As a part of our Ambassador Program, we award the Ambassador of the Month title to two Ambassadors each month who have served as exemplars in sharing their experience on IES Abroad programs by taking part in a variety of outreach activities both on their campuses and online.
Our October awardees are Anthony Gill (European Union, Fall 2014) and Nicole Bermudez (Istanbul Direct Enrollment - Bogazici University, Spring 2015).
Anthony Gill studies Political Science at Santa Clara University. He is a dedicated peer advisor on campus and assists with study abroad events, including family weekend presentations and student panels. SCU students have also benefited from Anthony’s insights about life abroad during predeparture orientations and information sessions. Anthony has used social media to promote study abroad through #TBT (Throwback Thursday) posts and posting regularly about his study abroad experience.
"Studying abroad in Freiburg and across the European Union remains and will remain one of the most impactful experiences in my life," Anthony says. "I learned more about the world, about Europe, about the United States, and—perhaps most importantly—about myself, than I ever could have anticipated. And as an Ambassador, I’m still learning things from abroad, even now! My hope is that I can help others to discern what they truly want out of their time living and studying abroad, so that they can have just as transformative of an experience."
Nicole Bermudez has only been an Ambassador since July, but she has already made significant contributions to study abroad outreach on Bates College’s campus. Nicole is a Residence Coordinator and has worked to increase awareness about study abroad opportunities by presenting at information sessions in residence halls. During a recent study abroad fair at Bates College, Nicole encouraged students to consider studying in less traditional destinations like Istanbul. We are also appreciative of Nicole’s work emailing IES Abroad students who attend our Istanbul program and providing packing advice for future students.
“I loved my experience studying abroad, and I enjoy being an IES Abroad Ambassador because I am able to share my own experiences and encourage other students to study abroad through this discussion," she says. "I have also been able to somewhat relive or remember experiences from abroad that I cherish through my interactions with other students.”
The IES Abroad Ambassador Program is designed to connect our future students with our past students. There are currently more than 800 active Ambassadors representing our Consortium membership and our 120+ programs worldwide. Interested in learning more about our Ambassador Program or have a question for a past IES Abroad student? Visit our IES Abroad Ambassadors page to learn more.
