New to our Ambassador Program this year, we are awarding IES Abroad Ambassadors of the Month titles to Ambassadors who show exceptional dedication to international education outreach by taking part in a variety of outreach activities on their campus and online.
We are pleased to announce our January Ambassadors of the Month: Brian Grip, University of Rochester (Sydney: University of New South Wales, Spring 2014) and Sondra Goldschmidt, Penn State University (Rome Summer Internship, Summer 2014).
Brian has supported study abroad outreach on University of Rochester’s campus by participating in predeparture orientations, information sessions, study abroad panel discussions, and other events. In addition, Brian gave a presentation to his fraternity about his time in Sydney, which resulted in several of his fraternity brothers deciding to study abroad. Brian also participated in online Ambassador Program projects, such as social media outreach and emailing students planning to study in Sydney.
In Brian’s words, “Being an Ambassador has been an opportunity that has allowed me to really stay connected to my time and memories when I was abroad myself…Being able to revisit my past by sharing it with others is definitely my favorite part of being an Ambassador and why I try to do as much as I can on- and off-campus in regards to study abroad.”
Sondra demonstrated her commitment to international education outreach by participating in study abroad fairs, speaking at information sessions, and presenting about her time abroad to other students in the Penn State Smeal College of Business. Sondra has also helped with IES Internships student outreach through sharing photos and stories about her internship in Rome, and participating in several social media outreach projects.
On being an Ambassador, Sondra says, “…[it] gives me the chance to encourage others to study abroad, while sharing with them my own experiences and personal growth. Not only do many students who have been or are interested in study abroad share a passion for traveling, but also for different cultures and the chance to explore a foreign land. To be able to help people learn more about study abroad and how to make the most of it is a great experience, and one I will cherish forever.”
Ambassadors of the Month each receive a set of IES Abroad Ambassador business cards and a gift card.
Congratulations, Brian and Sondra!
