Skip to main content

Study Abroad Peer Advisors

Who better to ask about studying abroad than a fellow student who's been there, done that? The Peer Advisors are students who have studied abroad on various programs and can answer any general questions you have about study abroad. Drop-in to the Study Abroad Office in Young Hall, 5th floor to meet with our Peer Advisors. Call 494-2383 for their specific work hours.

 

Meet Our Peer Advisors!

Photo of Kate Gemrich

Kate Gemrich

Major: Biomedical Engineering
Program: ETH Zurich: Swiss Federal Institute of Technology
Location: Zurich, Switzerland

What was your favorite part of study abroad?
Every weekend in the summer I could take an hour-long train from Zurich and be in the middle of the Swiss Alps. Every hike was an adventure—I found lakes to swim in, cows to play with, and great company at every cliffside cafe. I loved talking to strangers on these hikes and met so many amazing people that way!
photo of Catherine

Catherine Joven

Major: Public Health and Political Science
Program: University of New South Wales (Exchange)
Location: Sydney, Australia


What advice would you give to another student about studying abroad?
I highly recommend always being curious and having an open mind. Say yes to opportunities that come your way, even if they sound uncomfortable or daunting at first. This mindset led to some of my favorite experiences abroad, such as going to a surf camp, learning Muay Thai, going to a horse race with a bunch of Germans I barely knew, and renting snorkel gear in my free time. It also caused me to reach out to people I met briefly or knew from class, and these became some of my closest friendships.

photo of Tammy

Tammy Kong

Major: Business Analytics & Info Management
Program: Yonsei University (exchange)
Location: Seoul, South Korea

What was your favorite part of study abroad?
My favorite part about studying abroad was meeting people from all around the world and getting to experience life in a new environment. It pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone, whether that meant meeting new people, exploring unfamiliar places, or figuring things out on my own. I feel like I had become much more independent, confident, and open to new experiences throughout my time abroad.
photo of Maurice

Maurice Harrison

Major: Computer Engineering
Program: CIEE- Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (co-sponsored)
Location: Madrid, Spain

What was a unique experience you had abroad?
Although I studied in Madrid, a unique experience was traveling to Poland during their easter weekend and having the opportunity to experience the easter market in Krakow. There were lots of different food items being sold, along with music being played and street performances. Overall, it was a great opportunity to experience a culture different from my own.
photo of Anna

Anna Behnke

Major: Industrial Engineering
Program: CIEE- Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (co-sponsored), CIMBA Italy; Medical Device Manufacturing in Ireland; Women in Engineering - Belgium & France

Location: Madrid, Spain; Paderno del Grappa, Italy; Dublin, Ireland and Belfast, Northern Ireland; Brussels, Belgium & Paris, France

What advice would you give to another student about studying abroad?
Keep a small record of the ordinary moments, because the random dinners, funny conversations, and little routines are often what you’ll miss most. Spend time learning the easy things - how to get around, where to grocery shop, how to navigate everyday life - because that’s what makes a place start to feel like home. Pack less than you think you need, stay open to being uncomfortable, and most importantly, let the experience change you. You don’t have to come home as the exact same person who left!