Global Ambassador Program
The Global Ambassador Program selects students participating in international education programs to share their experience abroad through Texas Global's blog and social media channels throughout their time abroad.
Global Ambassadors can choose to be featured as a guest blogger on the UT Education Abroad blog, take over Texas Global's Instagram Stories for a day, or a combination of blogging and social media. Global Ambassadors who complete program requirements will receive a Certificate of Global Engagement.
The application for Spring 2026 is currently open and will close on December 2, 2025.
What Can You Do as a Global Ambassador?
By sharing your stories throughout your education abroad experience and encouraging others to study abroad, Global Ambassadors play an important role in helping to globalize UT Austin. What are some of the creative pieces you can share with Longhorn Nation about your time abroad?
- Take over Texas Global Education Abroad's Instagram Stories! Show us what your day looks like, from your classes to exploring the sights of your study abroad destination. Check out @texasglobalabroad’s Instagram Highlights for examples.
- Write a blog post for the Education Abroad Blog. Describe your first impressions of your new home, any culture shock you experience, what your classes are like or the latest adventure you went on with your classmates. Explore our blog for examples.
- Write a social port for Texas Global Education Abroad's Instagram. Tell us about your experience abroad, showing us your favorite moments.
Why be a Global Ambassador?
Inspire Other Longhorns to Explore the World
- Foster communication between students thinking of studying abroad and students currently studying abroad.
- Provide a forum for students to share their academic and intercultural experiences with staff and faculty in their departments, as well as friends, family, and prospective Longhorns.
- Equip study abroad candidates with insights into what to expect during their time overseas.
- Encourage reflection on the formative aspects of education abroad.
Expand Your Personal and Professional Horizons
- Reflect and document your time abroad.
- Keep friends and family back home informed of your thoughts and adventures.
- Prepare and practice for the many times you will need to write an essay or case statement.
- Build your resume for job interviews or graduate school.
Meet the Fall 2025 Global Ambassadors
Amber White
Major: Sustainability Studies and Plan 1, College of Liberal Arts
Program: Exchange at the University of Sydney in Sydney, Australia
I'm a rising senior sustainability studies major with a minor in sociology at the College of Liberal Arts. I’m a born and raised Austinite! So, I’m so excited to spread my wings a bit by studying at the University of Sydney. As a sustainability studies major, I’m particularly drawn to the university’s top-tier environmental program. I’m excited to take courses discussing subjects I’m passionate about, such as climate change and urban sustainability. I also can't wait to explore and discover everything Australia has to offer! I'm so excited to share my time abroad with the UT community!
Ana Plaza
Major: Economics, College of Liberal Arts
Program: Exchange at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea
I’m a senior majoring in economics with a minor in real estate. I grew up in Mexico and am very excited to be studying abroad at Yonsei University in South Korea this fall. I was drawn to this program because I want to explore Korean culture, learn the language, and experience the cuisine. I look forward to experiencing everyday life in Korea, meeting new people, and approaching this journey with openness and kindness.
Ava DiAnna Edwardson
Major: English, College of Liberal Arts
Program: Take the World by the Horns in Stockholm, Sweden
I’m a freshman English major with a love for reading, baking, and watching movies with friends. This semester, I’m studying health and well-being in Stockholm, Sweden through the Take the World by the Horns program. I’m excited to experience Swedish culture firsthand and gain a new perspective on how wellness is understood and practiced in another part of the world.
Celia Brien
Major: Undecided
Program: Take the World by the Horns in Panama City, Panama
I'm a freshman from Nashville, Tennessee. I’m thrilled to be spending my first semester in Panama City, Panama because I love global studies, history, and seeing the world. I’ve been to 21 countries and will hopefully hit 25 by the end of this semester! I’m passionate about sustainable development, international affairs, and understanding global issues. In Panama, I’m excited to take classes on the Panama Canal and its unique economic and political role. Furthermore, I am blessed to have an internship and chances to volunteer. The program's goals and objectives align seamlessly with the research I aspire to conduct in college and the impactful work I envision for my future. Thank you, Texas Global for the amazing opportunities and support!
Citrine Briseno
Major: Sustainability Studies, College of Liberal Arts
Program: Exchange at the University of Sydney in Sydney, Australia
I'm from Orange County, California, studying sustainability and marine science. This fall I am studying at the University of Sydney in Australia! I chose this study abroad program for its sustainability programs and the opportunity to learn more about Australia’s unique wildlife. I’m excited to gain new perspectives and experiences that I can bring back to my studies at home.
Daniel Smith
Major: Government, College of Liberal Arts
Program: Take the World by the Horns in Panama City, Panama
I’m a freshman studying government from Dallas, Texas. I love to run, cycle, golf, and travel, so naturally I was interested in going abroad. This fall, I will be in Panama through the Take the World by the Horns program. I was especially drawn to this program because it begins during the first semester of freshman year so right off the bat you’re immersed into a different culture with students of the same age who share a likeminded affinity for travel and new experiences. I’m looking forward to this opportunity to share my experiences through social media to inspire students who might not otherwise consider studying abroad.
Dhriti Mangaraju
Major: International Relations & Global Studies, College of Liberal Arts
Program: Take the World by the Horns in Panama City, Panama
I’m a freshman from Orange County, California studying international relations and global studies. This fall I will be studying Energy and the Environment in Panama City, Panama with the Take the World by the Horns program for my first semester. I am so excited to improve my Spanish and explore the environment in one of the most biodiverse places in the world while also participating in an internship and taking classes focused on making an impact. I can’t wait to take you all along on this journey!
Elizabeth Valdes
Major: Journalism, Moody College of Communication
Program: Exchange at the University of Edinburgh in Edinburgh, Scotland
I’m a third-year journalism and global & intercultural communication studies student from Katy, Texas. This fall, I will be studying at the University of Edinburgh and I’m incredibly excited to learn about Scottish customs and to explore their ancient castles and unique architectures. I have a strong passion for traveling and I chose this program for Edinburgh’s rich history and enlightenment legacy. I’m grateful for the opportunity to show everyone my unique experiences, I hope y’all follow along!
Ethan Liu
Major: Informatics, School of Information
Program: Take the World by The Horns in Seoul, South Korea
I'm an informatics student from Houston, Texas. I will be spending my first semester in Seoul, South Korea, and I’m excited for this unique opportunity to learn about the culture of Korea and how it applies to the modern world through the Take the World by the Horns program. I chose this program because Seoul is such a vibrant city, and TTWBTH offers unique experiences that connect technology with cultural understanding. Not the mention the delicious food! I can't wait to make an impact and inspire my fellow Longhorns.
Jaxon Sampsel
Major: Advertising, Moody College of Communication
Program: Take the World by the Horns in Panama City, Panama
I’m a first-year advertising major from Denton, Texas, spending my fall semester in Panama City, Panama, through Take the World by the Horns, a program designed to give first-year students the opportunity to study abroad. I will be participating in the SIT Study Abroad: climate & environment program, where I’m excited to explore how culture, sustainability, and environmental awareness can inform creative communication and storytelling! I was drawn to this program because it offers the chance to connect with local communities, experience Panama’s rich biodiversity, and learn how to craft messages that inspire action on climate issues. I’m eager to share what I learn and demonstrate how studying abroad can expand perspectives in unexpected ways!
Joshua Mendoza
Major: Neuroscience, College of Natural Sciences
Program: Exchange at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea
I'm a senior neuroscience major studying abroad at Yonsei University. I chose this program because Yonsei makes navigating the new life abroad very smooth. In addition to its prime location within Seoul, Yonsei offers a wide range of classes that fulfills many major requirements! I've been studying Korean and Korean history for three years now and Yonsei has an amazing program for these disciplines.
Juan Rocha
Major: Government and International Relations & Global Studies, College of Liberal Arts
Program: Exchange at Sciences Po in Paris, France
I’m a junior double-majoring in government and international relations & global studies, with a minor in French. I was born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia, and this semester I will be studying in Paris, France. During my semester at Sciences Po, I will immerse myself in the French language while taking classes in international and corporate law, comparative politics, and participating in a photography workshop. I look forward to applying these lessons in undergrad and law school, exploring storytelling through photography and film, and living in one of the world’s cultural and political capitals. I’m a firm believer in the value of living abroad and immersing oneself in different cultures and languages, making this opportunity to share my experience all the more fulfilling. I can’t wait to share this chapter of academic growth and personal transformation with y’all. À bientôt!
Laila Dieye
Major: Advertising, Moody College of Communication
Program: Exchange at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea
I’m an advertising major originally from Houston, Texas, and I’m excited to study abroad this fall at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea. As someone passionate about pursuing a career in entertainment, I was drawn to this program because of Seoul’s unique entertainment industry which I believe will give me invaluable experience and inspiration.
Madelyn Le Tran
Major: Undecided
Program: Take the World by the Horns in Panama City, Panama
I’m currently an undeclared major from Houston, Texas. I hope to either double major in physics and astronomy, or engineering. I’m so excited to be studying abroad in Panama and experience the Panamanian culture and environment. I have always wanted to study abroad, and being able to for my first semester is such a privilege. I chose this program because I’m deeply interested in exploring the intersection of energy, the environment, and human interaction. I’m excited to learn how sustainable practices can be implemented to preserve vital ecosystems. This program provides a unique opportunity to directly observe and study the rich and diverse ecosystems that Panama has to offer, giving me firsthand insight into these critical issues.
Maximo Mendoza
Major: Philosophy, College of Liberal Arts
Program: Exchange at the University of Oxford in Oxford, England
I'm a pre-law senior majoring in philosophy with a minor in government. I was born in El Paso, Texas, but grew up in Mexico City. This fall, I'll be studying at the University of Oxford, Hertford College. As a philosophy major, Oxford is the place to be at. I was drawn to this program for its academic rigor and distinctive tutorial system. I'll be pursuing philosophy of religion as my primary tutorial and aesthetics as my secondary. I'm excited to study at such a prestigious and historic institution and to share this journey with you all!
Nathan Thompson
Major: Kinesiology, College of Education
Program: Exchange at Kyoto University in Kyoto, Japan
I'm a senior studying kinesiology and Japanese from Wichita Falls, Texas. This fall, I’m very excited to study in Japan for the second time. Studying and traveling abroad have been the most influential and life-changing experiences throughout my college career. I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to share with you what this experience will teach me. I chose this program because of the cultural importance that the city of Kyoto has, and am thrilled to be able to fully dive into the customs and daily life of the city.
Prescilla Aniede
Major: Marketing, McCombs School of Business
Program: Exchange at Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan
I’m a third-year McCombs marketing major, and I will be studying abroad in Tokyo, Japan! I’m Nigerian, born and raised in Dallas, Texas. I’m really excited to study abroad because I’ve always wanted to see life and the world from a different perspective. I can’t wait to be immersed in a culture and environment different from the one I grew up in. I chose my particular program because Tokyo is the cultural hub of Japan. Not only will I have the opportunity to exchange culture with local Japanese people, but also with people from all over the world. As a business major, it is imperative for me to expand my global perspective, and studying abroad in Japan is my first big step toward that goal. My aim is to be an accurate representative of UT and to inspire others to step outside of their comfort zones and challenge themselves to experience a new world!
Storm Lipscher
Major: International Relations and Global Studies, College of Liberal Arts
Program: Exchange at the Autonomous Technology Institute of Mexico (ITAM) in Mexico City, Mexico
I’m a senior studying international relations and global studies. I am spending my fall semester studying at ITAM (Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México) in Mexico City. I am excited to work on furthering my knowledge of the Spanish language, practice the classical guitar, and find different jiu-jitsu gyms throughout the city. Mexico is a massive city with a rich culture, and I am excited to try all the different foods and meet people from all over the world.
Yashu Dhamodharan
Major: Behavioral & Social Data Science, College of Liberal Arts
Program: Exchange at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea
Zimo Chen
Major: Mathematics, College of Natural Sciences
Program: Exchange at Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan
I’m a senior mathematics major from China, pursuing certificates in elements of computing, BDP digital art & media, and Japanese. I started practicing kendo, Japanese fencing, during my freshman year as a CAP student at UT Arlington. Fascinated by the sport and the culture behind it, I helped found the UT Kendo Association and decided to pursue the Japanese certificate to fulfill my degree requirement. At Sophia University, I plan to complete my Japanese certificate while joining the kendo club and practicing with the top-tier student-athletes there. I hope to come back stronger both academically and athletically.
Some Words of Wisdom
As a Global Ambassador, you represent Texas Global, The University of Texas at Austin, and, by extension, Texas and the United States. With this responsibility comes the expectation that your content reflects integrity and respect. Please avoid posting anything illegal, obscene, defamatory, threatening, infringing on intellectual property, violating privacy, or otherwise harmful or offensive. Do not use the Texas Global brand to endorse or promote products, causes, opinions, or political candidates. You must also follow the University Code of Conduct and the Student Honor Code.
Remember, blogging and social media are public platforms. Once something is posted online, it can remain accessible indefinitely, even if deleted from the original site. For this reason, never share a link without reviewing it first, and always consider whether it’s something you want permanently tied to you. As a Global Ambassador, your posts reflect UT Austin and its study abroad programs.
If you’re ever uncertain about what’s appropriate to share, pause and ask before posting. A good rule of thumb: don’t publish anything you wouldn’t want your family, professors, or future employers to see. Think before you post—you are representing UT Austin to the world.
Check out the Education Abroad Blog to see what's new.
Tips for Recording Video
Videos are a great way to document and share your time abroad as a Global Ambassador. Here are some tips and tricks to recording high-quality videos.Contact Us
Email globalambassadors@austin.utexas.edu for more information.