Each year, the Global Learning Office (GLO) office selects study abroad alums to become student ambassadors. The GLO ambassadors are official representatives of the GLO office and advocates for their programs. You can connect with GLO ambassadors based on region, country or specialty below.
Hey there, I'm Joel! Last fall, I studied abroad in the southern tip of Spain in a city called Granada. I was completely enamored by the Spanish culture — I found myself lost in its food, music, architecture, and language. The experience inspired me to study abroad again this past summer; however, this time I was in Cochabamba, Bolivia. My experiences abroad have fueled my passion to continue exploring what the world has to offer. I cannot stress enough how valuable it is to step outside of your comfort zone and live in a completely new environment. No amount of pre-departure research will fully prepare you for the experience of living abroad — my best piece of advice is to take the leap of faith and study abroad. Only then will you be able to fully immerse yourself in the local culture and engage with its people.
Specialties: First time traveler, Greek life, Pre-med or pre-health
Hi, my name is Mia and I am a senior majoring in Biological Sciences and minoring in Psychology. Last fall, I studied abroad through DIS Copenhagen. I participated in the Medical Practice and Policy core course and carried out clinical research at the University of Copenhagen. This program really helped me solidify my goal to pursue a career in medicine. I had never been to Europe before last fall and I really enjoyed getting to experience different aspects of Danish culture, especially around the holiday season. I would be more than happy to answer any questions about the program or my experience!
Europe
Denmark
First time traveler, Greek life, Pre-med or pre-health
My name is Audrey, and I am a junior studying chemical engineering. I studied abroad fall quarter of 2018 in Cork, Ireland with the Arcadia University program. While abroad, I took classes completely outside of my comfort zone, and I got to travel to seven different countries. I grew up only 45 minutes from Northwestern's campus, so study abroad gave me the opportunity to really become more independent and self-reliant. I am so glad that I got the opportunity to study abroad and would highly recommend it. I know that as an engineer it was challenging for me to figure out how to fit in study abroad and still graduate on time, so I would be happy to help anyone who is concerned about academic calendars and figuring out study abroad with their major!
Specialties: Pre-med or pre-health, Race & Ethnicity
Hi! My name is Neha Basti. I'm a junior studying Neuroscience and Sociological Studies, and I'm premed. I studied abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark during Fall 2016 through their positive psychology core course. This experience challenged me in the best possible way and I'd love to share my experience!
Specialties: First time traveler, Greek life, Pre-med or pre-health, Students with high financial need
Hi, my name is Andrea and I'm a junior majoring Biological Sciences and Spanish. I'm Pre-Vet, so I can definitely help anyone with questions about studying abroad while keeping up with Pre-Med/Vet requirements. This fall, I studied in Barcelona with the Consortium for Advanced Studies Abroad (CASA). My favorite experience abroad was volunteering at an animal shelter and meeting so many Barcelona locals that I would have never known if not for the shelter. While in Barcelona, I learned more about Spanish history and culture than I ever could have imagined, even a bit of Catalan too. I loved studying in Spain for 4 months and I'd be more than happy to answer any questions that you have!!!!
Europe
Spain
First time traveler, Greek life, Pre-med or pre-health, Students with high financial need
Hey, my name is Marcela! I am a communications studies senior who studied abroad at the University of Sydney in the Winter/Spring term of 2018. While abroad I spent my time swimming at the beach, jumping off cliffs, and trying to travel as much as I could on a budget. On campus, I enjoy dancing and going to the lakefill on any sunny day.
Oceania
Australia
June Choe
Weinberg 2020
Program: National University of Singapore Exchange
My name is June and I am a linguistics major who studied abroad at the National University of Singapore during Fall Quarter of 2018/2019 academic year. As a 1.5 generation Korean American whose diaspora experience largely centers around issues of language, I was attracted to Singapore for its vibrant multilingual and multicultural community. My experience abroad has exposed to me to lifestyles that were different but weirdly relatable and helped me better understand my own identity in a globalized world. Furthermore, study abroad provided me with an an opportunity to put my mental health first without feeling like I was somehow falling behind academically by doing so. I returned with a renewed motivation, valuable life skills, and new friends, and I am excited to share more about my experience and help prospective exchange students make the best out of their own experiences.
Asia
Singapore
Gender identity, Race & Ethnicity
Gabriela Czochara
WCAS 2021
Program: Spanish Language and Culture in Barcelona
Specialties: First generation college students, Students with high financial need
My name is Gabriela Czochara and I am a sophomore majoring in English with a Spanish minor. I attended the Barcelona Language and Culture program during the summer of 2018. I would love to share my time abroad and talk about anything; from the application process and financial need to appreciating the amazing Spanish culture and your time abroad. Studying abroad has been an incredible experience where I learned plenty about a culture I only previously read about as well as about myself and I am eager to offer advice and help others have the opportunity to do so as well.
Europe
Spain
First generation college students, Students with high financial need
Hi! My name is Emily, and I’m a junior studying Political Science, International Studies, and Global Health. Since coming to Northwestern, I’ve studied abroad twice: the summer after my freshman year, I interned in Udaipur, India with GESI, and I spent this past fall studying at SciencesPo in Paris through IPD’s public health program. While my involvement in groups at Northwestern will likely keep me on campus my senior year, I would go abroad again if I could, and I would recommend it to anyone who’s interested. My favorite part? It’s a tie between the food (dal bati in India and foie gras in Paris) and the homestays, which were a huge part of my cultural immersion in both countries.
Asia, Europe
France, India
Marco Espino
WCAS 2020
Program: Boston University Madrid Internship Program & European and Spanish Studies
Specialties: First generation college students, First time traveler, Race & Ethnicity, Students with high financial need
I am a third-year studying Political Science & Business Institutions. I interned as an analyst at the Mexican Embassy in Madrid, Spain through Boston University's Madrid Internship Program. Studying and working while abroad changed me so much for the better that I wish I could live it again!
Europe
Spain
First generation college students, First time traveler, Race & Ethnicity, Students with high financial need
Olivia Everhart
SESP 2020
Program: Spanish Language and Culture in Barcelona
My name is Olivia Everhart and I am a third-year student studying LOC, IMC and Spanish Studies. I studied in Spain as a part of the Language and Culture in Barcelona program in summer 2018 and my time abroad gave me the opportunity to get ahead on my minor and to go from never having left the United States to visiting five countries within seven weeks.
Europe
Spain
First time traveler
Shen Ferrer
McCormick 2019
Program: Energy Technology & Policy: Wanxiang Fellows
My name is Shen Ferrer and I am a sophomore majoring in chemical engineering and international studies. I studied abroad in China through the Energy Technology and Policy: Wanxiang Fellows Program in the summer of 2016. The program allowed me to reflect on the information I learned during classes to what I saw around me as I was fully immersed in the culture and language of the country. I came home with many fond memories of traveling throughout China and a changed perspective on not only the academic topics we talked about in class, but also how I see the world.
Asia
China
International student
Chrissy Foo
Bienen 2020
Program: Comparative Public Health: Bosnia and Herzegovina
My name is Chrissy Foo and I went on the Comparative Public Health trip in Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina during Summer 2018. I am a junior majoring in Psychology and minoring in Statistics and Global Health. I learned a lot about the history and health of this part of the world, all things that were very new to me. Coming back home with new perspective has been very rewarding.
Europe
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Gender identity, Race & Ethnicity
Mari Gashaw
SESP 2021
Program: Berlin: Global City in the Center of Europe
Specialties: First generation college students, Gender identity, Race & Ethnicity, Students with high financial need
Hi! My name is Mari Gashaw, and I am a sophomore. I am from the Boston area. I study Social Policy and Urban Studies. I spent Summer of 2018 in Berlin, studying the city and the German language. My newfound love for Berlin has only encouraged me to return!
Europe
Germany
First generation college students, Gender identity, Race & Ethnicity, Students with high financial need
Specialties: First time traveler, Students with high financial need
Hi there! My name is Austin Goodwin and I am a Junior majoring in Sociology, Mathematics, and Mathematical Methods in the Social Sciences. I studied abroad in Quito, Ecuador in 2018 with the intention of improving my Spanish, taking a break from NU, and becoming a little more worldly. However, my time abroad ended up being so much more than I could have imagined. I learned all about another culture, met people very different from those I had known before, and had incredible, once in a lifetime, experiences both traveling and at home in Quito. If you have any questions about studying abroad in South America I'd love to answer them!
Americas
Ecuador
First time traveler, Students with high financial need
Elizabeth Anne Guthrie
Medill 2020
Program: Spanish Language and Culture in Barcelona
I'm Elizabeth Guthrie, and I attended the Spanish Language and Culture in Barcelona over the summer. I'm a journalism major with minors in sociology and English and a Civic Engagement Certificate, and I would love to use Spanish in my journalism career. I am planning to do my Journalism Residency in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and after this summer in Barcelona, I feel prepared to spend a quarter doing bilingual journalism and conduct interviews and write articles in Spanish.
Europe
Spain
Accessibility, Greek life
Lily Katzman
Medill 2020
Program: Spanish Language and Culture in Barcelona
Hi! My name is Lily Katzman, and I am a junior majoring in Journalism, with a minor in Spanish/Sociology and an Integrated Marketing Communications certificate. I studied abroad in the summer of 2018 through Northwestern's "Spanish Language and Culture in Barcelona" program. I had the most incredible time learning about the culture, meeting new people, broadening my speaking abilities, and finding all of the food "hotspots" around the city! Though my program felt like two days, I learned more about my strengths and weaknesses, and want to give prospective students everything they need to know about their future experiences! I'm also a member of the Northwestern Field Hockey team, so if anyone has questions about balancing a summer with many responsibilities, I'm your gal!
Bonjour! My name is Annie Lee, and I am a senior here at NU studying neuroscience, French, and business institutions. During my junior year, I traveled to Paris with the Northwestern-affiliated Internships in Francophone Europe program for the Fall 2017 quarter, and I had such an amazing experience with my host family, my internship, and my newfound friends that I had decided to extend my abroad experience for another four months. While I was fortunate enough to have formed an incredible community of friends and supporters during my time in Paris, I also underwent many ups and downs that have allowed me to grow and further develop as an individual. I look forward to sharing my experiences with prospective study abroad students, and don't hesitate to reach out to me I can assist you in any way!
Specialties: Pre-med or pre-health, Race & Ethnicity
Hi! My name is Jessie Li, and I am a third-year student majoring in Biology and Psychology. I studied at King's College London this past fall on the Health & Society program, and would highly recommend this program to anyone who is looking to immerse themselves in a vibrant, cosmopolitan city. I learned so much from my quarter abroad, both in and out of the classroom, and would love to chat about my experience!
Europe
England
Pre-med or pre-health, Race & Ethnicity
Xunchuan Liu
WCAS 2021
Program: Energy Technology & Policy Wanxiang Fellows Program in China
Hi! My name is Xunchuan, and I am a political science major at Northwestern University. I studied abroad in China during the summer of 2018, attending the Wanxiang Fellows Program. During my time with the program, I sampled some fantastic and exotic food, got to know some of the local students, and immersed myself in the natural and cultural beauty. After the program ended, I also had the chance to travel throughout China, visiting some incredible locations to appreciate the full expanse of China's geography and history. I would highly recommend it if you have the time and passion!
Hallo, ich heiße Sabrina! I had the wonderful opportunity to spend my junior year abroad in Germany. I studied and lived in Freiburg, a small university town tucked away in the southwest corner of the country, right next to France and Switzerland. Spending a year in a new country where the native language is one that I only started learning two years beforehand allowed for an incredible year of growth, learning, travel, and— of course — German! I specifically chose to go abroad for a year because I am a huge advocate for foreign language learning and studying abroad. Learning a foreign language allows you to see the world from a new perspective, and traveling allows you to use those language skills to connect with people.
Europe
Germany
Cindy Mei
WCAS 2021
Program: China: Political and Economic Development
Specialties: First generation college students, Race & Ethnicity, Students with high financial need
Hi! I'm Cindy, currently a sophomore studying Art History and Journalism. I studied abroad with Northwestern through their China: Political and Economic Development program in the summer of 2018. My time abroad was a summer full of spicy noodles, Chinese pop music, and big smiles. Incidentally one of the best summers I've ever had, studying abroad in China led to view the world with a second perspective.
Asia
China
First generation college students, Race & Ethnicity, Students with high financial need
Kathryn Mohr
SoC 2019
Program: Berlin: Global City in the Center of Europe
My name is Kathryn Mohr (RTVF major/ sophomore), and I studied abroad through IPD's "Berlin: Global City in the Center of Europe" program in Summer 2016! My time in Berlin was absolutely amazing; I learned a lot (both academically and outside the classroom), made new friends, and fell in love with one of the most incredible, vibrant cities in Europe!
Europe
Germany
Kireem Nam
WCAS 2019
Program: Oxford University Visiting Student Program
Specialties: Pre-med or pre-health, Race & Ethnicity
Hi! My name is Kireem Nam, and I'm a senior studying Neuroscience and minoring in Computer Science. This fall, I studied abroad through the Oxford University Visiting Student Program and had such an incredible experience with Oxford's unique academic system and the friends I met through the program and extracurriculars. I'd love to share my stories and advice with any prospective students, so don't hesitate to reach out!
Europe
England
Pre-med or pre-health, Race & Ethnicity
Alisa Nazaire
Medill 2019
Program: King's College: University of London, Journalism Residency South Africa, and Berlin: Global City in the Center of Europe
Specialties: First generation college students, First time traveler, Race & Ethnicity, Students with high financial need
My name is Alisa Nazaire and I am a senior studying Journalism and Political Science. I spent this past summer in the Berlin: Global City in the Center of Europe program studying German and politics. More than that, I made memories around the city that I will never forget. Berlin is a funky and weird city for funky and weird people and I'd love to share advice and stories about Berlin and Germany to any of those interested.
Africa, Europe
England, Germany, South Africa
First generation college students, First time traveler, Race & Ethnicity, Students with high financial need
Specialties: Pre-med or pre-health, Race & Ethnicity
Hi! My name is Evonne Pei, and I'm a junior majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Global Health Studies. This fall, I went on the Public Health in Europe program in Paris. It was one of the most unforgettable experiences I've ever had, and I've learned so much both in and outside of the classroom. For example, we visited the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva and heard from public health experts all over France, which really opened my eyes and shaped my future career goals. Feel free to reach out and ask any questions about the program or living in Paris in general - I'd be more than happy to talk about my experience!
My name is Millie Rosen, and I studied abroad at the University of Edinburgh in Fall 2017. I study Industrial Engineering and am pursuing the Segal Design Certificate. While abroad, I discovered how much I love and can learn from travel by visiting 6 countries (UK, Spain, France, Denmark, Netherlands, Italy) during my time abroad. My home base of Scotland was my favorite place though, and I would highly recommend the Edinburgh program to anyone who wants to live in a charming and historical city just a train ride away from the breathtaking highlands.
Europe
Scotland
Emily Suen
WCAS 2021
Program: Energy Technology & Policy Wanxiang Fellows Program in China
Hi! My name is Emily, and I'm a sophomore studying Neuroscience and Global Health Studies. During the summer of 2018, I participated in the Energy Technology & Policy: Wanxiang Fellows Program. Spending a summer abroad in China was one of the best decisions I made during my freshman year. Study abroad effectively incorporates culture, community, and language into the core aspect of academics, allowing us to grow in so many different ways.
My name is Broderick Topil and I am a Senior in Weinberg from Eudora, Kansas. I am majoring in Economics, International Studies, and Political Science. I studied abroad with GESI in the Dominican Republic (Fall 2016) and with the European Union Studies Program at Sciences Po in Paris (Fall 2017). I would love to talk about both of my programs--whether you're interested in the European Political Economy or how to survive when your village runs out of water, I am here for you!
Specialties: Pre-med or pre-health, Race & Ethnicity
Hi! My name is Emily Torre. I'm double majoring in Psychology and Religious Studies with a concentration in Religion, Health, and Medicine. I'm also Pre-Med. I studied abroad on the Central European Studies Program in Prague in Fall 2018. I had an incredible experience in Prague and would love to talk about it if you have any questions!
Hi! My name is Jon Toussaint and I’m a junior here at NU studying Theatre and minoring in French/Psychology with a certificate in Music Theatre. I spent my junior fall in Paris with Sweet Briar College’s Junior Year in France program. I took a mixture of local university classes and program-specific courses, took dance classes at a studio in Paris, taught English to French high schoolers, and learned how to travel Europe without breaking the bank! I am a rare Theatre major who managed to study abroad in the fall—if you’re a Theatre major (or anyone) considering study abroad options and not sure how to make it work, let’s talk!
Europe
France
LGBTQ identity, Religion & Spirituality
Katia Valdez
WCAS 2019
Program: Comparative Public Health in Serbia & Bosnia and Herzegovina
Hi! I'm Katia Valdez, and I am a Senior Psychology Major and Global Health Studies Minor from San Diego, CA. This last summer I was a part of the Comparative Public Health in Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina program. This summer ended up being one of the most unique and rewarding adventures I've had, and I find myself learning new things about my experience every day since. Learning about the deeply complex historical and cultural context in which Serbia and BiH function was incredibly unique, and I found myself learning from my experiences and conversations with people that I met more so than in a traditional classroom style. During my time abroad, I was re-affirmed in my passion for people, the social determinants of their health states, and my desire to treat them medically from a contextual point of view. I am extremely grateful for my time in Serbia and BiH, and can't wait to share my experiences!
My name is Dawei Wang and I am a senior at Weinberg studying classics and Arabic. I love studying abroad and have done it several times throughout the past three years at Northwestern. Since freshman summer, I have studied at universities in Istanbul, Doha, and Oman. Studying abroad has helped me to develop a more nuanced understanding of the world apart from the news & textbooks. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you are ever interested in studying in the Middle East!
Specialties: First generation college students, First time traveler, Greek life, Pre-med or pre-health, Race & Ethnicity, Students with high financial need
Hello! My name is Chloe Wong and I am a sophomore studying Anthropology and Global Health Studies. I studied abroad in Paris via the Public Health in Europe program in Fall 2018. Spending a quarter in Paris was one of the best decisions I made and allowed me to examine society through another perspective. Whether it's the program, Parisian life, or where the best pastries are, I'm happy to share my experiences!
Europe
France
First generation college students, First time traveler, Greek life, Pre-med or pre-health, Race & Ethnicity, Students with high financial need
My name is Vicky Woodburn and I am a second-year studying journalism, psychology and integrated marketing communications. I studied in Vienna with IES on their European Society & Culture program in Fall 2018 and it was the greatest experience of my life! I made friends not only throughout the United States, but I now have close friends in Austria and Germany as well. As a sophomore studying abroad, I did not know anyone on my program before going abroad or even anyone else in my grade at Northwestern who was going abroad. This made my experience very unique in the sense that I had to be very independent. However, I am so glad that I chose to go abroad when I did because I grew in more ways than I ever anticipated!
My name is Wenyi Xu, a junior studying political science, economics, and international studies. I took 3 political science classes, two Econ classes, and one Cantonese class at the University of Hong Kong while playing in my dorm's softball team and table tennis team. Hong Kong is an amazing city and I am sure you will find places you love!
Hi, my name is Michelle and I am a sophomore majoring in Learning and Organizational Changes, Economics and French. Last summer, I studied abroad in Arles, France through the IES abroad program. During my time there, I stayed with a host family, took classes in Art History of French Impressionism and Sociology in French Immigration, and traveled around in France over weekends. This program helped me to explore further about the French culture and improve my French language skills, and has inspired me to perhaps work in Europe in the near future. I really enjoyed my time spent with this IES program and I have become an IES ambassador on NU campus. I will be more than happy to answer any questions related to IES and my experience abroad!
