Penn Abroad Ambassador Luna Wang

Program:

• PGS: Tourism, Sustainability and Local Impact in Indonesia 

Ask me about...

• What it’s like to study abroad with such a diverse crew, or how those different viewpoints can enrich your learning

My Experience Abroad:

As an entrepreneurship major interested in impact-driven businesses, getting the chance to learn about tourism’s local impact in Indonesia was super eye-opening and tied directly into what I’m studying. My academic focus is all about creating businesses that not only make money but also make a difference, so seeing tourism’s real-world effects—both good and bad—was like seeing my coursework come to life. I got to experience the luxury side of tourism, but also spent time in remote villages where the impact wasn’t all positive. It really drove home the idea that while tourism can bring economic benefits, it can also harm local cultures and the environment.

This trip helped me see firsthand why it’s so important for businesses to consider their broader impact. It’s made me even more passionate about my goal of creating ventures that prioritize community well-being and sustainability. Plus, meeting local entrepreneurs who are trying to balance tourism with cultural preservation was inspiring—it showed me that business can be a powerful tool for positive change when done right. Overall, this experience aligned perfectly with my academic and professional goals of exploring the impact space and thinking critically about how businesses can support the communities they’re a part of.

Other Highlights:

• Learning about the local culture—we even picked up some Indonesian phrases like ‘Sama Sama’ (you’re welcome) and ‘Terima Kasih’ (thank you)

• Trying out Indonesian food at Sky Cafe in Philly before we left got us all excited about what was to come

• Meeting students from the University of Jakarta. We connected over Korean BBQ in Bali, which was such a fun and informal way to learn about each other’s cultures.Spending a day with their professors talking about tourism and sustainability gave us a real insider’s view of the industry

• Seeing Bali’s stunning landscapes in person

• Diving into the local culture—visiting temples, learning about religious practices, and seeing how farming life intertwines with tourism