to write for a specific audience will be very beneficial for her future career.

Though born in Athens, Georgia, Michelle attended secondary school at Riverside High School in Greenville, South Carolina. It was during her time at Riverside that she began to cultivate her talents as a musician.  Eventually splitting time between Riverside and the Fine Arts Center, Michelle developed her skills as a Jazz guitarist. In fact, she became so proficient  that she was originally accepted into Frost School of Music at the University of Miami as a Jazz Guitar Major. Though guitar is still a passion for Michelle, her interest in all things international eventually took over and determined her academic career. Michelle still enjoys playing jazz and bluegrass guitar in the vein of her two favorite guitar players, John Scofield and Bob Dylan. 

During her studies at the University of Miami, Michelle had the opportunity to study abroad in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Upon completing the semester, Michelle traveled to almost fifteen countries all over Europe, with Slovenia as her base. Of all the countries visited, Michelle’s favorites were Turkey, Germany, and Portugal.  After graduation, Michelle spent three months in Suwon, South Korea, teaching English to middle school students. 

With her passion for travel and foreign cultures, international journalism comes quite easily to Michelle. Throughout the course of her internship, Michelle has focused on regions and cultures that interest her, allowing her to thrive and perfect her writing ability. Though she is working at Foreign Translations,Inc., she said it feels like anything but a job. Michelle is truly awesome. 

Author: Andrew Thompson