Global Ambassador Program

Abigail Tomaski (She/Her)

Major: Biomedical Engineering, Cockrell School of Engineering

Program: Introductory Biology in the South of France in Nice, France

I am a first-year student at UT Austin studying biomedical engineering and minoring in healthcare reform and innovation. This May, I will be participating in a faculty-led May Term abroad, taking an introductory biology course in the South of France with Dr. Jennifer Fritz. I could not be more excited to explore all that Nice has to offer from its vibrant culture and cuisine, to its unparalleled natural beauty and sightseeing. Through this program, we will have the opportunity to immerse ourselves in Nice and its surrounding biology with excursions like hiking, snorkeling and visiting local museums and research stations. I can’t wait to share my study abroad experience with the Longhorn community.

Alexandra Sandoval (She/Her)

Major: Psychology, College of Liberal Arts

Program: Absolute Internship in Madrid, Spain

I'm a psychology major, with minors in Portuguese, professional sales and business development, and international business. I’m originally from Saltillo, Coahuila, México, but I moved to Texas when I was five years old. I interned at an international law firm in Barcelona, Spain in June 2023 through Absolute Internship and it changed my life for the best.

I am happy and grateful to be back interning in Spain, this time in Madrid, where I plan to move after graduation in 2025. I get to be part of an amazing internship abroad program and help our interns get accustomed to all things Madrid. This includes planning events for them to explore the Spanish culture. I was naturally attracted to interning abroad because I wanted to gain professional experience in my field (back then I was pre-law). When I realized I wanted to move abroad and recruited 28 students at UT Austin to do the same, I knew I had to come back to Madrid this summer to work in the global higher education field that I fell in love with.

Because of my past and current experience in Spain, I’m eager to share what Absolute Internship can offer to our Longhorns through their internship programs in Europe and Asia and how students’ lives can change when they combine gaining professional experience with traveling and exploring a new culture.

Anika Damle (She/Her)

Major: Neuroscience, College of Natural Sciences

Program: London School of Economics and Political Science Program in London, England

I’m a rising second-year neuroscience student at UT Austin. I’m also minoring in international business, which is what attracted me to the summer program at the London School of Economics and Political Science, where I will be studying “The Political Economy of Public Policy” this summer. This opportunity will allow me to learn more about intercultural intricacies and management that I can apply to my pre-med studies while exploring a new country and community. I’m excited to share my journey as a temporary Londoner with everyone. Cheers.

Avery Thorpe (She/Her)

Major: Advertising, Moody College of Communication

Program: Sustainable Fashion in Copenhagen, Denmark

I’m a second-year student majoring in advertising and minoring in history. I developed a great appreciation for European history in high school, which is why I’m thrilled to be traveling to Denmark. While in Copenhagen, I will be studying sustainable fashion and engaging face-to-face with industry leaders to learn more about their design methods. I’m certain the journey ahead of me will be unforgettable and I’m excited to share some Scandinavian insights with my fellow Longhorns.

Chisom Anaejionu (She/Her)

Major: Human Development and Family Sciences, College of Natural Sciences

Program: Ancient & Colonial Heritage in Latin America: Cultural Treasures of the Maya in Antigua, Guatemala

I am a human development major with a minor in educational psychology. I’m dedicated to unraveling the intricacies of what makes us who we are and how we all relate to one another. When I’m not buried in the books, I’m working out or in the kitchen following a new recipe. I love making things from scratch especially food.

Claire Schulter (She/Her)

Major: Journalism, Moody College of Communication

Program: AAIFS Abroad in London, England

I’m a journalism major from Spring, Texas and I’m excited to intern abroad in London because of the vast network of creative professionals I’ll meet through my internship. I look forward to a hands-on experience and building an international network in communications.

Eleonora Natale (She/Her)

Major: Linguistics and Government, College of Liberal Arts

Program: Language and Culture Faculty-Led Program in Santander, Spain

I’m a rising junior in the liberal arts honors program pursuing a double major in linguistics and government, a minor in law, justice and society, and a certificate in core texts and ideas with the Jefferson Scholars Program. This summer, I’m studying abroad in Santander, Spain for five weeks while I take two Spanish classes and live with a host family. As a polyglot, I have always loved learning about language and culture, so I’m excited to continue to expand my knowledge of the Spanish language and culture while exploring the beautiful town of Santander and fulfilling my upper-division language requirement for my degree.

Emma Pardue (She/Her)

Major: Advertising, Moody College of Communication

Program: The Sustainable and Resilient Smart City Faculty-Led Program in Tokyo, Japan

I’m a junior majoring in advertising with a minor in business. This summer, I'm spending a month abroad in Japan conducting research through the President’s Award for Global Learning program. Our research focuses on smart city communication technology and its applications in enhancing natural disaster resilience. 

Gabby Norman (She/Her)

Major: Public Relations, Moody College of Communication

Program: Summer Study Abroad Program in Communications Erfurt (SPICE) in Erfurt, Germany 

I’m a junior public relations major at Moody College of Communication. I’m currently studying with the SPICE program in Erfurt, Germany. I’m from Houston, Texas, and am excited to share my two months with y'all. My main goals for my trip are to gain a better grasp of the German language and to learn more about public relations from an international perspective. 

Giulia Mayhua Pezo (She/Her) 

Major: Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences

Program: Why Leave Home? Irish Emigration to America in Cork, Ireland

I am a third-year student studying biochemistry with the dream of becoming a doctor one day. I am going to be doing a May Term in Ireland for my UGS credit because I need to fulfill the requirement and what better way than going abroad? I’m excited to discover Ireland, which I have never been to before, exploring the natural landscape and learning more about its history. 

Jane Cleary (She/Her)

Major: Plan II Honors, Women’s and Gender Studies, Spanish and International Relations and Global Studies, College of Liberal Arts

Program: Cuba in Question in Havana, Cuba

I am a third-year quadruple major in plan II honors, women’s and gender studies, Spanish and international relations and global studies. I am originally from Houston, Texas. I have studied abroad twice before (Oxford, England in 2022 and Santander, Spain in 2023), so it’s safe to say I have the travel bug. Upon discovering the “Cuba in Question” May Term, I was captivated by the idea of learning more about a country with such a complex history and unique culture. ¡Estoy emocionada de explorar Cuba!

Jessica Jeremiah (She/Her)

Major: Public Health, School of Human Ecology

Program: Health Benefits of Buddhist Walking Meditation Global Career Launch Program in Bangkok, Thailand

I’m a fourth-year student at UT Austin and this summer I’ll be participating in the Texas Global Career Launch research internship abroad in Bangkok, Thailand. This collaborative research experience aims to evaluate the health benefits of Buddhist walking meditation, a unique mind body interaction exercise that is performed by monks in Thailand.   

As a future physician-researcher and public health advocate, I aspire to integrate innovations in health systems to ensure equitable health outcomes for marginalized communities. A deeper understanding of mind, body, exercise and cardiovascular health will equip me with the knowledge and tools to design and implement effective health promotion programs.  

This skill set will be invaluable in my career as a public health advocate, as I work to promote physical activity and wellness in communities. I'm also excited to embark on this journey as Thailand offers a unique blend of adventure and cultural immersion. 

Julius Bergstrom (He/His)

Major: Business, McCombs School of Business

Program: The Sustainable and Resilient Smart City Faculty-Led Program in Tokyo, Japan

I’m an incoming sophomore at UT Austin studying business with the dream of using my bilingual ability to bridge the gap between Japanese and American corporations. I’m participating in a one-month summer program where I will travel to many cities in Japan, researching smart cities and how technology could be applied to Austin and the United States. I’m heavily involved in the Japanese community here at UT Austin and in the city of Austin, Texas, and I'm excited to be back in the country that I love after being away for so long. I know this will be a trip to remember and I'm excited to share some of my findings and experiences with my fellow Longhorns. 

Kaeli Kampschmidt (She/Her)

Major: Neuroscience, College of Natural Sciences

Program: Introductory Biology in the South of France in Nice, France

Bonjour! I am an upcoming sophomore at UT Austin studying neuroscience and business. I am originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico and now I’m embarking on a May Term studying biology in Nice, France. I’m excited to experience evolution, ecology and physiology through France’s native ecosystems. Additionally, as my final project, I plan to investigate France’s honey industry from the flowers and bees to the vendors and consumers. I can’t wait to share my adventures with the Texas Global community. 

Kaitlyn Renee Troy (She/Her)

Major: Environmental Science, College of Natural Sciences

Program: Climate Change, Ecosystems, and Human Dynamics Faculty-Led Program in Ghanzi, Botswana

I’m a rising sophomore majoring in environmental science from the Woodlands, Texas. I have always wanted to study abroad for the sense of adventure but also to experience points of views that differ from my own. I was attracted to the program in Botswana because of my love for the outdoors and the program’s unique camping and safari aspects. I’m also excited to learn about the ecology and wildlife dynamics in such a remote region. I can’t wait to share my experiences with my fellow longhorns. 

Kaylani Addison (She/Her)

Major: Marketing and Canfield Business Honors Program, McCombs School of Business 

Program: CIEE Study Abroad in Seoul, South Korea

I am a rising senior at UT Austin, majoring in marketing and the Canfield Business Honors Program, with a focus on Korean language. This summer, I’ll be participating in a six-week Yonsei University international summer study abroad program. I’ll be taking an intermediate Korean language course and a course on Korean cinema. I’m excited to meet new people, explore Korean culture and practice my language skills. 

Kelly Chin (She/Her) 

Major: Exercise Science, College of Education

Program: Exercise and Sport for Health, Fitness and Performance in Seoul, South Korea

I am a second-year kinesiology major from Plano, Texas pursuing a career in occupational therapy. I will be studying abroad in Seoul, South Korea through the Exercise and Sport for Health, Fitness and Performance May Term program and am excited to immerse myself in the culture and gain a global perspective of activities and daily living. As someone who has always dreamed of traveling to Asia, I am thrilled at the opportunity to embark on a journey filled with new adventures, friendships and cultural encounters while abroad. I can't wait to share this once in a lifetime experience with my fellow Longhorns. 

Maheen Khan (She/Her) 

Major: Interpersonal Communication, Moody College of Communication

Program: Multiculturalism in Jordan in Amman, Jordan

I’m a Senior at UT Austin, majoring in interpersonal communication with a minor in entrepreneurship. Originally from Dubai, UAE, I am currently embracing the enriching experience of studying abroad in Jordan, where I am diving into the study of Arabic history. This opportunity not only allows me to deepen my understanding of the region's rich cultural heritage but also to enhance my global perspective. As an international student, I am excited to integrate diverse learning abroad into my future career endeavors, connecting with people and fostering innovative ideas across different cultures. 

Marina Garfield (She/Her) 

Major: Plan II and Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies, College of Liberal Arts 

Program: Russian as a Second Language Program in Riga, Latvia 

I’m a rising junior majoring in plan II and Russian, and European and Eurasian Studies. I’ve been learning Russian for two years. In my free time, I love to doodle and crochet. 

Melani Alanis (She/Her) 

Major: Advertising and Communication and Leadership, Moody College of Communication

Program: IES Abroad Summer Marketing Program in Paris, France 

I’m a second-year advertising and communication and leadership double-major from the Houston, Texas area. I’m excited to travel to Paris to immerse myself in the city and culture while also learning about luxury goods and international marketing. I’ve wanted to visit Paris my whole life and being able to see the Eiffel Tower and experience it is something that I will look back on for years to come. Getting to try the delicious pastries will be the cherry on top. 

Molly Dugan (She/Her)

Major: Economics, College of Liberal Arts

Studying at: Bogazici Universitesi in Istanbul, Turkey

I am a third-year economics major from Dallas, Texas, minoring in Russian and pursuing a certificate in applied statistical modeling. I am currently on exchange at Boğaziçi University in Istanbul, and am excited to be studying abroad in such a vibrant city. While Turkey’s rich cultural traditions, Boğaziçi’s renowned faculty, and the kindness and warmth of the Turkish people were all compelling reasons to relocate, my decision to study in Istanbul was ultimately rooted in the opportunity to draw nearer to the faith. Thanks for sharing in this adventure with me, teşekkür ederim, and hook ‘em!

Nate Heffron (He/Him) 

Major: Classical Languages and Classical Studies, College of Liberal Arts

Program: Rome Study Faculty-Led Program in Rome, Italy 

I am an ancient history and classical languages double major. I grew up in Austin, Texas but my travels have taken me far and wide. This summer I will travel to Rome. I chose to travel to Rome with the UT Austin Department of French and Italian for a multitude of reasons including, to continue my study of the language in a more immersive capacity, to get to know the city of Rome and to further my studies of ancient Rome and Latin. Also, the Department of French and Italian is a wonderful place filled with wonderful people that I love being a part of. This is my second time being a Global Ambassador for Texas Global and this time I’m most excited to live with a host family, since I have never done that before and I think it will drastically improve my Italian skills. “Ci vediamo,” or see you. 

Neona Jose (She/Her) 

Major: Major: Biology, College of Natural Sciences 

Program: Ancient & Colonial Heritage in Latin America: Cultural Treasures of the Maya in Antigua, Guatemala 

I am a first-year biology student at UT Austin from Houston, Texas. I am beyond excited to study Maya art and architecture this May in Guatemala and Belize. The Maya had one of the most unique and inspirational civilizations in Mesoamerica and I cannot wait to experience it through their culture, food, rituals and languages. I look forward to conducting my own research through this program on the medicinal practices of the Maya and its correlation to spirituality and the ecosystem. 

Noemy Lopez-Martinez (She/Her) 

Major: Sport Management, College of Education 

Program: Exercise and Sport for Health, Fitness and Performance in Seoul, South Korea

I am a first-generation student from Austin, Texas. I am majoring in sport management, minoring in entrepreneurship and getting certified in food and society. I will be studying in Seoul, South Korea for a May Term. I am excited to learn more about the culture, explore a new country and learn more about the kinesiology field. 

Rebecca Youngers (She/Her) 

Major: Journalism, Moody College of Communication

Program: Documentary Photography Storytelling in Dublin, Ireland

I'm a second-year journalism major pursuing a digital arts and media certificate. This summer I'll be completing a May Term program in Dublin, Ireland. We'll be studying documentary photography storytelling practices at photo museum Ireland in Dublin. We plan to cover a variety of topics including the environment, Irish culture, the housing crisis and the LGBTQ+ community. My group is covering the environment. I chose this program to expand my photojournalism skill set and experience a part of the world that I've always dreamed of visiting. I'm excited to spend a month in such a beautiful country and I'm even more excited to be able to share my experience with the UT Austin community. 

Samantha Ho (She/Her) 

Major: Special Education and Plan II, College of Liberal Arts

Program: Language and Culture Faculty-Led Program in Santander, Spain

I'm a rising sophomore double majoring in special education and plan II, with a certificate in creative writing. I'm from Houston, Texas, and this summer I'll be spending one month in Santander to immerse myself in the language and culture of Spain. I'm excited to have an adventure in a different country while taking fun and enriching classes. I wanted to go to Spain specifically so that I can improve my Spanish, explore historical districts and relax at the beach. As a future educator, I'm confident that the experiences I gain abroad will help me to create a more culturally sustaining classroom for emerging bilingual and international students. 

Sarah Oliver (She/Her) 

Major: International Relations and Global Studies and German, College of Liberal Arts 

Program: The University of Würzburg in Würzburg, Germany

I'm from Chattanooga, Tennessee and am currently pursuing a double major in international relations and global studies and German. My interest in studying abroad emerged from my academic journey, particularly my fascination with the German language and insights of European cultures. This ultimately led me to choose Germany as my study abroad destination, where I could fully immerse myself in the language as well as gain a new perspective of life in a foreign country. Taking my knowledge outside of the classroom and extending it to will be one of the most exciting opportunities and I can't wait to explore the country. 

Valerie Schmidt (She/Her) 

Major: Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences

Program: Engaging Global Health in Costa Rica Faculty-Led Program in Costa Rica

I'm a fourth-year biochemistry major pursuing a certificate in children and society and my goal is to pursue a medical career in pediatrics. I'm from Fort Worth, Texas, and I'm excited to be fortunate enough to embark on this opportunity to engage in the topic of global health in Costa Rica. What attracted me to this program was how close it is to my culture and values. The program not only provides exposure to cultural awareness, but it also allows me to gain an understanding on how health outcomes are influenced and tied to the sociocultural roots that make up the foundation of a healthcare system. I can't wait to be immersed in the beautiful culture and community of Costa Rica and share the experience with fellow Longhorns who also aspire to study abroad. 

Zoe Hardie (She/Her) 

Major: Psychology, College of Liberal Arts 

Program:  Introductory Biology in the South of France in Nice, France 

I am a second-year at UT Austin, majoring in psychology and pursuing a pre-health professions certificate. I’m originally from New York City, New York and I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to study biology in Nice, France during the faculty-led May Term abroad program. I look forward to furthering my academic pursuits abroad through experiential learning opportunities, like trips to the Institute de la Mer de Villefranche (IMEV) research station, where we will study sea urchin and ascidian fertilization. The vibrant allure of French culture entices me and I cannot wait to expand my understanding of countries and cultures which differ from my own during my time abroad.