The Study Abroad Ambassadors is a select group of students who previously studied abroad and are dedicated to promoting interest, cultural immersion, assisting in preparation, offering support, and providing a platform for communication regarding the study abroad experience. Study Abroad alumni who are selected to participate in the program will assist the Office of International Programs in promoting study abroad opportunities through interest meetings, classroom presentations, and assistance at various events the office hosts throughout the semester. Applications for new Study Abroad Ambassadors are accepted in two cycles with due dates of August 1 and January 1.
Study Abroad Ambassador Application
Questions about Study Abroad?
Please feel free to contacta currentStudy Abroad Ambassador with any questions about the study abroad experience! All ambassadors are happy to answer any program-specific or general study abroad questions that you might have!
The Netherlands
Samantha Viel, 2023
Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Full Year (Fall 2021, Spring 2022)
Global Studies and Political Science Majors
Studying abroad in Amsterdam, the Netherlands for an entire year was a transformative experience. At times, I was pushed outside of my comfort zone and became a more independent individual by facing a different academic system, meeting people from disparate backgrounds, and solo traveling.As Amsterdam is such a walkable city, it was very easy to take advantage of the many museums, various neighborhoods, and food culture within the city while never running out of new experiences to have.Remaining in one place for the entire year allowed me to travel to 17 other countries, but still consider Amsterdam my home.Riding my bike through the cobblestone streets, grabbing coffee alongside a canal, and wandering through markets full of Dutch delicacies were instances when I felt truly immersed in the Dutch culture.I will not only remember the friendships that I made and the places that I visited during my time abroad, but the experiences that formed me into a more empathetic, inquisitive, and aware individual.
Email: sviel@loyola.edu
Greece
Matthew Butler, Class of 2023
Athens, Greece, Spring 2022
Major: International Business
Minor: Classical Civilizations
Studying abroad in Greece was the best choice I could have made for the combination of my major and minor. Not only did I learn about and witness firsthand the birthplace of democracy, but was also introduced to the role that Greece has played in the past century in European economic affairs and about the European Union as a whole. Being away from America and any comforts of familiarity helped me to broaden my perspectives and increase my exposure to values and lifestyles that I would otherwise never come to know. I can not imagine my life without having studied in Greece.
Email: msbutler@loyola.edu
Amaya Bullock, Class of 2023
Athens, Greece, Fall 2021
Major: Sociology
Minor: Urban Education
Studying abroad in Greece was the experience of a lifetime and truly a dream come true! I had the opportunity to travel around Europe, be immersed in various cultures, and surrounded by breathtaking views. Being that this was my first time outside the country, the experience has allowed me to step outside my comfort zone, become independent, and develop a sense of both self-awareness, and global awareness. I’ve always dreamt of traveling the world and this experience has exceeded my expectations and motivated me to continue the journey!
Email: abullock1@loyola.edu
Sean McMenamin
Athens Greece Spring 2022
Class of 2023
Double Major Marketing and Psychology
Navigating streets when you cannot even read the signs is a challenge not to be taken lightly. It takes persistence and grit to make a very unfamiliar country feel like you've known it your whole life. By taking advantage of all Athens, Greece has to offer, I was able to educate myself on another culture and way of life. The opportunity to study abroad is also the opportunity to understand what it means to be a citizen of the world.
Email: svmcmenamin@loyola.edu
Denmark
Amanda Jackson, Senior
Copenhagen, Denmark, Spring 2022
Speech Language and Hearing Sciences major, Comparative Culture and Literary studies minor
Studying abroad in Denmark was a life changing experience. I am so thankful for Denmark giving me a wonderful home, introducing me to fantastic friends, and enriching experiences. The change in lifestyle was my favorite part about this experience. When you go abroad you are forced to adapt to the culture in the country you live in. In Denmark, I learned how much more enriching it is to walk/bike to school versus take a car. I learned that taking class outside a traditional classroom and applying your knowledge makes your education feel much more valuable. Lastly, being forced into a healthy work life balance to give us time to explore the treasures of the surrounding countries and time to mentally recharge was a lesson I especially took home to apply to the fast-paced life in America. Going to Denmark taught me to immerse myself in culture rather than study it, I am so thankful for my experience and look forward to returning to Denmark as a second home.
Email:aljackson2@loyola.edu
MichaelScerbo
Class of 2023
Copenhagen, Denmark Fall 2021
Economics Major & Film Studies Minor
Deciding to study abroad in Denmark was one of the best college decisions I ever made. Getting out of your comfort zone is the best way to experience new and exciting challenges, and that is inherently the best part of being abroad. The drastic changes you go through when being abroad is exactly what I needed to find myself. I will always remember my love for the city of Copenhagen, and my experiences with the amazing country of Denmark.
Email: mjscerbo@loyola.edu
Nicole Westwood, Junior
Copenhagen, Denmark, Fall 2022
Major: Communication specializing in Advertising & Public Relations
Minor: Marketing
I am so happy I was able to study abroad in Copenhagen this past fall! The experiences I had and the people I met made my semester so fulfilling. I gained lifelong friends, and being able to immerse myself in a new culture where I didn't speak the language was both nerve-wracking and exciting. This was an amazing opportunity for me, as I became much more independent and involved in the world around me. Learning about the Danish culture was so interesting, and I loved bringing the concept of hygge (coziness with friends) back to Loyola!
Belgium
Dominica Piatek, Senior
Leuven, Belgium, Spring 2022
Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences Major, Business Minor
Living and studying abroad in Leuven, Belgium turned out to be some of the best months of my life. From meeting international students within our residence, to exploring so many new countries in Europe, I was able to create unforgettable memories. Getting to know Belgium, its history, and cities, was also such a fun and rewarding experience. Interacting with new cultures everyday became the norm and brought so much knowledge and experience not usually possible without a trip like this. My experiences and becoming so independent during my time abroad has given me the courage to pursue living abroad after graduation. I am so thankful for my time in Belgium and look forward to new opportunities ahead!
Email: dpiatek@loyola.edu
Isabella LoRusso
Leuven, Belgium - Full Year 2021-2022
Marketing Major, PR & Advertising Minor
"Studying abroad in Leuven for the entire year was the scariest but best decision I’ve ever made! I had the opportunity to travel to over 18 different countries, create friendships with international students, and study at a highly prestigious university. These interactions have made me develop a more global perspective that has expanded my independence and curiosity to hopefully, one day, live and work in Europe. I reflect on those 11 months, 37 weeks, and 258 days I stayed in Leuven to be the best year of my life and an experience I will never take for granted."
Email: imlorusso@loyola.edu
Caroline Reichmann, 2023
Leuven, Belgium, Fall 2021
Biopsychology major, Spanish minor
"Studying abroad in Leuven was a necessary step outside my comfort zone. I was terrified prior to hopping on a plane across the world, but after the 4 months I found that I wished I had been able to stay the full year. Living in a house with 60 international students in addition to traveling to 7 other countries introduced me to so much culture and diversity. I came back to Loyola with a transformed, global perspective and more confidence in being independent. I am incredibly grateful that, even during the pandemic, I was able to have this life-changing experience."
Email: cjreichmann@loyola.edu
Spain
Trinity Riggle, 2023
Alcalá De Henares, Spain, Spring 2022
Major: Elementary Education
I was extremely hesitant to go abroad after I had lost time on campus due to covid and I was also nervous about stepping outside my comfort zone and living in another country. Now I can confidently say that Studying Abroad was one of my life's best experiences, and I am so glad I did not let fear hold me back. I love being in Spain, getting to practice my Spanish, and learning about the country’s rich and diverse culture. I got to travel to seven different places within Spain and eight other European countries. Overall studying abroad helped me to be more culturally aware, more independent, and confident in myself. It is an experience that I will cherish forever and I hope to encourage many others at Loyola to do the same!
Email: triggle@loyola.edu
United Kingdom
Sophie Valkenberg, 2023
Newcastle, England, Full Year
Biochemistry major
Gender & Sexuality Studies minor
Going abroad was, by far, one of the best decisions I have ever made! I wasn’t sure if I would be able to because of my major, but Newcastle had all of the classes I needed for my junior year! I knew I wanted to do a full year to be able to really adjust and enjoy all of the opportunities available, so Newcastle was a great choice since it is one of the few full year programs. I was super nervous before leaving, but after my time there, I wouldn’t trade it for the world! I learned so much about myself, I’m more confident in my independence, and I was able to explore so many other countries and cities. Going back to Loyola has been a bit of an adjustment, but the new perspective I gained has been invaluable and opened my eyes so much!
Email: shvalkenberg@loyola.edu
Jacqueline Gonoretzky,
Class of 2023
Newcastle, England Fall 2021
Sustainability Management
I felt fortunate to have the opportunity to go abroad even with the crazy times going on. My major is relatively new to Loyola, so I just focused on my core classes but even those were so interesting to be a part of and participate in a different curriculum than I was used to. I enjoyed participating and collaborating in my classes and even made a few friends along the way. Although I couldn't travel as much as I wanted, I am grateful that I was able to travel within the United Kingdom and I felt more connected with where I was. I truly feel that I was immersed in the culture whether it was going to a Newcastle United game, grabbing a coffee from my favorite local coffee shop, going to the Quayside Sunday market, or just interacting with the best type of people, the Geordies. I can't wait to go back to Newcastle in the future!
Email: jgonoretzky@loyola.edu
Nicole Scott, 2024
Newcastle, England, Fall 2022
Biology major/Forensic Studies minor
Being able to study abroad was a big part of why I chose Loyola. Once the experience finally came, I found it as amazing as expected. It increased my inclination to travel even more. Studying abroad allowed me to learn not only more about the eastern world, but more about myself. I became more independent, mature and simply comfortable being myself. I hope to be able to encourage more people to take advantage of study abroad, as it truly is a once in a lifetime experience!
Italy
Tyler Demers, 2023
Rome, Italy, Spring 2022
Information Systems Major
Business Economics Minor
I knew from the moment I chose Loyola that I wanted to Study Abroad. My sister told me so many great things about her experience that I knew I had to experience it for myself. Studying abroad has been and will be the highlight of my college experience. Being able to immerse myself in the Roman culture was special. Seeing how differently the Italians go about life gave me more of an appreciation for other cultures. Along with exploring the regions of Italy, I was able to travel to Portugal, Belgium, Greece, and other locations and have different experiences at each destination. My biggest takeaway from Study Abroad is how much more of an appreciation I have for cultures outside of the United States and I believe that will be very beneficial for myself and others that studied abroad in the future.
Email:tjdemers@loyola.edu
Nikki Sheehan, 2023
Rome, Italy, Summer 2022
Major: Speech-Language Hearing Sciences
Minor: Special Education
Studying abroad in Rome for a summer was truly a dream come true for me. While in Rome, I was able to complete my upper-level history requirement and learn some Italian. While in Rome, I was able to stay with a host family and I truly feel like they shaped my experience. They showed me all of their favorite spots and what it was like to live like a local. Staying with a host family truly immersed me in the Italian culture and made my time there feel very authentic. Studying in Rome made me a more independent and confident person that can handle any challenge life throws at me. I’m very grateful to have had a home in Rome and met my amazing hosts!
Email: nmsheehan@loyola.edu
South Africa
Allison Pollick, Senior
Cape Town, South Africa 2022
Major - Marketing
Minor - Advertisng & Public Relations
Studying abroad in a destination as spectacular as Cape Town, South Africa was beyond a dream. From the rich history and culture to the breathtaking landmarks, safaris, and activities, there is no place on earth quite like Cape Town. By having the opportunity to attend the University of Cape Town, I was able to not only further my education at the #1 university in Africa, but also grow friendships to last a lifetime. While in South Africa, I also had the opportunity to travel through the country as well as to neighboring countries such as Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia! Studying abroad allowed me to develop as an individual and pushed me to challenge my comfort zone, and I am forever grateful for this once in a lifetime experience.
Email:ampollick@loyola.edu
Maiah Lester, 2023
Cape Town, South Africa 2022
Biopsychology major
Going abroad to Cape Town, South Africa, was such an unforgettable experience! Cape Town allowed me to immerse myself in a new culture, take part in various excursions, make new friends, and take in breathtaking views in Cape Town. My experience gave me a new outlook on life and has allowed me to grow more independent as a person. I am incredibly fortunate to have participated in this program; where reflecting back on freshman year, I would have never thought I would be traveling across the country for an entire semester!
Email: mllester@loyola.edu
Singapore
Olivia Howley, 2024
Singapore, Singapore, Fall 2022
Global Studies Major, Asian Studies & International Business Minors
Studying abroad in Singapore was one of the best experiences I have ever had. Not only academically, but personally I learned so much. I got to see so much of the world and experience so many different cultures I never could have even imagined. I met so many amazing people and saw so many beautiful places while abroad. I came back to Loyola with a more global perspective and for that I am forever grateful.
Email: oghowley@loyola.edu
Thailand
Gianna Sansonetti, 2024
Global Studies Major, Political Science and Communication Minors
Studying abroad in Bangkok was the best decision I have ever made. I had the time of my life and fell in love with everything about Thailand. It is such a beautiful country with so much to explore, from the beautiful mountains in the north to the islands in the south. Bangkok is also my favorite city I have ever been to, and every day I was finding something new I loved about it. I had the opportunity to visit four other countries in Southeast Asia during my independent travel time. I am so grateful to have been immersed in so many cultures that are so different from my own. Studying abroad had always been a dream of mine and I am so happy with my experience. It has made me into a more confident, independent, and overall better person. I know I will carry Thailand with me in everything I do for the rest of my life!
Summer Tour-The Balkans
Annabella Ritter-Pleitez, 2024
Political Science and Global Studies major
Spanish minor
I chose Loyola because of its strong study-abroad opportunities. My summer study-abroad in the Balkans completely exceeded my already high expectations! Within roughly three weeks, my class and I visited six different countries, where we learned from first-hand experiences of the region’s complex history and political climate. Through visiting museums in Kosovo to exploring the enchanting landscapes of Montenegro, I developed long-lasting relationships, immersed myself in fascinating cultures, and experienced a once-in-a-lifetime journey in a region that is truly like no other!
Email: alritter-pleitez@loyola.edu